Euphoria (software)
 | |
| Developer(s) | NaturalMotion |
|---|---|
| Operating system |
Microsoft Windows OS X Linux PlayStation 3 PlayStation 4 Xbox 360 Xbox One[1] iOS Android |
| Type | Motion engine, human physics engine |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | NaturalMotion.com |
Euphoria is a game animation engine created by NaturalMotion based on Dynamic Motion Synthesis, NaturalMotion's proprietary technology for animating 3D characters on-the-fly "based on a full simulation of the 3D character, including body, muscles and motor nervous system".[2] Instead of using predefined animations, the characters' actions and reactions are synthesized in real-time; they are different every time, even when replaying the same scene. While it is common for current video games to use limp "ragdolls" for animations generated on the fly, Euphoria employs a more complex method to animate the entirety of physically bound objects within the game environment.[3] The engine was to be used in an Indiana Jones game that has since been cancelled. According to its web site, Euphoria runs on the Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, iOS and Android platforms and is compatible with all commercial physics engines.
A press release that was enclosed with the second trailer eventually confirmed that Grand Theft Auto IV is the first of Rockstar's games to feature Euphoria.[4][5] Red Dead Redemption is their second game to use this engine. The Star Wars titles, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and The Force Unleashed II use Euphoria, as does Grand Theft Auto V.
Euphoria is used in a few of the games based on the Rockstar Advanced Game Engine.
Software using Euphoria
- In February 2007, NaturalMotion and Rockstar Games announced that Euphoria would be used in future Rockstar titles.[6]
- In August 2007, NaturalMotion announced Backbreaker, an American football game for next-generation consoles that employs Euphoria to generate tackles in real-time, as opposed to playback animation.[7]
- The July 2009 issue of Game Informer confirmed that Max Payne 3 would include Euphoria along with Rockstar's RAGE.[8]
- NaturalMotion's iOS title Clumsy Ninja uses Euphoria, and is the first mobile game to do so.[9]
References
- ↑ "Euphoria brings Dynamic Motion Synthesis live onto PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC".
- ↑ "NaturalMotion's FAQ page" (under "What is Dynamic Motion Synthesis?").
- ↑ Castro, Juan (10 May 2006). "E3 2006: Indiana Jones Eyes-on". IGN.
- ↑ "Grand Theft Auto IV Trailer 2 Launched!". GTA4.net. 28 June 2007.
- ↑ Boyer, Brandon (29 June 2007). "Product: Grand Theft Auto IV Using NaturalMotion's Euphoria". Gamasutra. Retrieved 3 April 2008.
- ↑ "NaturalMotion and Rockstar Games, Inc. Announce Development Partnership" (PDF). NaturalMotion Press Release. 27 February 2007.
- ↑ NaturalMotion Announces Backbreaker (PDF). Backbreaker press release.
- ↑ "IGN: Max Payne 3 Details Emerge".
- ↑ "Clumsy Ninja now available on the App Store".