and if you can line it up to a daz figure close enough you can use repaint in UUW3D to transfer texture maps, or your alternate UV 3Dcoat figure even, 3Dcoat should also do this I imagine if the mesh matches even if UV different

I like the interactive license. This is -almost- exactly what I asked for quite some time, in fact it is remarkable just how much it is like what I asked for, LOL. However, I never asked for the bulk licenses to be removed. There is no reason to pull them. The purpose behind my request for individual licenses was to grant the buyer the option of just buying a few items and a license for each. Key word: OPTION. Buyers should still have the option to purchase licenses that cover Daz's and PA's catalogs. Dude, they were just on sale a couple weeks ago. And now they are gone completely? Come on.

Its the old one foot forward, two steps back thing. Let's not do that. Bring the Indie and Commercial Licenses back. Hell, if need be, raise the price. But the way things are right now, the costs is too high for anyone who wants to buy a variety of assets for a game. Most of these licenses seem to be $50, so that adds up very quickly! So while this change made some people happy, it should be obvious it has made other people very unhappy. But it did not have to be this way! Just give us both options.

 

 

Completely agree to this.

For users that buy large amount of content from DAZ or PA's, the one-time developer license should still be available. For buying additional / single assets the new model is also great. But I would prefer to see the interactive license pricing in additional % of the current (and reduced) price, right now you pay the same for a one hair asset as for a complete pro bundle or a single DO character. Or an old M4 character morph priced around $1 costs $35.

I understand the effort that goes into the asset creation and $50 for the interactive license for a good character is more than fair in my opinion but it would be easier / more fair if it's calculated in % (or double / triple price for example).

Before I purchase this, I'd like to know if this uses FBX to transfer meshes from Daz to Maya.  Right now I have to use OBJ exports to retain the HD morph details in my characters, but if this plugin solves the FBX base mesh problem I'd pull the trigger.

Yes, it uses FBX, so no subD meshes

Before I purchase this, I'd like to know if this uses FBX to transfer meshes from Daz to Maya.  Right now I have to use OBJ exports to retain the HD morph details in my characters, but if this plugin solves the FBX base mesh problem I'd pull the trigger.

https://www.daz3d.com/hfs-fantasy-shapes-for-genesis-3-female-s - DarioFish's Fantasy Shapes for G3F have a hooved leg morph that's pretty great. He also has the Faunus for Genesis over at Rendo, which you could transfer with GenX2 (and it transfers fairly well, too).

Hey, do any of the separate parts morphs work from the fantasy shapes?  I.E. can I just dial in the 4 breasted cat chest without morphing the rest of the body?  That could make a good alien chest with a different head and lower body."

Now that I look at the detail listing, it does look like the breast is a separate morph...as well as most of the others....cool.  I've had this in my WL forever.  I had forgotten about it until now. :)

I realize that some might think that if we allow the use of textures and materials designed for the ladies to be used on the men then we should allow morphs as well. However, look at it from my position. I want a fun competition where there are minimal rules. 12 rules aren't all that much. When I look at materials like shaders and textures, I know that even though they are geared for one purpose we all, as artists, use those same textures and shaders on items they weren't meant to be applied. If done well, no one would even notice that female textures had been used unless the artist revealed that info. The same thing can not be said for morphs. They are obvious and take more work to get them onto the male figure if they aren't designed to be there. While I would love for there to be a product designed to make skins for my male characters, I don't wish this contest to be sidelined by the debate.

After careful consideration (and I appreciate all the feedback) the rules will stand as written. I realize some will disagree and I apologize for any inconvenience this may bring to those who wish to participate. 

I respect your decision but still feel your logic is wrong, you wouldn't not know if female transfered morphs were used, would you really spot a figure that has used the femal version of shape shift or creature creator on a male instead of a femal. Shaders, and shader presets are totally different to textures which actually are a lot harder to transfer from some generation figures to others, whereas due to Gen X its usually a lot easier, perhaps you aren't familiar with how easy GenX is.

Personally I don't think either should be allowed.

