4. Will the characters also be in 3D or live-action like previous Myst games?

In order to seamlessly integrate the characters into our real-time 3D environments we decided early on to create them as 3D models instead of using live-action video. To this end, we used a technique we call "face-mapping", a process by which video captured sequences are "mapped" onto the characters faces thus providing more realistic character expression and emotion than we could have achieved otherwise. In addition, because the characters are physically in the environment, they can affect and be affected by that environment. For example, they are dynamically lit by the lights in the scene and also cast and receive shadows. To further enhance the realism of the characters we utilized cloth simulation techniques to make their clothing drape and flow realistically when the characters move.