Emily - Crossing the Uncanny Valley

[kingofgrills]

This is not directly PS3 related, but it represents a huge step in human computer animation. The company working on this, Image Metrics, developed the human animations for Grand Theft Auto IV.

The uncanny valley is that point in computer animation that developers are seeking to cross, where humans perceive the computer generated image to be real. Quantic Dream is trying to push the boundaries with Heavy Rain, and they're coming really close, especially for a video game, let alone CGI.

I think Image Metrics can see the other side of the uncanny valley. Check out the article and video at this link:

http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/...cle4557935.ece

I'd like to see video games reach this level of animation realism some day. It may not be possible on the PS3. However, if the PS3 isn't close to being maxed out, as Sony claims, maybe we'll see something close down the road.