NBA 2K15: Introducing New Face-Scan Technology for PS4 and Xbox One For 'MyCareer' Game Feature
On Wednesday, the NBA 2K15 team unveiled its new face-scan technology for its 'MyCareer' and 'MyGM'create-a-player suite which allows gamers to digitally graft lifelike 3D renditions of their faces onto virtual players in the upcoming installment to the annual basketball video game series. Using their Kinect or PS4 camera, a gamer can scan his face which he can then put on his avatar player in-game so that he can play alongside Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and other basketball greats in both the career and the multiplayer game modes. This in-game technology is however available only in the PS4 and Xbox One versions. The NBA 2K15 is scheduled for release on October 7 for the Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3 and PS4 platforms.
Game publisher 2K has released two videos to demonstrate the face-scanning feature of the NBA 2K15 game. One is an instructional clip on how the technology works; the other is a fun clip starring the Beard Guru as he helps Houston Rockets guard James Harden keep his beard in-game. As shown in the videos, the process begins with you staring straight at the camera and turning your head slowly to the left, and then to the right. You repeat this process for about 30 to 45 seconds. After your face has been scanned, the NBA 2K15 technology will build a custom 3D head model based on your face measurements and other data which you can graft on your virtual basketball player self.
Once your face is inside the NBA 2K15 game, you can make further tweaks on your looks, like change your hairstyle or your skin complexion. You can't however put on vampire fangs or demon horns. In an interview with Associated Press, Jeff Thomas, vice president of sports development at NBA 2K developer Visual Concepts, explained that available modifications are limited to their own library of facial features of actual NBA and Euroleague players. He said: "That means there can't be any more alien players. You used to be able to pull and tug players' faces and create crazy noses and stuff. Because we're referencing real people, it only allows you to create human-looking players. I think that's a big deal. The combination of these techniques will give you a really solid-looking image of yourself."
