3 dimensional viewing has been around for almost 200 years and has long fascinated our imaginations. Discovered by english scientist Charles Meadstone, it was first seen in 1844, a similar time to photography's discovery. In the 1950s 3d became popularsied, even though the technology was still severly naive.
3d is a different, yet not by any means new way of observing free flowing image.
Director James Cameron predicted at the Microsoft's Advance 08 advertising conference, that 3d stereoscopic projector technology in cinema could potentially be the next big wave of novelty in gaming.
"That digital image can be live, that digital image can be 3D. When you are viewing in stereo, which is what we do, more neurons are firing. More blood is pumping through the brain." Cameron added, noting that FPS games in particular stand to benefit....... You are in the game. This is the ultimate immersive media."
Cameron noted that Ubisoft, which is handling game duties for Avatar, already has a stereoscopic game running on Xbox 360 with 3D glasses. But the director says displays for laptops, phones and Zunes can be made to use the 3D tech without even needing special glasses.
"Stereo production is the next big thing. We are born seeing in three dimensions. Most animals have two eyes and not one. There is a reason I think."
Micheal Brook of T3 Magazine also feels like there is a future for 3d technology stating that inside media predicts there will be more than 40 million 3d capable devices in use by 2014. He said
" 3d is going to be huge. We are about to see the first 3d tv's being launched, companies like sky are behind the idea which in turn means it will be good for sport, and in gaming terms companies are already launching graphics cards and 3d supported consoles."
With this positive momentum building and media coverage increasing, its 3ds time to break yet again. Can it make a lasting impact? I dont think so. The technology is no where near developed enough for it to have any longevity. It feels like technology developers have arrived at such an open pallet, they dont know which avenue to pursue. Too many elements to synthesize together.
It feels like 3d technology is just the most readily avaliable and immidiately accesable concept to run with at this point in time.
Having seen a few 3d movies myself, i have always been pleasently suprised by the novelty of the experience. I have never walked out of a picture house and been dissappointed with the visual i have just seen. The movies themselves however, more often than not, have been dia. However, i have never been moved enough to feel like it could be right for a hugely expensive technological voyage of discovery. So far, the ratio of money invested over gains in technological advancements does not show balence. And whats even more frustrating is that 3d will be sensationalized again and will definately, in my opinion, outstay its welcome.
To highlight products being consumer friendly, or not, here is an over expensive, effortlessly novel, eyesore of a toy that will never be integrated to anywhere.
The Virtusphere.
All throughout 3d's history, viewers complained of eye fatigue, headaches and distorted colour. Its also expensive, with cinema tickets costing around 10 pounds, and with the new introduction of 3d tv, these sets will cost anywhere from 1000 dollars upwards, this does not include the prices of glasses and or special screens.
I dont believe 3d will ever have the opportunity to become matured in terms of film etc as it just isnt consumer friendly....(yet), however holographic technology and 3d simulators will always be useful for educational and military purposes.
Friday 26 March 2010
Friday 19 March 2010
Temple Finale'
The temple is just about finished with all constituent parts and characters in place.
Having Walked around the level, it really feels like part of a game, and having 'browsed' second life content generally over the past 10 weeks, i have seen very little that matches what we, and the rest of our class have achieved.
The textures look great, the general ambiance and vibe has continuity through from the original concept even though, due to certain practical applications of theory, a lot has changed from the original idea.
Having Walked around the level, it really feels like part of a game, and having 'browsed' second life content generally over the past 10 weeks, i have seen very little that matches what we, and the rest of our class have achieved.
The textures look great, the general ambiance and vibe has continuity through from the original concept even though, due to certain practical applications of theory, a lot has changed from the original idea.
Monday 15 March 2010
What is the value of creativity to society?
Society owes its own value entirely to creativity. Creativity's essence stems from the imagination. Every construct or mechanism, physical and or meta-physical, is derived from a singular, child like innocence that wants to play, make and create.
A definition of society.........
1.The condition of those living in companionship with others, or in a community, rather than in isolation.
The invention of society as a construct enabled us to live together with an element decorum and harmony. To create such an encompassing idea required a creative mind(s) with an unimaginably large imagination.
A definition of Creativity........