I am planning on future skin/morph releases for this figure, as well as some more original creatures.  The "Giant Insect" monster movies had a big influence on me when I was young, so more in that genre are definitely in the works.  I'm also working on a lair for the spider.   Something nice and cozy for the modern spider on the go.

Do you have any news regarding the future skins and morphs of the spider or the spider lair?

Entry:  #3

Title: 007: A Woman to Die For

Artist: Namtar 

PR/ NPR/Halloween: PR

WIP Links:

Scene Setup and unfiltered render https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/comment/2991786/#Comment_2991786

Products Used:

Sexy Gown:  https://www.renderosity.com/mod/bcs/sexy-gown/121600/
SV7 Moon (Just Texture): https://www.renderosity.com/mod/bcs/sv7-moon/112262/
HR-192: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/bcs/hr-192/123080/
Custom V4 Liv Tyler Morph
Victoria 4 https://www.daz3d.com/victoria-4-2-base

Additional Notes:

Scene fully loaded in Carrara, rendered with Octane Render Plugin. 

If you have GenX2, you can transfer Freak 5 to G2M. That might help.

Previously we had to buy a (rather expensive) license for each PA whose items we wanted to use in a game. And nearly all of them (there was a change to at least 1 PAs license that I remember) were a 1 time use meaning use could only use those assets in 1 game which means if you wanted to make a sequel or a new game, you had to buy them all over again.

Think how expensive this would get if you were even just creating a single room to wander in. The room might be McLean's room creator, then there's the character which would be Daz (2 licenses already), a morph for the character (yet a 3rd license) clothes for the character (4 or more) items to fill the room, hair for the character... so just a single room and character could end up costing $3000+ just for 1 game, 1 room

 

Sure, that could be brought down a bit by making sure that maybe you used all daz clothes and hair or something. But that would limit the look that maybe you originally envisioned.

So now (like other stores) you buy a product (at a slightly higher price, or even double) but now you have that asset you can use in 1, or even a hundered or a thousand games. And the more licensed products you buy, the larger the variety your game-making inventory will be and the more you will be able to do.

Another good part is you don't have to lay it all out at once. You can buy an item here and there as your budget allows, until you have everything you need.

For me it would have been: Buy the Daz license for possible $200-300 (users here got it for as low as $75). Then there were about three PAs with interesting items the rest wasn't of use for me or the artist didn't offer a indie license. I probably would have bought 2 of these also as discount.  That would have allowed me freely to mix match any of the items like take clothes from x,  char from y, hair from z, get some morphs and have something unique.
If I take now clothes from x, char from y, hair from z I'm already at $150 for license alone not even having any morphs.
The game limit wasn't an issue for me as the daz license was a good basis and the rest I can rebuy as needed. Now if after two years the game is finished and I want to move to Genesis 8 I have to rebuy game licenses for the char, all new (same)morphs and so on. I expect for the switch alone from Genesis 7 to Genesis 8 plus having the same basis of morphs will cost a couple hundres dollar license costs. So the switch alone will likely be more than the whole daz license was previously.

I agree 100%. It's crazy to see the few people not getting this very basic concept. Even if it was $10- 25 dollars a pop of licesne for each product, it will still be unrealistic for small indies. Daz Originals/Daz3d.com was favord by many indies over other sites like renderosity for example because you were able to mix and match models, because ideas and character concepts change over time and need to be tweaked, so buying a liscense to catalog was simply better and usefull. All we want are options.

Diva, Here's an example of the 2 color meshes.  I overdid it on the opacity a bit to make sure it would show.  So, this looks a little extreme to show off the variation in color, but should give you the idea.  This is the Amarseda hair.  I wish there were a really good updated similar hairdo.  But, I just can't seem to find one that is quite right.  The closest is probably the Mada Hair.  But, it is still a center part.  I've tried to morph the part to the side, but it hasn't quite worked.  I still keep hoping one of these talented PAs will make the side part (not pulled back) curly, natural hair for G8F.  I imagine it wouldn't be too difficult for Goldtassel since she already has the Mada hair to use as a start. :)  The Karissa hair is another good one that is still parted in the middle.  The Oleander hair isn't bad, but more of a straight wavy style than curly....Oh well, I'll keep messing with these and try to make something work. :)

That looks good - I like the color variation. I'm going to have to try that. :) Thanks, cdpro! 

