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Keio University democratizes facial recognition technology for Avatars everywhere (video)
If you liked the look of that facial recognition technology on its way to Everquest II, but aren't so sure on your Froglok allegiance, then a Keio University group may have you covered. A project led by Associate Professor Yasue Mitsukura has developed a similar technology using just an ordinary PC and webcam. The software uses an algorithm that updates in line with the motion of the face, which the makers claim make it very fast and precise. The researchers hope that this real-time, low hardware requirement, system could find its way into the hands of amateur CG animation creators, or -- like the SOEmote solution -- into game controls. So, expect a glut of pimped-out Numa Numa remakes in the not to distant future.
The Daily Grind: Best character creation
In all the games we've played, that's one thing we've often heard about. Many people from the earliest days, wanted ways of making themselves stand apart from the others. EverQuest introduced dyes to allow you to change your armor color, but many felt that wasn't enough. The community called for more and more ways to set themselves apart from the others in their MMO of choice. Some MMO makers have done a good job. Others, not so much. That said, this morning we wanted to ask what your favorite character creation in an MMO is? For me, personally, I'd have to say my top 2 would be: Second Life - You can control every single aspect of your avatar. This is, of course, why mine looks like Picasso's cubist rendition of someones really ugly little sister. (I can't figure that system out to save my life.) It is, unfortunately, the downside of having a system that customizable for people who aren't good at that kind of thing. Unless you get an artist or friend to hook you up, you'll always remain the ugly duckling in a land full of swans. City of Heroes (and more recently, City of Villains) which just seems so packed full of costume changes that it can take you an hour or more to even make a character the first time you sit down with that character generator. I still say it's the best mini-game ever. Add in veteran rewards like trench coats and capes at level 20, and it just gets better as you go along. Now I know I haven't touched on many other games, and I'm sure some people are sharpening their pitchforks now so they can tell me SL isn't a game. (Okay, it's a virtual world -- but it does have a character creator) So I leave it up to you. What are some of your favorites for character creation? Have you seen any that gave you highly powerful creation up front? Which ones have you spent hours in?
