Gizmodo: Uncanny Valley

PS3 Game Developer Claims to have Crossed Uncanny Valley

Mark Wilson — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 09:57:03 EST

We're fascinated with the battle against uncanny valley—that point in graphics or robotics where the human likeness isn't quite reached, which in turn repulses the viewer. And while we've seen graphics card makers and robot designers tackling the problem before, for the first time a video game developer claims to have bridged the gap. Quantic Dream is a maker of highly cinematic games and houses one of the most advanced motion capture studios in the world. Here's what they've gone on record to say:

But today, I can officially announce that there is no uncanny valley any more, not in real-time.

The last we've seen of Quantic Dream's upcoming PS3 game Heavy Rain was back at E3 06. Their non-interactive tech demo (screenshot above) was amazing for its time, and the word I received through the grapevine was that they had just weeks to get it done. But this is a BIG claim. [gamesindustry via kotaku]

NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra: Kicking Uncanny Valley Butt

Mark Wilson — Sun, 06 May 2007 13:10:38 EDT

We just told you about the $830 NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra last week, otherwise known as the "world's fastest graphics card". But just how much power can $830 buy today?

Check out this technical demo by NVIDIA. The real time rendering is of actor Doug Jones, who you probably won't recognize as Pan from Pan's Labyrinth. Sure, he isn't talking or anything, but it's amazing nonetheless.

Now just to fill the background with fully rendered landscapes, populated with thousands of equally beautiful characters. Get on it, NVIDIA! This cybersex isn't going to have itself. – Mark Wilson

Where Realtime, PC Video Graphics Are Heading [dvorak uncensored]

Proof That the Uncanny Valley is a Scary, Scary Place

Adam Frucci — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:15:00 EDT

Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro made a robot of himself so he could sit at home and have his lectures delivered from afar while giving students the impression that he was there with them and actually cared about their educations. He created a monstrosity that looks like him, only much more likely to murder you in your sleep. Watch the video at your own risk, as it's pretty much guaranteed to give you nightmares. –Adam Frucci