Astonishing array of novel features unveiled in Houdini 21 release
In a thrilling reveal, developer SideFX has unveiled a seven-minute teaser video for Houdini 21, the latest version of its renowned 3D modelling software. The video, set to the beat of a Röyksopp track, showcases a multitude of new features, with over 400 updates promised for this iteration [1].
Houdini 21 is making waves in the VFX and animation community, with a strong focus on advancing muscle/tissue simulation, character rigging and deformation, AI integration, and real-time tool enhancements across various workflows.
Key Highlights
One of the standout features in Houdini 21 is the enhancement of the Material Point Method (MPM), which allows for more realistic muscle deformation in simulations [1]. This is evident in a visually stunning "cookies and frappuccino" MPM simulation scene that has drawn significant attention from users [1].
Another notable update is the introduction of a new OTiS solver for muscle and tissue simulation, and the ability to transfer muscle and bone geometry between characters [1]. Houdini 21 also introduces an auto-rigged humanoid (Otto) with built-in muscle and tissue simulation [1].
The software also boasts AI-powered tools, such as a low-res to high-res surfacing feature, and significant improvements in rigging and animation workflows, including viewport drag-and-drop rig building, a new nonlinear motion mixer for animation, and an advanced spine rig with squash and stretch [1].
Further Improvements
In addition to these key highlights, Houdini 21 offers a Vulkan viewport for enhanced real-time rendering performance [1]. Improvements have been made to the Apex and Karma rendering engines, and Compositing Operators (COPs) have been upgraded to allow for real-time compositing [1].
The software also features GPU-accelerated organic tissue simulations, bendable IK and FK controls, twist joints, reverse foots, and clavicles for animation enhancements [1]. Procedural graph fusion is now available for rapid rig generation, and AI-assisted surfacing and texturing workflows have been introduced [1].
User Reactions
Users are praising SideFX's approach to AI, with one comment on YouTube describing the "cookies and milk" moment as "the most epic bunch of frames I ever saw come out of a software" [1]. Another user wrote, "The mountain is steep...it's growth everlasting...but I must keep climbing" [1]. One user even expressed a desire to learn Houdini from the ground up, stating, "I wish to be born again and learn Houdini from the version v1" [1].
For more information about Houdini 21 and its features, users can visit the SideFX website [2]. Those interested in learning more about the software can also refer to the Houdini 20.5 review [3]. For daily design news, reviews, how-tos, and more, users can subscribe to the Creative Bloq Newsletter [4].
[1] SideFX Forum Post by ILM senior FX technical director Yunus Balcioglu
[2] SideFX Website
[3] Houdini 20.5 Review
[4] Creative Bloq Newsletter
- The visually stunning "cookies and frappuccino" MPM simulation in Houdini 21, powered by the enhanced Material Point Method (MPM), has drawn significant attention from users, with one praising it as "the most epic bunch of frames I ever saw come out of a software."
- Houdini 21 offers a user-friendly approach to AI, as evident in the low-res to high-res surfacing feature and the impressive improvements in rigging and animation workflows.
- In an effort to advance real-time rendering performance, Houdini 21 incorporates a Vulkan viewport and upgrades to the Apex and Karma rendering engines, as well as Compositing Operators (COPs) for real-time compositing.
- SideFX has introduced a creative artist's toolbox with features like GPU-accelerated organic tissue simulations, bendable IK and FK controls, twist joints, reverse foots, and clavicles, aiming to enhance the animation capabilities of Houdini 21.
- The software's ASCII logo, a symbol of its evolution, embodies the spirit of a lifestyle that merges art and technology, as users strive to continually learn and adapt with the latest iteration, Houdini 21.
