Hi...

Just to clarify, you refer to the software as CC4 which is generally what we call Character Creator 4 (our 3D software). I assume you actually mean Cartoon Animator which is known as CTA4 or CTA5. I'll answer based on the latter.



Not really sure what you mean by this. Cartoon Animator is a self contained product that doesn't need you to purchase anything else to get going. In terms of software, you can purchase mocap profiles but these are not required to use the software and are completely optional.



It's not. With the release of version 5.3 (A FREE upgrade for v5 users) we currently have a limited time offer that makes the new and upgrade price the same, but as already mentioned this is for a limited time and not a common situation.



At $99 I'm surprised you consider the cost of CTA5 a high price. Competing products like Moho Studio costs $399 and a subscription to get Adobe Character Animator will cost over $500 (and that's just for one year). Considering the numerous Pro features included, $99 is really a bargain



                                                                

Peter
Forum Administrator

www.reallusion.com

I stopped using CC4 sometime ago (as I had other things to do), but recently I've come back to it and noticed that there is now version5.

I must say that your website is unbelievably confusing.  Trying to work out what is included with anything is a nightmare.  You think you might be buying something that will do what you want, but you'll find you need to spend loads more to achieve it.
I currently have CC4, with  Face Mocap and Motion Live 2D.  It seems that when you upgrade to V5, there is an upgrade to these that adds to the cost hugely, but there is no indication of what additional features are in these two updates. Presumably the version used with CC4 works with version 5?
It's interesting (and fun) software, but aspects are really poorly implemented.
For example - in the timeline, it should be possible to adjust values FROM WITHIN the timeline, but there are now values to modify manually. There should be a graphical display of each element.;
There don't seem to be any shortcuts to control micro changes in motion either - it all has to be done with the mouse, which is problematic when you are trying to make subtle changes in position.

With V5, from the video demo, it implies that you can control the motion graphically, but on deeper probing, you discover that to have access to that feature you have to pay loads more.  That should be part of the CC5 upgrade.

Why is it cheaper to by version 5 as a new customer than as the upgrade price?

What is there that justifies such a high price for version 5?

I use CC4 almost exclusively for animating pictures - which is very poorly explained in any media you provide - YouTube or User manual - so it has taken me hours to try to understand what to do, and as there is no fine control of bones (other than by mouse), it's a nightmare.
Facial movements are much easier with the use of a webcam of course, and if you want to use standard animations, that works well, but there doesn't appear to be any easy way to control detailed subtle manual movements.

The software is very clever, but achieving things is made far too difficult because of the way the software has been written.

For example, why can't you change the layer structure of the contents by simply moving the layers into a different order in the scene manager?

I'd love to upgrade to something that works easily, but as things stand I can't see any value to come from spending 100 dollars.

I'm not a professional user - I create things for friends to produce facebook (or other social media) videos with a different slant from the usual (at no charge).

Sorry for the rant, but this has bugged me for such a long time !

hmm... In that case, I would probably just have to adjust my plan and make do with what I already have or find other software for the missing features/functionalities that I will require. At the moment, Im not really sure anyway if I can actually reach my goal even after having spent so much already on software and gear. Even the free resource time, I feel, is gettting scarcer much faster as I get older. haha Seriously, maybe I would just skip using iClone 7 for now as the missing 3DXchange I guess kinda cripples it if creating animations in games is the target. Thanks for the reply Peter.

I will try. Thanks for all your help! :-)

Unfortunately, 3DXchange 7 Pipeline is no longer available for sale, but even if it was the cost would be nearly the same as upgrading to iClone 8 and CC4.

In addition, as an Indie you can get Unreal Live Link FREE if you have iClone 8. Please see below for more information.

https://www.reallusion.com/iclone/live-link/unreal-engine/indie.html


                                                                

Peter
Forum Administrator

www.reallusion.com

I did not know that.
I think the old version of the Livelink plugin has been removed from the site.
If you want, you can try your luck by submitting a ticket to request this plugin on the RL support page.

The characters and content included in the program are suitable for use in the game.
Extended license is only valid for some CC store products.
(For example, hair, clothes, etc.) A standard license is sufficient for products such as animations and props.
The only thing you can't do is sell the character directly or allow users in the game to customize the character.

----------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.youtube.com/yepkoo
https://dev.epicgames.com/community/profile/bxvo/Yepkoo#learning

My final objective is to hopefully create my own game. I guess the Extended License is the safest way to go. But this applies mostly to add-on Contents right? If buying a Reallusion core software, CC Components and any embedded content/features already includes an Extended License? 

hmm... Yeah, was also thinking about this. The price for both iC8 & CC4 is now $599. Having not used the previous versions that much and just learning to use them now, for me, it's unlikely I'll be spending that much to upgrade to the new versions. I will try the Trial versions later on though to see about any discount. I also have CTA4 and was not able to utilize it much as well. Decided to just go with 3D for now.  I wish there was a way to acquire the other important add-ons like the 3DXchange Pipeline for the older version of iClone at a lower price. For me, it's just the reasonable approach so I can completely evaluate at my own pace the software which I have already purchased in the past. Besides, I will definitely upgrade when I get to catch up and really find the software indispensible for me. 



Will also try this route. Thanks for the suggestion! :-)



Sadly the Indie License is just available for owners of iClone 8. :-(

Are you trying to make a game or sell your character? Reallusion has changed their License policy.
Here is the link. Reallusion Content End User License Agreement

Frankly, even if they provide a way to buy 3DXchange, it's not cheap at all. I have no idea about your budget, but if you can spend a little more, I would recommend getting the CC4 + iC8 package.
Currently, the selling price for existing customers is $549.
I also heard that you are given a coupon when you install the trial version of these programs. (I am not sure)
Moreover, when you buy these 2 programs, I think you can get CTA5, which will be released 2 months later, for free, as you will exceed the 200-dollar spending limit.
As I said, I have no idea about your budget, but I think you will pay almost half the total price of the new programs to be able to buy 3DXchange.
All in all, the CC4 and iC8 are definitely worth the price.

However, if you want to get 3DXchange, you have to submit a ticket from RL's support page.

To get iClone Unreal Live Link indie license for free, you can check the page below.
https://www.reallusion.com/iclone/live-link/unreal-engine/indie.html

----------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.youtube.com/yepkoo
https://dev.epicgames.com/community/profile/bxvo/Yepkoo#learning