It appears that computer-generated digital humans are rapidly emerging from the mysterious valley. Just take a look at the new and impressive Unreal Engine MetaHuman Creator, which allows you to create photorealistic “fake” people in just minutes.
Unreal Engine published the video above, which is the closest example we’ve seen so far of a technology demonstration that can represent realistic human faces and bodies as it is very possible to imagine a future where this technology looks as real as reality . The company calls this the MetaHuman Creator, and its launch is scheduled for this year.
Below are some examples of “humans” created with the software:
For those unfamiliar, Unreal Engine is a platform for creating real-time 3D graphics that is owned by Epic Games Studios, which is at the heart of many video games and has been updated regularly over time. It was first deployed in 1998 in the first-person shooter, Unreal (hence its name), but has seen its use spread across the industry ever since. What were once rudely depicted landscapes and riddled with obvious polygons, has evolved along with the power of computing to give us some truly exceptional, almost realistic graphics.
Although video games have become more advanced, even the most technically impressive still contain obviously computer-generated people. While it is possible for studios to seek the most humane appearance possible, most players have not been clamoring for games that really look like movies or reality. Gameplay is often more important than long-term graphics, but that hasn’t stopped Unreal Engine developers from continually trying to go further, as graphics demos are often the best way to see a new video game.
In the published demonstration, there are some faces that still emit that strange valley effect, but some others that, when not paused and examined closely, seem extremely real. Compare these images with what was being done on the Unreal Engine just three years ago:
This is undoubtedly a giant leap forward.
Last year, Unreal showed a demonstration that flexed the work of its developer in lighting that, combined with the lightning strokes, is creating some truly impressive and realistic landscapes.
Combining how completely artificial scenes can look like photographs with realistic lighting and reflections is giving artists the ability to create truly realistic-looking landscapes.
So, what does this mean for photography? For now, camera sets are probably safe, but it is not clear whether this will always be the case. Earlier this year, Shutterstock bought the 3D rendering stock agency TurboSquid for $ 75 million and a quick scan of the company’s assets will show that many of the objects that can be purchased and implemented in various 3D scenes are shockingly realistic.
In some cases, entire rooms are made up entirely of TurboSquid’s 3D assets and look completely real.
The only thing missing from these rooms are people, and if Unreal’s technology continues to evolve at its current pace, there is no reason to believe that we are not just a few years away from seeing dozens of completely fictional people filling the TurboSquid asset library. Someday, and very soon, companies may argue that they no longer need real people for photo shoots. It will undoubtedly be a genuine topic of conversation.
In the end, many of these companies will choose the one that is most affordable.