Previously we had to buy a (rather expensive) license for each PA whose items we wanted to use in a game. And nearly all of them (there was a change to at least 1 PAs license that I remember) were a 1 time use meaning use could only use those assets in 1 game which means if you wanted to make a sequel or a new game, you had to buy them all over again.

Think how expensive this would get if you were even just creating a single room to wander in. The room might be McLean's room creator, then there's the character which would be Daz (2 licenses already), a morph for the character (yet a 3rd license) clothes for the character (4 or more) items to fill the room, hair for the character... so just a single room and character could end up costing $3000+ just for 1 game, 1 room

 

Sure, that could be brought down a bit by making sure that maybe you used all daz clothes and hair or something. But that would limit the look that maybe you originally envisioned.

So now (like other stores) you buy a product (at a slightly higher price, or even double) but now you have that asset you can use in 1, or even a hundered or a thousand games. And the more licensed products you buy, the larger the variety your game-making inventory will be and the more you will be able to do.

Another good part is you don't have to lay it all out at once. You can buy an item here and there as your budget allows, until you have everything you need.

For me it would have been: Buy the Daz license for possible $200-300 (users here got it for as low as $75). Then there were about three PAs with interesting items the rest wasn't of use for me or the artist didn't offer a indie license. I probably would have bought 2 of these also as discount.  That would have allowed me freely to mix and match any of the items like take clothes from x,  char from y, hair from z, get some morphs and have something unique.
If I take now clothes from x, char from y, hair from z I'm already at $150 for licenses alone not even having any morphs.
The game limit wasn't an issue for me as the daz license was a good basis and the rest I can rebuy as needed. Now if after two years the game is finished and I want to move to Genesis 8 I would have to rebuy game licenses for the char, all new (same)morphs and so on. I expect for the switch alone from Genesis 7 to Genesis 8 plus having the same basis of morphs to cost a couple hundred dollar for licenses. So the switch alone would likely be more than the whole daz license was previously.

Well I've not read through all 5 pages (yet) but I feel I must add in my take on this.

Previously we had to buy a (rather expensive) license for each PA whose items we wanted to use in a game. And nearly all of them (there was a change to at least 1 PAs license that I remember) were a 1 time use meaning use could only use those assets in 1 game which means if you wanted to make a sequel or a new game, you had to buy them all over again.

Think how expensive this would get if you were even just creating a single room to wander in. The room might be McLean's room creator, then there's the character which would be Daz (2 licenses already), a morph for the character (yet a 3rd license) clothes for the character (4 or more) items to fill the room, hair for the character... so just a single room and character could end up costing $3000+ just for 1 game, 1 room

Sure, that could be brought down a bit by making sure that maybe you used all daz clothes and hair or something. But that would limit the look that maybe you originally envisioned.

So now (like other stores) you buy a product (at a slightly higher price, or even double) but now you have that asset you can use in 1, or even a hundered or a thousand games. And the more licensed products you buy, the larger the variety your game-making inventory will be and the more you will be able to do.

Another good part is you don't have to lay it all out at once. You can buy an item here and there as your budget allows, until you have everything you need.

Diva, Here's an example of the 2 color meshes.  I overdid it on the opacity a bit to make sure it would show.  So, this looks a little extreme to show off the variation in color, but should give you the idea.  This is the Amarseda hair.  I wish there were a really good updated similar hairdo.  But, I just can't seem to find one that is quite right.  The closest is probably the Mada Hair.  But, it is still a center part.  I've tried to morph the part to the side, but it hasn't quite worked.  I still keep hoping one of these talented PAs will make the side part (not pulled back) curly, natural hair for G8F.  I imagine it wouldn't be too difficult for Goldtassel since she already has the Mada hair to use as a start. :)  The Karissa hair is another good one that is still parted in the middle.  The Oleander hair isn't bad, but more of a straight wavy style than curly....Oh well, I'll keep messing with these and try to make something work. :)

 

And apparently Morph3D has shut down their store and moved all content that was there over to the Unity Store. They seem to be focusing on providing tools to create content that works like the DAZ figures that can be imported into Unity now.

