Didimo vs FaceGen

Didimo’s Popul8 is a paid tool for producing 3D game characters. It automates character creation, fitting garments and accessories across different shapes, and generating character variations. The system can create thousands of diverse, game-ready characters at scale. Popul8 Express exports assets to Unity and Unreal, while Enterprise also lists proprietary engines and Maya. Imported characters, garments, and animations are compatible with Maya, Blender, and other 3D software. Exports can be rigged and use FBX, glTF, Unity, or Unreal formats. Enterprise adds photo-to-3D, concept-art-to-3D, AI character generation, in-game character editors, and full client support. Express is positioned for indie and small teams; Enterprise targets large and mid-size studios. Express runs on Windows 10 or newer and macOS Monterey or newer, including M1 and M2 Macs. Access requires booking a demo and requesting software and a license file. Pricing is on request.

FaceGen creates 3D human faces from photos, 3D scan data or random generation. Its face controls cover more than 150 characteristics, including age, race, gender and caricature. Modeller includes over 110 morph targets, including Facial Action Coding System targets, and adjusts expressions and accessories for each face. It exports meshes in formats including DAE, FBX, 3DS, OBJ, XSI, WRL and STL, with optional expression morph targets. FaceGen Artist creates faces for Daz Studio Genesis meshes and lists support for Genesis 1, 2, 3, 8, 8.1 and 9. The software runs on Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11 with DirectX 11; macOS and Linux are unsupported. Modeller purchases are perpetual, one-time licenses for one concurrent user. Free demo editions are available. Paid plans include FaceGen Artist Pro at $100, paid once, Modeller Core at $300, paid once, Modeller Pro at $900, paid once and Modeller Enterprise at $2,900, paid once. Rendered images, video and physical sculptures may be distributed freely, while exported models retaining photo color details have restrictions.