Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517009
j u ly • a u g u s t • s e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 3 c g w 3 1 tiple incompatible file formats, leading to data transfer challenges and inefficiencies. USD eliminates these bottlenecks by providing a unified format that can be easily shared across different applica- tions, removing the need to re-make content or characters in differ- ent file formats to serve different tools, and instead creates one file that any program can open and work with. Its versatility empowers artists to seamlessly integrate assets, whether they are working on modeling, texturing, lighting, or animation. USD is the future One of USD's most significant advantages lies in its ability to facilitate collaboration among artists and departments. By breaking down the silos that oen exist in traditional pipelines, USD encourages a more interconnected and collaborative creative process. This not only en- hances efficiency, but also promotes a holistic approach to content creation. Its open architecture allows for seamless integration with various soware applications, making it a flexible and adaptive solu- tion. Its compatibility with industry-standard soware ensures that studios can transition to USD without a complete overhaul of their existing infrastructure. USD's integration with popular game engines, including Unreal En- gine, solidifies its role in the future of content creation, as the lines between games and feature films becomes increasingly blurred. Un- real Engine's support for USD enables studios to leverage real-time rendering and interactive experiences, pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking and opening up new possibilities for storytell- ing. Why isn't it everywhere already? The classic "chicken and egg" problem persists: studios are hesitant to adopt USD because it's not yet an industry standard, and it won't become a standard until more studios adopt it. Breaking this cycle requires collaboration across studios and a collective commitment to embrace new technologies. It's also down to the sheer amount of funding required to establish a fully-fledged USD pipeline. Transitioning to USD involves an invest- ment in soware, training, and infrastructure upgrades. Studios may be reluctant to make these investments without a clear guarantee of USD's universal adoption. The same is true of upskilling engineers and artists: implementing USD requires a certain level of technical expertise. But the shi to USD—or something like it—is inevitable. Compa- nies need to invest in research, explore pilot projects, provide training programs, and gradually integrate USD into existing workflows. In August 2023, Pixar helped to establish the Alliance for OpenUSD to support and encourage wider adoption. And with partners like Adobe, Autodesk, and Nvidia among the founding members, it's easy to see a quantum leap forward. And yet, a phased transition is the only way that we're going to move from the old-world way of doing things to the bright new future of interoperable scenes. By preparing for this transformation, studios can position themselves at the forefront of the next era in VFX and animation technology, en- suring a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital content creation. facebook.com/CGWmagazine @CGWmagazine Immerse yourself in the latest industry news. Your destination for all things CG. Subscribe Today! CGW.com