When Google open-sources something, there’s no reason to panic – except perhaps if you’re making your first attempt to chisel a detailed replica of Michelangelo’s David in virtual reality. Well, luckily Google has made life a little easier for us all: Blocks, the lightweight VR modelling app, is now open for everyone to tinker with.
Not only is the software now available for free, it is also able to open OBJ, FBX, GLTF and USDZ files. This makes it a breeze for all VFX artists who struggle with a mountain of file formats on a daily basis to juggle their models between the different tools. Because let’s be honest: another file format in the pipeline can only cause more chaos in an already chaotic artist’s mind.
What’s the advantage for us? Well, Blocks has always been known for creating even the smallest models with the greatest of ease. Simply drag shapes, scale, rotate – all in one hand movement. It’s like playing in a virtual sandbox, but without the sand creeping in everywhere. What’s more, you don’t need an overpriced sand toy: the software runs on standard VR headsets.
Another feature that Google is emphasising is that the source code is now freely available. This means that anyone who feels called upon to optimise the app can unpack their scripting skills and lend a hand. Whether you dare to debug your own code is up to you. The challenges – and the headaches – are now also open source.
In short: Google Blocks offers a playground for anyone who wants to let off steam in the world of 3D modelling. With open file formats and the ability to modify the source code, there are no more excuses for VFX artists as to why their next project can’t start in VR.
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