Movella, a leading provider of professional motion capture solutions, recently launched Obskur, an all-in-one platform specifically designed for virtual streamers, also known as “Vtubers.” This groundbreaking platform provides Vtubers with access to body tracking technology that was previously only available to industries such as film and game development.
The Obskur platform consists of two main components: a free OBS-like streaming application built using Unreal Engine 5 and a hardware device called the “Mocap Box,” which is available for $1,995. The Mocap Box includes nine upper-body Movella Xsens tracking sensors, a technology that has been widely used in blockbuster movies like The Avengers, Avatar, and Black Panther. Additionally, the Mocap Box comes with a customized pair of “StretchSense” gloves designed for tracking hand movements.
Vtubing, the practice of streaming with a virtual 2D or 3D avatar, is gaining significant popularity. However, one of the major barriers to entry for many aspiring Vtubers is the cost associated with creating and controlling their virtual avatars. Creating a fully rigged, high-quality avatar can cost thousands of dollars, and then there’s the challenge of finding a reliable way to control it during streams.
Until recently, the options for controlling virtual avatars were quite limited. Vtubers could either use camera-based tracking software, which is affordable but not always reliable or accurate, or invest in a professional motion capture suit, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. These suits often require separate purchases of professional tracking gloves and proprietary software to manage the tracking sensors.
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Movella’s Obskur platform aims to bridge this significant gap by providing an affordable and easy-to-use solution for Vtubers. The platform has been meticulously designed to simplify the Vtubing process. For instance, the StretchSense gloves included in the Mocap Box are both machine washable and fingerless, making them suitable for gaming during streams. The Xsense mocap sensors offer up to 12 hours of battery life, ensuring that Vtubers can stream for extended periods without interruption.
The Obskur app itself resembles popular streaming applications like OBS, offering a user-friendly interface with a variety of 2D and 3D virtual environments for avatars. The app also provides a library of props and effects that can be incorporated into streams. Moreover, the app integrates seamlessly with existing iPhone or virtual motion capture solutions for facial tracking, such as Waidayo. Additionally, the Obskur Twitch extension allows users to create custom 3D interactions with their audience, such as explosions or throwable objects.
One of the standout features of the Obskur platform is its affordability compared to alternative solutions. While $1,995 may still be a significant investment, it is relatively affordable considering the high-end nature of the product. The closest third-party competitor, Rokoko’s Full Performance Capture kit, costs $3,495 and is an indie-developed project. Sony’s recently released Mocopi sensors, priced at $449, only provide around 90 minutes of battery life and lack finger tracking functionality.
Considering that Movella’s Obskur platform utilizes industry-standard equipment that can cost as much as a brand-new car, it’s clear that this platform offers excellent value for money, undercutting most comparable solutions in the market.
In conclusion, Movella’s launch of the Obskur platform represents a significant step forward for the Vtubing community. By providing Vtubers with access to professional-grade motion capture technology at an affordable price, Movella has empowered content creators to immerse themselves fully in the virtual world. As Vtubing continues to grow in popularity, platforms like Obskur will play a crucial role in democratizing access to immersive and engaging virtual content.
