Reallusion Elevates Character Animation with CC UE Control Rig for Unreal Engine 5.4

Seamless Integration for Enhanced Character Animation

Reallusion continues to push the boundaries of character design and animation within leading 3D software platforms. With the launch of Unreal Engine 5.4, Reallusion proudly introduces the CC UE Control Rig. This innovation allows Unreal Engine users to animate CC characters seamlessly using the familiar Metahuman interface, perfect for creating full-body animations. To celebrate this milestone, Reallusion offers two complimentary sample characters, Nia and Kevin, available for free download.

Advanced Compatibility and Integration

The CC Control Rig, meticulously developed with Unreal Blueprint, is fully compatible with Unreal Engine versions 5.3 and 5.4. It integrates effortlessly with key tools such as CC Auto Setup and Unreal Live Link, streamlining the workflow from Character Creator to Unreal Engine. This includes direct character transfer, automatic digital human shader assignment, and simplified control rig setup, enhancing the developer's toolkit significantly.

Expanding the Reallusion Ecosystem

CC characters are at the heart of a versatile character and motion ecosystem powered by Reallusion's comprehensive offerings. While Unreal Engine 5.4's introduction of the UE Modular Control Rig and advancements in Metahuman animation are notable, customizing or creating original IP characters for Unreal Engine animation can be challenging. Character Creator addresses this with unparalleled freedom in character customization, streamlined ZBrush pipeline integration, and access to Reallusion's diverse content ecosystem. Using CC topology, fully auto-rigged characters, whether realistic humans, cartoon personas, or humanoids, can be seamlessly integrated into Unreal Engine.

Extensive Motion and Animation Support

Reallusion also offers a wide range of ActorCore mocap animations. After selecting a suitable motion pack, dynamic animations within iClone can be effortlessly deployed or generated. These animations can be seamlessly imported into Unreal Engine via LiveLink or FBX, significantly reducing production time.

Comprehensive Support for Diverse Characters

In addition to extensive support for CC characters, the CC UE Control Rig also accommodates custom-made models through the automatic rigging process in AccuRIG. For large 3D crowd scenes, movements of low-poly characters sourced from ActorCore can be fine-tuned using the UE Control Rig, allowing for adjustments to facial expressions and body movements. Integrating these capabilities with CC mesh decimation tools and the iClone Crowd Simulator enables massive crowd simulations with minimal production cost and time.

Enhanced Character Creation Experience

Reallusion invites users to download Character Creator for free to explore an enhanced character creation experience. Enthusiasts of all skill levels can unlock advanced functionalities and a wealth of content for deeper engagement in the creative process.

Polishing Final Productions in Unreal Engine

The CC UE Control Rig empowers directors and animators to refine CC characters' facial expressions and postures within Unreal Engine, ensuring a polished final production. This tool facilitates smooth character integration into environments, precise interaction with objects, and reach constraints, such as hand or foot placement on moving vehicles. Utilizing CC characters enhances expressive talking animations, realistic wrinkle dynamics, and refined body and gesture controls.

A Vision Realized

Charles Chen, Reallusion CEO, states: "Our long-term goal has been to establish CC as the premier solution for original, animatable characters in Unreal. With the introduction of CC UE Control Rig, we've taken the final step toward full CC character integration to achieve that vision."

Accessible Plugins and Sample Projects

The CC UE Control Rig is a complimentary plugin available for download on the UE Marketplace. To encourage widespread adoption, Reallusion is offering two sample projects, Kein & Nia, for free download.

For more details and to download Character Creator, please visit Reallusion's website.