T-pose
In computer animation, a T-pose is a default posing for a humanoid 3D model's skeleton before it is animated.[1] It is called so because of its shape: the straight legs and arms of a humanoid model combine to form a capital letter T. When the arms are angled downwards, the pose is sometimes referred to as an A-pose instead. Likewise, if the arms are angled upward, it is called a Y-pose. Generic terms encompassing all these (especially for non-humanoid models) include bind pose, blind pose, and reference pose.
Usage
The T-pose is primarily used as the default armature pose for skeletal animation in 3D software, which is then manipulated to create animation. The purpose of the T-pose relates to the important elements of the body being axis-aligned, thereby making it easier to rig the model for animation, physics, and other controls. Depending on the exact geometry of the model, other poses such as the A-pose may be more suitable for vertex deformation around areas such as the shoulders.
Outside of being default poses in animation software, T-poses are typically used as placeholders for animation not yet completed, particularly in 3D animated video games.[2] In some motion capture software, a T-pose must be assumed by the actor in the motion capture suit before motion capturing can begin.[3] There are other poses used, but the T-pose is the most common one.
As an Internet meme
Starting in 2016 and resurfacing in 2017, the T-pose has become a widespread Internet meme due to its bizarre and somewhat comedic appearance, especially in video game glitches where a character's animation is unexpectedly supplanted by a T-pose.[4][5]
In a prerelease video of the game NBA Elite 11, the demo was filled with glitches, notably one unintentionally showing a T-pose in place of the proper animation for the model of player Andrew Bynum. The glitch later gained fame as the "Jesus Bynum glitch".[6][7] Publisher EA eventually cancelled the game as they found it unsatisfactory. A similar occurrence happened with Cyberpunk 2077.[8]
In the 2023 Formula One season, driver George Russell performed a T-pose in the opening credits of the series' TV broadcasts.[9] This quickly became a meme within the motorsports community. Russell repeated the pose after claiming pole position at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix[10] and winning the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix.[11]
See also
- Vitruvian Man, a diagram by Leonardo da Vinci with the figure of a man making a T and a jack
References
- ^ Autodesk. "T-pose - Maya LT 2018". Autodesk knowledge Network. Autodesk, Inc. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
- ^ Nelson, Xalavier Jr. (4 January 2019). "How developers create cinematics". PC Gamer. Future US, Inc. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
- ^ Stuart, S.C. "This $2,500 Suit Simplifies Motion Capture for Filmmakers". PCMag. Ziff Davis, LLC. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
- ^ Hathaway, Jay (15 May 2018). "How the 'T-pose' became a meme". The Daily Dot. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
- ^ "T-pose". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
- ^ "How A Big Video Game Was Killed". Kotaku.com. 2 December 2010. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
- ^ "Remember NBA Elite 11 & Jesus Bynum?". ballislife.com. Retrieved 2020-09-06.
- ^ Isaac, Mike; Browning, Kellen (December 19, 2020). "Cyberpunk 2077 Was Supposed to Be the Biggest Video Game of the Year. What Happened?". The New York Times. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
- ^ ""Memes Are Rolling In": George Russell Becomes the "Meme Material" as Fans Get Creative in the Latest F1 Challenge". EssentiallySports. 2023-03-04. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ "Russell amuses fans with intro pose to celebrate". GPblog.com. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
- ^ "2024 Austrian Grand Prix race report and highlights: Russell claims surprise win in Austria after Verstappen and Norris dramatically collide in battle for the lead | Formula 1®". Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
