[rp-ml] 3D Printing of Video Game Characters

From: Terry Wohlers (tw@wohlersassociates.com)
Date: Tue Dec 11 2007 - 17:46:59 EET


The idea has been discussed over the past few years and now it's a reality. Ed Fries, who led Microsoft's video game business, is rolling out FigurePrints (www.figureprints.com) today. The more than 9 million subscribers of World of Warcraft (WoW) can now order a 100-mm (4-inch) tall model of their personalized character from the online game. The models are manufactured on a 3D color printer from Z Corp. According to the article at the following link, Fries was inspired by an Electronic Arts' exhibit at the E3 show last year. The exhibit included 3D printed figures from EA's new Spore game.

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2007/12/ed_fries_gets_back_into_business_with_one-of-a-kind_world_of_warcraft_3-d_character_model_printing.html

Fries has partnered with Blizzard Entertainment, the makers of WoW. Blizzard is expected to promote the FigurePrints service inside the game. The cost: $100 plus $15 for shipping.

Due to demand and other factors, the service will not be rapid. Delivery will take 30-60 days from the time an order is placed. Even so, this exciting new application of additive fabrication (AF) will introduce 3D printing to millions of people. Until now, the estimated 2.3 million commercial CAD installations worldwide have been the source of data for 99 percent of the parts produced by AF technology.

Regards,

Terry

************
Terry Wohlers
Wohlers Associates, Inc.
OakRidge Business Park
1511 River Oak Drive
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 USA
970-225-0086
Fax 970-225-2027
tw@wohlersassociates.com
http://wohlersassociates.com



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