New RE engine improves 3D modelling with photogrammetry

More than half of the modelling of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was created using photogrammetry, a 3D scan technology that allowed Capcom to cut development costs and time. The senior character designer and environment artist leader detailed this at CEDEC 2016 (CESA Developers conference).

Capcom has developed an advanced method of photogrammetry that generates high quality models and textures from pictures taken from different perspectives and angles of persons and objects. This technology is quicker than 3D modellers, but human hand is still needed to polish the models and to recreate things than are not similar to human beings. They also can make zombies and other creatures by dressing up actors.

The company set up a whole new 3D scan studio for RE7 with more than 100 different cameras to keep working on photogrammetry for future games using the new RE Engine. But, since it was impossible to move to Louisiana to capture everything, Capcom outsourced some work to Hollywood studios.

During this panel, Capcom developers also talked their experience creating the VR version of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. You will find more pictures at IGN Japan.