LightWave Digital has announced the upcoming release of LightWave 2025, the latest iteration of its renowned 3D animation and rendering software. Slated for launch later this quarter, this version introduces several noteworthy features aimed at enhancing the efficiency and creativity of digital production professionals.

RIPR: Real-Time HDR Previews

One of the standout additions is the Real-Time Interactive Preview Renderer (RIPR). This system facilitates HDR-illuminated pre-visualization, allowing users to seamlessly switch between the Viewport Preview Renderer (VPR), RIPR, and OpenGL previews without disrupting their creative flow. This integration ensures that artists can assess their scenes under various lighting conditions in real-time, streamlining the decision-making process.

Enhanced Rhiggit Tools: Steppit, Handdit, and Pickkit

Building upon the robust Rhiggit character rigging system, LightWave 2025 introduces three new tools:

• Steppit: This tool offers automated walk cycles complemented by keyframing capabilities, enabling animators to generate realistic locomotion sequences efficiently.
• Handdit: Designed for intuitive hand animation, Handdit simplifies the complex task of animating hand movements, providing animators with a more straightforward approach to achieving natural gestures.
• Pickkit: A streamlined joint selection system, Pickkit enhances the rigging workflow by allowing for quicker and more precise joint selections during the animation process.

These enhancements aim to expedite character animation workflows, providing animators with intuitive tools that reduce setup time and increase productivity.

LW Construct: Rapid Asset Generation

The new LW Construct feature serves as an instantaneous generator for common structures such as stairways, bookshelves, and decks. With an intuitive user interface, users can quickly create indoor or outdoor stairs, modify spindle designs, adjust landing sizes, and customize handrails with minimal effort. This tool is particularly beneficial for environment artists seeking to populate scenes with detailed architectural elements efficiently.

Cel Shader: Stylized Rendering Made Simple

For artists aiming to achieve a stylized, non-photorealistic look, LightWave 2025 introduces a new Cel Shader. This post-shading tool, visible in the VPR, offers impressive control over object and surface-based shading, allowing for the creation of striking cel-shaded visuals. The Cel Shader provides parameters to fine-tune the shading process, enabling artists to achieve the desired level of stylization in their renders.

Availability and Pricing

LightWave 2025 is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2025. The current stable version, LightWave 2024.1, is compatible with Windows 10 and later, as well as macOS 10.15 and above. New licenses are priced at £795 (approximately $980). For more detailed information and updates, visit the official LightWave website.

Caution for Early Adopters

As with any new software release, it’s advisable for professionals to thoroughly evaluate LightWave 2025’s new features within their specific workflows before integrating them into critical projects. For a more in-depth look at LightWave 2025’s features, you can join the in their Discord

The post LightWave 2025: Something is coming first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.