Masterpiece Studio VR creative software is now available for free

A free version of Masterpiece Studio software, used for 3D modelling and animation, is now available. The programme, released in 2020 by a Canadian start-up of the same name, empowers you to create 3D animations, characters and props. Masterpiece Studio enables users to create 3D objects in virtual reality; the company claims this immersive environment allows for more intuitive creation.

This free version of Masterpiece Studio includes all features, enabling you to draw, sculpt, add texture, rig, skin and animate your models. You can then export your designs to renderers and game engines.

In return for the programme free of charge, the company asks customers to 'pay it forward' by allowing any exports you make to be shared in a public gallery. The free software also constrains you to non-commercial uses of your work only. The Pro version, a subscription-based service, permits you to own and monetize your creations as you wish and to export your designs privately.

To run the software, you will need to have at least the following hardware:

• Windows 10, 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 (not specified by the manufacturer)
• RAM: 16GB RAM
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580
• SSD/HDD: 4GB
• One of the following VR headsets: Oculus(Rift, Rift S, Quest 2 with link), HTC (Vive, Vive Pro, Pro Eye, Cosmos), Windows Mixed Reality (Acer, Dell Visor, Lenovo Explorer, HP Reverb, Samsung Odyssey), and Valve Index

The free version of the software is available to download from the company's website, via Steam or Viveport. Masterpiece Studio has said that this free license is there to support indie VR creators, stating

We're committed to making 3D content creation easy to use so that anyone can participate in creating the future.

Buy the Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset on Amazon