Monster Ball

Looks like the monsters are having a great Halloween party! 
Happy Halloween!

Freebies:

Industrial Goth Stage - https://www.deviantart.com/mcasual/art/The-Free-mcjIndustrialGothStage-Prop-is-online-857037106

AllenArt Jewelry Shaders - https://sharecg.com/v/95893/favorite/21/DAZ-Studio/Iray-Jewelry-Shaders

Autumn Hockey HDRI - Autumn Hockey HDRI - https://hdrihaven.com/hdri/?c=nature&h=autumn_hockey

Yeti - http://www.threednd.com/yeti.html

Thri-Keen - http://www.threednd.com/thri-kreen.html

Goblin - https://sharecg.com/v/26101/favorite/11/Poser/Goblin

Venus Man-Trap -  https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/plant-monster-venus-man-trap-/72739

Chameleon ROse 2 for G8F - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/chameleon-rose2-for-genesis-8-female/85859

High Front Skirt Dress - https://www.wilmapsdigitalcreations.co.uk/view_product.php?id=472 

Lace Choker - https://www.most-digital-creations.com/g8f_lace_choker.htm 

Pretty Look (Shoes and Stockings) - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/pretty-look-for-genesis-8-female-s-/83823

Tifa FF7 (Hair, Earrings) - https://www.deviantart.com/checkertoo/art/Freebie-Tifa-For-G8F-DL-847909854

Vampire Teeth G8M - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/vampire-teeth-for-g8m/79102

G8M Strong Shape - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/strong-for-g8m-character-morph-amp-pose/82833

Vampire G8 (Skin) - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/bloody-vampires/83774

Charming for G8M - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/charming-for-g8m/83939

Mr. Gibbs Set (Shoes) - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/dazstudio-iray-mister-gibbs-clothing-set-g8male/85450

V DMC5 Hair G8M - https://www.renderhub.com/intheflesh/v-dmc5-hair-for-genesis-8-male

Wonder Woman Cape (Used on Vampire G8M) - https://sharecg.com/v/95602/favorite/21/DAZ-Studio/WONDER-WOMAN-dFORCE-CAPE-AND-SKIRT-FOR-G8F-G3F

WTP Shaders - https://sharecg.com/v/86001/favorite/7/Material-and-Shader/WTP2-Will-Timmins-Perlin-Shaders-for-Iray and https://sharecg.com/v/87095/favorite/7/Material-and-Shader/WTP3-Will-Timmins-Procedural-Shaders-for-Iray

G3F G8F Pose Adjust Script (Used on both genders) - https://sharecg.com/v/88527/favorite/21/DAZ-Studio/G3F-G8F-pose-adjust-script

Daz Studio Posing Scripts (Mirror Pose Script) - https://sharecg.com/v/76667/favorite/8/Script/Updated-Daz-Studio-Posing-Scripts-now-for-G3F

Paid:

Rama Drums - https://www.daz3d.com/rama-drums

The Monster Bride HD for Genesis 8 Female(s) - https://www.daz3d.com/the-monster-bride-hd-for-genesis-8-females

The Monster HD for Genesis 8 Male - https://www.daz3d.com/the-monster-hd-for-genesis-8-male

Enchanted Dance Poses for Michael 7 and Victoria 7 - https://www.daz3d.com/enchanted-dance-poses-for-michael-7-and-victoria-7

I tweaked some materials, the light and the poses, and made the poses for the Bigfoot and Yeti. Set up and rendered within Daz Studio Iray.  Postwork done in Pixelmator, mainly color and light correction and watermark.  I’ve attached before post (the one that says Render) and finished image files.

Finally finished mine!

Monster Ball

Looks like the monsters are having a great Halloween party! 
Happy Halloween!

Freebies:

Industrial Goth Stage - https://www.deviantart.com/mcasual/art/The-Free-mcjIndustrialGothStage-Prop-is-online-857037106

AllenArt Jewelry Shaders - https://sharecg.com/v/95893/favorite/21/DAZ-Studio/Iray-Jewelry-Shaders

Autumn Hockey HDRI - Autumn Hockey HDRI - https://hdrihaven.com/hdri/?c=nature&h=autumn_hockey

Yeti - http://www.threednd.com/yeti.html

Thri-Keen - http://www.threednd.com/thri-kreen.html

Goblin - https://sharecg.com/v/26101/favorite/11/Poser/Goblin

Venus Man-Trap -  https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/plant-monster-venus-man-trap-/72739

Chameleon ROse 2 for G8F - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/chameleon-rose2-for-genesis-8-female/85859

High Front Skirt Dress - https://www.wilmapsdigitalcreations.co.uk/view_product.php?id=472 

Lace Choker - https://www.most-digital-creations.com/g8f_lace_choker.htm 

Pretty Look (Shoes and Stockings) - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/pretty-look-for-genesis-8-female-s-/83823

Tifa FF7 (Hair, Earrings) - https://www.deviantart.com/checkertoo/art/Freebie-Tifa-For-G8F-DL-847909854