1.a mental process involving the discovery of new ideas or concepts, or new associations of the existing ideas or concepts, fueled by the process of either conscious or unconscious insight.
Creativity encompasses everything from the big bang, religion, the exploration of outer space, science and high culture through to war and famine, pain and strife.
Creation has provided the very platform from which we attempt understand and investigate its meaning. An infinite quest that fuels the very essence of being.
We owe existence and reality to this mysterious entity. We can only feel and imagine its existence and this is enough to qualify its presence as fact! The most ingeniously creative thing about it is that the power is in the hands of the people.
Creativity has granted the human race the opportunity the be the master of our finite fate.(Ultimate power)
As inoffensively tragic as this statement is, I believe creativity is the essence of all matter and being. Combined with novelty, and time, the creative process is infinite. Everything that exists within our universe (multi-verse or whatever), has been created, or rather creates itself, as it constantly accelerates into novelty.
Creativity then has provided both positive and negative outcomes.
Its constantly propelling us forward to higher thought patterns and more advanced frequencies of conciseness that is enabling to make better more informed decisions, become more efficient at making these decisions and find newer, faster ways to solve problems. In modern day society this would be things such as refining scientific research further using more advanced technologies, more rational and progressive political agenda's within which information flows freely and fairly, the internets global communication and all its constituent adversaries becoming even more integrated.
Creativity is a dangerous force. As mans ego balloons with the fulfillment of being part of and witnessing the creative process over time, the potential to use power to excess, as history has taught us, is all to alluring. World wars, religious feuds etc. The strife in the world stems from ego. One mans imagined universe being different to the other yet both are right, or wrong depending on orientation. This is highly destructive and inefficient. However this is creativity's way of maintaining harmony as an infinite abstract concept..
This is an incredibly hard idea to write about. To pin point any one finite event to illustrate its point does not do its grandeur or meaning justice.
A definition of society.........
1.The condition of those living in companionship with others, or in a community, rather than in isolation.
The invention of society as a construct enabled us to live together with an element decorum and harmony. To create such an encompassing idea required a creative mind(s) with an unimaginably large imagination.
A definition of Creativity........
1.a mental process involving the discovery of new ideas or concepts, or new associations of the existing ideas or concepts, fueled by the process of either conscious or unconscious insight.
Creativity encompasses everything from the big bang, religion, the exploration of outer space, science and high culture through to war and famine, pain and strife.
Creation has provided the very platform from which we attempt understand and investigate its meaning. An infinite quest that fuels the very essence of being.
We owe existence and reality to this mysterious entity. We can only feel and imagine its existence and this is enough to qualify its presence as fact! The most ingeniously creative thing about it is that the power is in the hands of the people.
Creativity has granted the human race the opportunity the be the master of our finite fate.(Ultimate power)
As inoffensively tragic as this statement is, I believe creativity is the essence of all matter and being. Combined with novelty, and time, the creative process is infinite. Everything that exists within our universe (multi-verse or whatever), has been created, or rather creates itself, as it constantly accelerates into novelty.
Creativity then has provided both positive and negative outcomes.
Its constantly propelling us forward to higher thought patterns and more advanced frequencies of conciseness that is enabling to make better more informed decisions, become more efficient at making these decisions and find newer, faster ways to solve problems. In modern day society this would be things such as refining scientific research further using more advanced technologies, more rational and progressive political agenda's within which information flows freely and fairly, the internets global communication and all its constituent adversaries becoming even more integrated.
Creativity is a dangerous force. As mans ego balloons with the fulfillment of being part of and witnessing the creative process over time, the potential to use power to excess, as history has taught us, is all to alluring. World wars, religious feuds etc. The strife in the world stems from ego. One mans imagined universe being different to the other yet both are right, or wrong depending on orientation. This is highly destructive and inefficient. However this is creativity's way of maintaining harmony as an infinite abstract concept..
This is an incredibly hard idea to write about. To pin point any one finite event to illustrate its point does not do its grandeur or meaning justice.
Sunday 14 March 2010
Uploading sounds to second life
After sending all the noises and sounds through Ableton, they were then ready for Audacity. The purpose of this really was to export the files as .WAV as this is the format that second life recognizes. It was also a necessary stage to make sure the volumes of specific tracks had continuity with others. As all the other editing was done in Ableton, this process was quick and simple.
