Collaborative unit: week 06 – Integration in Unity
In our sixth meeting, we embarked on the pivotal task of integrating models, animations, and materials within the Unity platform.
Before the meeting commenced, I completed building the materials in Unity. While Unity presented its challenges, I managed to create the main materials in a timely manner. The results were promising, and it seemed like the integration could effectively showcase the keyword ‘Aquatic.’
However, as is often the case, we encountered a series of challenges. Firstly, miscommunication surfaced between the animation students and myself. Despite unwrapping all the UVs for the models beforehand and promptly uploading them, the animation students worked with their initial or revised models throughout the animation process. This led to animated models lacking the UVs from the unwrapped files, resulting in complications with textures and materials. The solution involved transferring UVs from the unwrapped files to the animated ones, successfully resolving the issue.
Secondly, we faced challenges in the animation process itself. Some models were worked on in separate files and underwent changes, making it difficult for Unity to read both animations in one model. Sequencing the Growth and Loop animations became a critical issue. To address this, we meticulously matched the structure and names in the Outliner of Maya, facilitating smooth connection of the animations.
The final hurdle emerged during the export of certain animation files to .fbx – they failed to work in Unity. It appeared that animations with deformers and keys on edges weren’t properly baked onto the .fbx file. While I previously solved a similar issue for Unreal using .abc files with a geometry cache, it wasn’t applicable for Unity, as advised by a group member. Consequently, we revised animations by simplifying them to ensure seamless integration.
With these intricate processes, we successfully transferred our files to Unity. The upcoming week is set for recording, filming, and testing. As we approach the final stages, the collective efforts of the team fuel my optimism that we will conclude the project successfully.
Meeting Brief: Week 06
- MR Demo ver02 – record and film
- Rendering for artefact video