LightWave Digital previews LightWave 2025
LightWave Digital has previewed LightWave 2025, the next major version of the 3D animation and rendering software.
New features in the release, which is due out later this quarter, include new real-time preview rendering system RIPR, a new cel shading system, and updates to the character rigging toolset.
The third major release from LightWave’s new owners
LightWave 2025 will be the third major update to the software since late 2023.
It follows a three-year hiatus during which development was suspended by previous owner Vizrt, which acquired NewTek, LightWave’s long-time developer, in 2019.
The software’s current owner, LightWave Digital, is a start-up whose management team comprises people who were closely involved with the software in its NewTek days, including former NewTek staff, plus key add-on developers and LightWave users.
LightWave 2025: new procedural modeling, character rigging and rendering features
LightWave 2025 features new tools for procedural modeling and both preview and final-quality rendering, and updates to the Rhiggit character rigging system added in LightWave 2024.
Details can change during feature development, so we’ll update this story once LightWave 2025 is released, but this is the summary that LightWave Digital sent to users last week:
- RIPR
A real-time preview system designed for HDR-illuminated pre-visualisation. Seamlessly switch between VPR, RIPR, and GL previews without breaking your creative flow. - Steppit, Handdit & Pickkit
Three powerful tools integrated into Rhiggit to help you bring characters to life more quickly than ever. Featuring automated walk cycles (with key framing), intuitive hand animation, and a streamlined joint selection system. - LW Construct
An instantaneous generator of stairways, bookshelves and decks with an intuitive user interface. Quickly create indoor or outdoor stairs, change the spindles, adjust the landing size and handrails, all with a click. - Cel Shader
A post shading tool (visible in VPR) that offers impressive control over object and surface-based shading for a stunning stylised finish.
For more details, you can find a recording of last week’s preview livestream on YouTube and a longer list of features announced during the previews on the LightWave Discord server.
Price, system requirements and release date
LightWave 2025 is due out in “Q1 2025”. It is currently available to pre-order.
The current stable release, LightWave 2024.1, is compatible with Windows 10+ and macOS 10.15+ (macOS 11.0+ for Apple Silicon Macs, and macOS 13.3+ to use the Octane renderer).
New licenses cost £795 (around $980).
Read an overview of the latest features in LightWave on the product website
(No details of LightWave 2025 at the time of writing)
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