Make That USD (Universal Scene Description)
Alternate Title: One file format to rule them all...
Summary
USD stands for Universal Scene Description: a file format that standardizes the description of 3D modeling data across different software. Pixar open-sourced USD in 2016, leading to widespread industry adoption. The value of USD extends beyond file formatting to creating a unified toolset for working with 3D data, including tools for physics simulations, procedural mesh generation, and much more. Just make sure you know some basic Python.
Breakdown
USD is not just a file format but an ecosystem of open-source software.
USD includes a lightweight rendering engine called Hydra for viewing scenes.
A well-documented Python API allows for easy interfacing and creation of USD files.
Python scripts can generate complex meshes like spheres, cubes, and advanced procedural shapes.
USD's compartmentalized structure makes it ideal for AI-generated scenes.
Both Unity and Unreal support USD, but Godot does not yet have integration.
The future of USD in game development depends on community and industry support.