 Did they ever decide how much they were going to charge people to use the tools to make their own clothing for morph characters

Still no luck getting the Leila brows to move with the G8F brow morphs.  But, I have just about got the scale and surface settings where I want them.  Dialing back the Cutout Opacity on just about every hair product improves the overall look.  In the case of the brows, I scaled the size down by 7% and the Cutout Opacity down by 78%. This helps to lessen the thickness.  For the most part, children even with larger brows, have much thinner brow hair (finer and fewer hairs) than adults.  I can certainly say this from personal experience...LOL.  Zev0 took account of this in their "Growing Up Skin" packages.  Although those were texture brows and not fiber.

Here's the result of opacity and scaling changes- not fully rendered, but you get the idea.  I also lowered the brows slightly to better match the original brow line.

BTW, BJ, I'm sure you could just buy Zev0 Brow Remover and use it to make your no brow textures if the brows are integral to the face textures.  You can check with Zev0.  But, I'm pretty sure that would be a perfectly allowable usage of the product.

 

Wow!

That looks really good! Much better, imo! :)

She looks a bit more child-like now, I think. That's a nice tip, the lowering of the cut-out capacity. :)

Thanks.  She is supposed to be 16ish in this render.  

The Cutout Opacity lowering really helps a lot with the older hair meshes.  Many of those have very hard edges.  To soften the hair and give it more depth, try using duplicate meshes and color one lighter and one darker.  Then, selecting "hip" under the darker mesh, pull the hair down in Y translation by just a small increment.  Lower the opacity on the dark mesh to around 50% and the lighter upper mesh to around 35%.  Experiment with all those settings until you get something you like.  The effect ends up being of slightly sun highlighted hair with a darker shade underneath.  This can also be effective by altering the morph shapes between the two meshes...giving the effect that some of the outer hair is moving independently from the under hair.  Results vary a lot.

I like PhilW's luster shaders and IDG Iray hair essentials.  But sometimes on older hair models, the texture makes up so much of the perceived shape, that you can't swap for a generic iray shader.  Even so, the cutout opacity trick will make those textures blend better with your Iray scene.

10.  Female morphs are not allowed in this competition including, but not limited to, the use of such products as GenX which enable users to apply female morphs onto the male body.  We want to concentrate on the male figure.  However, scripts that allow artists to swap UVs allowing female skins to be used on the male figure WILL BE ALLOWED as no morphing is involved and UV swapping is a pretty common occurrence for most of us.

I find this a bit confusing textures are ok but morphs aren't, morph swapping is also a 'pretty common occurrence for most of us' has been since GenX arrived, I don't often swap textures, female texture on males are to me usually pretty obvious whereas morphs not so much a elf ear from a female is just an elf ear same with most morphs whereas a  texture there are in particular cetain areas that are pretty much 'Female'. I would like to understand better your rationalisation on this decesion as to me it seems a bit bias - either both should be usable or neither.

@ Scorpio  One of the major reasons to allow the textures and not the morphs, is that textures are a more of a material thing and isn't considered in the judging for the Re-Purposed category. However, the morphs aren't allowed as the purpose of the contest is to be more creative with how a participant uses a female item. The whole reason this contest was started was to celebrate our 3D men in their own right. Allowing those digital men to 'borrow' some female morphs kind of spoils the whole fun and spirit of this contest. We want our digital men to be able to stand proud with as little help from the females as possible. I hope this explains our stance on this particular rule. Thank you.

Sorry that really doesn't make sense you are borrowing textures from the females, is this contest only about repursing female items.

 I know why the contest was started it was an aim to promote male items, so allowing female textures is promoting the females a lot more promantly than morphs ever would.

Skin Builder 3 is only for the females a shame but thats how it is - surely by using it you are saying we don't need male textures as we can use female ones, and its not going to incourage PAs to create male versions.

