University gets in the ring with Tyson

When Middlesbrough based computer games company Atomic Planet Entertainment asked the University’s Virtual Reality Centre for help with a problem they were having with Mike Tyson, no one knew what to expect. But there was no need for concern as the boxer wasn’t planning a University visit, instead Atomic Planet wanted to discuss how the University’s VR-company could help with the development of a new Playstation 2 and X-Box console game called Mike Tyson Heavyweight Boxing.

Atomic Planet wanted to utilise the high-tech motion-capture facilities based at the VR-Centre. They asked the centre's specialist mo-cap team, to create an accurate computer model of a heavy weight boxer including a full range of detailed body movements. In order to achieve this, the VR-team called on experienced boxer Jason Duffy to use as the starting point to create the movement to be viewed during the game.

Tim Dear, University of Teesside VR Business Director, said: "Our role in developing the Mike Tyson Heavyweight Boxing game was to record the movements of a real boxer using advanced Motion Capture technology. Jason Duffy was fitted with special light reflecting markers, like table tennis balls, at calculated points on his body. When tracked with specialist infra-red cameras, only the markers are recorded, not Jason. This provided the mo-cap team with a three-dimensional, fully moving computer skeleton of Jason Duffy carrying out various boxing moves such as uppercuts, hooks, walking around the ring and being knocked down. The moving computer skeleton was then passed over to Atomic Planet to be given the physical likeness of Mike Tyson."

Jason Falcus, Joint Managing Director of Atomic Planet Entertainment, said: "The motion capture framework was the starting point we needed to 'build' the various boxers who can be played during the game. Having known the VR team at the University of Teesside for some time now, I knew I could rely on them to carry out the motion capture to the highest standard.

"We were contracted to develop the game by publishers Codemasters, a major US firm which had the rights to use Mike Tyson's name and one of the things which persuaded them to appoint us was our contacts with the University's VR Centre. The game looks great and is selling really well. We've had lots of really positive feedback from people, including saying they can almost feel the punches, which I take as a huge compliment!"

The University of Teesside's VR-team have helped a number of businesses by providing imaginative solutions to various problems including complex virtual training systems for sub-sea vehicles, aviation, military operations and ground-breaking work for the heritage and visitor attractions sectors. For further information about commercial use of the Virtual Reality facilities, call 01642 384328

Atomic Planet Entertainment has been established since 2000 after brothers, and Joint-MD's, Jason and Darren Falcus formed the business in Middlesbrough. Employing over 30 people Atomic Planet has a worldwide reputation for excellence in computer games development. They can be contacted on 01642 871100.

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