In second life, there is an opportunity to experiment with simple script and coding. Afew drag and drops of files into the correct content folder and limited output options mean the simpler the better.
Due to restrictions with content between users mean that assigning the sounds to existing objects in the temple was a no go. I therefore decided to create objects, assign them the correct sound and make them invisible. Turning the phantom setting on the objects and placing them within the terrain means they are undetectable to the gamer, yet still create the same illusion.
The drones and reverb really help set the tone of Sunken Temple, however the waterfall sample is still creating issues.
In second life, there is an opportunity to experiment with simple script and coding. Afew drag and drops of files into the correct content folder and limited output options mean the simpler the better.
Due to restrictions with content between users mean that assigning the sounds to existing objects in the temple was a no go. I therefore decided to create objects, assign them the correct sound and make them invisible. Turning the phantom setting on the objects and placing them within the terrain means they are undetectable to the gamer, yet still create the same illusion.
The drones and reverb really help set the tone of Sunken Temple, however the waterfall sample is still creating issues.
Thursday 11 March 2010
Sounds for the Medium Sized creature
The Middle sized creature.
The medium size creature is far more alien and more abstract than the smaller insect, and the noises associated with it i felt should reflect this.
Stranger sounds, more abrasive and disjointed.
I also felt, due probably to its size and stature, that there should be something uncannily human about this character. Breathing of some sort or an element of attempted communication with the player.
There are 3 audio tracks and 3 sounds that comprise this creatures howls.
There is a wet sounding pitter patter that provides the characters sound for movement.
For track one, i used a similar method to before. Used reduced percussion hits combined with delay, however this time added a flanger effect to add more dynamic. I felt this creature required a wetter, more squelchy sound, purely based on his aesthetic. This would also differentiate it away from the smaller, insect like creature.
Track two, was comprised of sounds off a Juno G synthesizer. The sounds were taken from the world instruments section and sent through a frequency shifter.
The third track was some of the static i used in a drone for the ambiance in the room. Needed just one final bit of textured, and i thought for continuity, i would use a familiar sound but effect it differently.
I cant say however that the sound for this creature weren't at all controlled. They were achieved out of pure experimentation/trial and error.
The medium size creature is far more alien and more abstract than the smaller insect, and the noises associated with it i felt should reflect this.
Stranger sounds, more abrasive and disjointed.
I also felt, due probably to its size and stature, that there should be something uncannily human about this character. Breathing of some sort or an element of attempted communication with the player.
There are 3 audio tracks and 3 sounds that comprise this creatures howls.
There is a wet sounding pitter patter that provides the characters sound for movement.
For track one, i used a similar method to before. Used reduced percussion hits combined with delay, however this time added a flanger effect to add more dynamic. I felt this creature required a wetter, more squelchy sound, purely based on his aesthetic. This would also differentiate it away from the smaller, insect like creature.
Track two, was comprised of sounds off a Juno G synthesizer. The sounds were taken from the world instruments section and sent through a frequency shifter.
The third track was some of the static i used in a drone for the ambiance in the room. Needed just one final bit of textured, and i thought for continuity, i would use a familiar sound but effect it differently.
I cant say however that the sound for this creature weren't at all controlled. They were achieved out of pure experimentation/trial and error.
Monday 8 March 2010
Sounds for the small creature
The Small Creature.
This being a small insect like creature, with multiple legs and wings, it was decided that it should make clicky scuttling sounds. (an abrasive pitter patter).
To achieve this result, i firstly got some percussive hits, mainly kick drums as they are easy to work with, out of the Ableton instruments section, and using a reductive process shortened hits to 1/4 of the length. Repeating this across 3 different sounds gave the variety in tone. This provided the scuttling sound.
Delays and reverb were added as effects. As its set in a sunken temple, echos and repeats were essential to give it an enclosed underground feel, and also aid the ominous suspense of the environment.
This being a small insect like creature, with multiple legs and wings, it was decided that it should make clicky scuttling sounds. (an abrasive pitter patter).
To achieve this result, i firstly got some percussive hits, mainly kick drums as they are easy to work with, out of the Ableton instruments section, and using a reductive process shortened hits to 1/4 of the length. Repeating this across 3 different sounds gave the variety in tone. This provided the scuttling sound.
