Square Enix employs motion capture in their games. Learn more about the Capture Studio, the kinds of scenes they capture, and the difficulties they face.
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Square Enix, the video game company behind well-known franchises such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, has Image Studio and Visual Works Departments that bring together specialists in image production and CG imagery, allowing for enhanced capabilities in their motion capture.
Square Enix provided 4Gamer with an inside look at its Capture Studio, essential in producing realistic movements for in-game characters.
Square Enix's Capture Studio is a center for filming people acting out movements and converting that footage into motion data for in-game characters. This technology produces lifelike movements better than traditional manual animation and can be accomplished more quickly as well.
It's especially useful for actions in fighting games, rhythm games, and idol games. Square Enix uses this approach to enhance their games' cinematic experience by incorporating it into movie scenes and cutscenes.
Confidentiality and Props
The Capture Studio is a treasure mound of sensitive information. It captures movement for games still in development, including for all the necessary characters that may have been revealed yet. Only a small number of staff are given access to maintain privacy.
The studio has a section for storing performance props that may be found upon entering. Weapons completely cover one of the walls, with firearms, swords, spears, shields, and other melee weapons hanging on there. It's thanks to these accessories that the motion capture actors can conduct sword battles and other movements in the most realistic way possible.
Unique Challenges and Adaptability
The Final Fantasy VII Remake was a unique task for the Capture Studio team at Square Enix. For example, props like Sephiroth's long Masamune and Yuffie's enormous shuriken had to be painstakingly made due to their peculiar shapes. However, the initial designs of several of the weapons proved challenging to produce in a way that guaranteed longevity, making them unsuitable for use in motion capture.
The studio's versatility is reflected in the exquisite attention to detail in the props. Even Cloud's famous Buster Sword has a model version with a sheath to precisely depict his motion of taking it out and putting it back in after bouts, despite there not being one in the actual game. The company also allows motion capture actors to design their own sets, like Aerith's home. For more dynamic stunts, it has wire-action equipment.
The Capture Studio personnel shows flexibility in addressing varied filming scenarios. They manufacture the essential props using the studio's tools, such as the motorcycle seen in a scene starring Cloud and his buddies in Final Fantasy VII Remake. The bike was built on-site to support specific motions and maneuvers.
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