Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Custom Tools
Finally, we developed a whole ecosystem around this cache format: real-time preview of multiple cache files, merging
two cache files, quickly editing content of a chunk, adding interpolated frames, and even injecting additional data. We
found that a homegrown system makes it easy to quickly create tools for processing geometric data, greatly enhancing
our flexibility.
We found two tools particularly useful in production. First, the real-time preview in a lightweight visualizer was
a real productivity gain for conformation and validation purposes. The visualizer could be opened directly from the
asset manager and was much faster than using Maya to quickly validate data passing between departments. The
merging tool was also a key component, as it enabled teams to work in parallel as described in the next section.
Workflow
The production of an animated feature film is generally divided into multiple departments. Each department works
with specific input data, received from other teams, and specific output data, which is subsequently turned over to
other departments (see Figure
5-6
).
Figure 5-6.
Geometry asset production workflow
Multiple departments produce geometry data, often for the same assets. This strong dependency chain
is problematic, especially when retake requests are made. We tried to improve this process by systematically
consolidating geometric data exported by departments in cache files. We also automated the merging of data
produced in parallel for the same asset.
Our Pipeline
Great pipeline tools are tailored to production needs. Early specification of features and data models allows room for
optimization and general efficiency.
Teams
As I mentioned at the beginning of this chapter, full-length films are characterized by high quality expectations and
an enormous amount of produced data. Short animated films and small-length VFX productions can be handled
entirely by a small team of generalists, but full-length productions call for multiple teams of specialists dedicated to
the production of one stage or one particular type of asset.