The reason that KM says no female morphs to be used is because they make it so much easier to turn a male into a more female body shape and then the repurposed item will fit better.   textures are nothing to do with the repurposing, it is just that sometimes a female texture fits the bill more than a male one, especially when the male in question is very young or is of a race that doesn't grow facial hair, such as elves. The problem is there are very few male textures which do not have some indication of facial hair. TThis as well as the reason L'Adair has given as to how to use skin builder to make a male skin.

Sorry but I thought this was about highlighting the male items that are available, female textures have bad eyebrows for men young or old, honestly I really have trouble with the logic of this, you mention elves, female elf ears are no different to male elf ears and yet they can't be used but a female texture with feminine eyebrows, possible shading under the breasts and female genitals is ok.

Hey thanks guys  Yeah I feel the Faye morph plays pretty well with others. It's a nice additional option to the excellent Growing Up morphs. Doesn't give all those options of course but provides a bit of a different result so it's worth treating it as an additional youngify morph.

Sorry about the eyebrows. They're not really plucked, as far photo references used to make the skin, but I guess it's a combination of rather thin line plus the painted aspect. I'm never really fully happy with painted eyebrows, admittedly. Fibremesh may be the way to go for me. Sadly I have to say I was unhappy with experiments I've done so far.

Your figures are pretty much perfect, please don't let this thread get you down! I really love your characters and appreciate how much work you do to make them look so realistic. 

I do have a suggestion, though - would it be possible to get a "no brow" option for your characters in the future? A lot more people are moving toward fibermesh options and it would be great to have a no-brow option so that we could use fibermesh brows with your lovely characters. :)

Absolutely, if that's of value to people. I figured these brow products have their own brow removal and I'd just be doing work for nothing?

No, as far as I know there is only one product that has a brow removal. Many PAs are now including a no-brow option. 

Lyra doesn't have a no brow option included.  However, it was no problem to remove them with Brow Remover.  It works just fine with G8F.  Okay, here she is with V8 eyebrows.  They do look a bit more accurate, but still not exactly right.  As much as I like the idea of fibermesh eyebrows, most of them just don't look very realistic to me.  The fibers are too dense and regular, not shaped the way that natural eyebrows grow, with hair in kind of a fan, rather than a fur.

Thank you for experimenting with this! :D I really appreciate it! To me, brows can really make a big impact on the overall face, so having an alternate or no brow option would be nice, but I could go into photoshop and remove them. :)

I have RedzStudio "Super Natural Brows" and I think they'd probably work well for an alternate brow for her. The brows she comes with are definitely too adult looking for my taste, but other than that she's pretty much perfect. So I wouldn't let that keep me from getting her! heheh

Thanks again for looking into this! 

Looking forward to your brow experiments as well.  One thing I discovered is that the Teen Princess Leila eyebrows don't seem to move with the brow morphs....not sure why.  The V8 brows morph along with the brow just fine.  Any idea how to fix that?  I tried matching the parenting setup from the V8 brow...but, no difference.  The Leila brows just sit in the same spot while the skin slides underneath.  They autofit just fine otherwise.

 

I don't have Leila so I can't check that. What I would recommend is to look under V8's brows under the "Parameters" tab and take a screen shot of the settings, then change the Leila brows to match the parameter settings for V8. :)

Hey thanks guys  Yeah I feel the Faye morph plays pretty well with others. It's a nice additional option to the excellent Growing Up morphs. Doesn't give all those options of course but provides a bit of a different result so it's worth treating it as an additional youngify morph.

Sorry about the eyebrows. They're not really plucked, as far photo references used to make the skin, but I guess it's a combination of rather thin line plus the painted aspect. I'm never really fully happy with painted eyebrows, admittedly. Fibremesh may be the way to go for me. Sadly I have to say I was unhappy with experiments I've done so far.

Your figures are pretty much perfect, please don't let this thread get you down! I really love your characters and appreciate how much work you do to make them look so realistic. 

I do have a suggestion, though - would it be possible to get a "no brow" option for your characters in the future? A lot more people are moving toward fibermesh options and it would be great to have a no-brow option so that we could use fibermesh brows with your lovely characters. :)

Absolutely, if that's of value to people. I figured these brow products have their own brow removal and I'd just be doing work for nothing?