Delays and reverb were added as effects. As its set in a sunken temple, echos and repeats were essential to give it an enclosed underground feel, and also aid the ominous suspense of the environment.
Sunday 7 March 2010
Ableton - temple ambiance
Ableton is a user friendly music suite that handles everything from live sound to production. Ive been using this software for a few years now and feel comfortable in knowing i can achieve the desired results.
In collecting samples initially, the framework was in place to begin the creation of our own sounds, one shots and drones. All bought forward through the initial research into 30's horror, looking at adventure games such as Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones, and also, most importantly, looking at the set mark designed and the creatures Ken has invented, creating/assigning them sounds that fit their aesthetic and desired demeanor.
The Environment.
The First Obvious sound to accompany the visual of the temple is running water.
For this the bbc sound effects library is ideal. This is the only sound that will be taken directly from external sources and used in the Game. Using a sample in this manner saves so much time. The idea of setting up a field recording or emulating running water is slightly unreasonable due to time constraints. Also running water is a universal sound and does not need and manipulation to achieve the result needed.
This will be the main ambiance in the room.
The second ambient texture will be a low volume spectral drone. Using a Roland Juno G synthesizer, notes and tones are played in, assigned effects and layered over one another to create a rich and textured sound. I have created 4 different drones for the team to choose from.
The drone will emanate from the central alter of the temple, specifically the emerald that the alter and monsters protect.
This will hopefully mean that sounds help guide the participant through the temple, like using an 'audio map.'
The 3d spatial sound script in second life means this is easily achievable and will hopefully set an ominous suspense within the temple.
These grabs illustrate the construction of one textured drone, the wave form of the audio, and then in the arrange view what the full sound is comprised of.
In collecting samples initially, the framework was in place to begin the creation of our own sounds, one shots and drones. All bought forward through the initial research into 30's horror, looking at adventure games such as Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones, and also, most importantly, looking at the set mark designed and the creatures Ken has invented, creating/assigning them sounds that fit their aesthetic and desired demeanor.
The Environment.
The First Obvious sound to accompany the visual of the temple is running water.
For this the bbc sound effects library is ideal. This is the only sound that will be taken directly from external sources and used in the Game. Using a sample in this manner saves so much time. The idea of setting up a field recording or emulating running water is slightly unreasonable due to time constraints. Also running water is a universal sound and does not need and manipulation to achieve the result needed.
This will be the main ambiance in the room.
The second ambient texture will be a low volume spectral drone. Using a Roland Juno G synthesizer, notes and tones are played in, assigned effects and layered over one another to create a rich and textured sound. I have created 4 different drones for the team to choose from.
The drone will emanate from the central alter of the temple, specifically the emerald that the alter and monsters protect.
This will hopefully mean that sounds help guide the participant through the temple, like using an 'audio map.'
The 3d spatial sound script in second life means this is easily achievable and will hopefully set an ominous suspense within the temple.
These grabs illustrate the construction of one textured drone, the wave form of the audio, and then in the arrange view what the full sound is comprised of.
Saturday 6 March 2010
Foreward - Sounds
After spending time searching for sounds, i came across a couple of good sites containing royalty free samples and raw material.
www.findsounds.com
www.freesound.org
www.archive.com/details/prelinger
These have been very useful for finding one shots and some obscure sounds and have been a perfect starting point for research into the sort of sounds i will create.
I will also be using a few bits from the BBC sound effects library which is also great for atmospheres and background.
I will be using Ableton to create sound as its software i am familiar with, however having been shown Audacity (freeware) i feel this will speed efficiency when it comes to cutting the samples up and exporting to Second Life as its a simple, concise interface, reducing the temptation to get distracted by further experimentation at this stage in the process.
www.findsounds.com
www.freesound.org
www.archive.com/details/prelinger
These have been very useful for finding one shots and some obscure sounds and have been a perfect starting point for research into the sort of sounds i will create.
I will also be using a few bits from the BBC sound effects library which is also great for atmospheres and background.
I will be using Ableton to create sound as its software i am familiar with, however having been shown Audacity (freeware) i feel this will speed efficiency when it comes to cutting the samples up and exporting to Second Life as its a simple, concise interface, reducing the temptation to get distracted by further experimentation at this stage in the process.
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