In gaming, a 3D scanner is used to collect accurate digital models of real-world items/settings in order to generate high-quality assets to be utilized in the design phase of a game. These devices use structured light, laser triangulation, or photogrammetry to map the surface geometry of an object, producing accurate 3D models at millimeter resolution and billions of polygons. This usually falls between 0.05 mm and 0.1 mm, allowing for details to be captured so that games these days become real, no stupid dot faced, just real.
In the gaming industry, 3D scanning is utilized to increase realism and reduce production time when creating assets. Specifically, character models and props can be scanned and digitized from real-world items, instantly cutting the time that hand-modeling would take to build the asset by as much as 50%. This efficiency also leads to bottom-line cost savings; according to a 2021 report by GameTech Insights, studios using 3D scanning technology lowered production costs by 30% and achieved higher graphical fidelity.
Perhaps one of the most notable examples of 3D scanning in gaming came with the development of The Last of Us Part II. Scanners were used to digitally recreate actual objects, and environments, creating photorealistic textures and models. Gameplay• Each game made use of its very own graphics engine, allowing for a more immersed experience (with the graphics engine often praised for its lifelike qualities). Likewise, motion capture systems, sometimes used alongside 3D scanners, digitize the movements of actors in order to generate seamless animations and boost realism.
“Technology is the future of mankind,” Elon Musk once said. This feeling resonates with the revolutionary position that 3D scanners have in the world of gaming. By merging physical and digital realities fluently, these devices empower developers to expand the limits of arts and realism, regardless of if in open-world adventures, racing simulators or VR experiences.
Personalization is another area where 3D scanning offers direct benefits to gamers. Handheld scanners are another such device that players can use to scan faces or objects, allowing them to appear as either an avatar or a custom item in a game. This feature has become common in sports and role-playing games, where customization is paramount.
Learn more about what can a 3d scanner do for the gaming sector and uncover the ways this technology enables a bridge between physical and digital artistry to fuel the gaming evolution.