Vampire Teeth G8M - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/vampire-teeth-for-g8m/79102

G8M Strong Shape - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/strong-for-g8m-character-morph-amp-pose/82833

Vampire G8 (Skin) - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/bloody-vampires/83774

Charming for G8M - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/charming-for-g8m/83939

Mr. Gibbs Set (Shoes) - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/dazstudio-iray-mister-gibbs-clothing-set-g8male/85450

V DMC5 Hair G8M - https://www.renderhub.com/intheflesh/v-dmc5-hair-for-genesis-8-male

Wonder Woman Cape (Used on Vampire G8M) - https://sharecg.com/v/95602/favorite/21/DAZ-Studio/WONDER-WOMAN-dFORCE-CAPE-AND-SKIRT-FOR-G8F-G3F

WTP Shaders - https://sharecg.com/v/86001/favorite/7/Material-and-Shader/WTP2-Will-Timmins-Perlin-Shaders-for-Iray and https://sharecg.com/v/87095/favorite/7/Material-and-Shader/WTP3-Will-Timmins-Procedural-Shaders-for-Iray

G3F G8F Pose Adjust Script (Used on both genders) - https://sharecg.com/v/88527/favorite/21/DAZ-Studio/G3F-G8F-pose-adjust-script

Daz Studio Posing Scripts (Mirror Pose Script) - https://sharecg.com/v/76667/favorite/8/Script/Updated-Daz-Studio-Posing-Scripts-now-for-G3F

 

Paid:

Rama Drums - https://www.daz3d.com/rama-drums

The Monster Bride HD for Genesis 8 Female(s) - https://www.daz3d.com/the-monster-bride-hd-for-genesis-8-females

The Monster HD for Genesis 8 Male - https://www.daz3d.com/the-monster-hd-for-genesis-8-male

Enchanted Dance Poses for Michael 7 and Victoria 7 - https://www.daz3d.com/enchanted-dance-poses-for-michael-7-and-victoria-7

 

I tweaked some materials, the light and the poses, and made the poses for the Bigfoot and Yeti. Set up and rendered within Daz Studio Iray.  Postwork done in Pixelmator, mainly color and light correction and watermark.  I’ve attached before post (the one that says Render) and finished image files.

All The Links Check Out Plz Post To The Entries Thread Now

I'm pretty sure that, however many morphs you add, DAZ clothes are going to have to stay in the computer rather than be taken out into the real world.

Some (maybe all) of the stuff you're asking for is out there. For example, Hongyu's Shirt for Victoria 7 can be unbuttoned and opened, Jeanz for Genesis 3 can be unbuttoned and unzipped. I agree that it would be good if more vendors did this.

I think it's very unlikely that anyone will find a way of transferring morphs between clothing, but there is Fit Control, which can be applied to any clothing and has some undressing-y morphs.

Just found out about this contest, so here's my attempt.

Undead Priestess

Freebies

Floral Dress: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/floral-dress/84293
Rose's Egyptian Goddess V4/S4: https://www.sharecg.com/v/50475/related/11/Poser/Roses-Egyptian-Goddess-V4-S4
Harem of the Snake King: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/harem-of-the-serpent-king/83089
Ghoul: https://web.archive.org/web/20130515131649/http://rendercandy.com/product_info.php/cPath/25/products_id/57
Skull: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/human-skull/57282
Kelp hair v4: https://www.daz3d.com/seafolk-kelphair-for-v4-a4-m4-and-h4
Shaders Revisited - Metallic grunge shaders for DAZ Studio (Daz Biweekly Freebie): https://www.daz3d.com/shaders-revisited-metallic-grunge-shaders-for-daz-studio
BWC Ghostly Poses for Victoria 6 (Daz Biweekly Freebie): https://www.daz3d.com/bwc-ghostly-poses-for-victoria-6
Rose's Willow Expansion (shoes on the priestess, you can barely see them): https://sharecg.com/v/53521/gallery/11/Poser/Roses-Willow-Expansion
Side Swept ROse Hair (G3F , G8F) Part 1&2: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/side-swept-rose-hair-g3f-g8f-part-1/79533
https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/side-swept-rose-hair-g3f-g8f-part-2/79534

No Count
V4, Genesis 2 Female, Genesis Starter Essentials, emissive shaders all manually done, some postwork to add some glow (pre-work is marked 'Original')

Purchased
Victoria 4.2 Creature Creator Morphs: https://www.daz3d.com/victoria-4-2-creature-creator-morphs

Hi

I have removed around 1500 files I didn't need some were from renderosity and some from daz

If you have installed them from DIM then I used wild cards to find them

Ie in the search type say "Victoria" and you should see most of those check through them as some you might not wish to remove

here are some of the wild cards i used

v2

v3

v4

v5

v6

v7

v8

micheal

david

victoria

genesis

genesis 2

genesis 3

legacy

Come on everybody!

This image has been resized to fit in the page. Click to enlarge.

Purchased Items:

Daemonessa SSS | 3D Models and 3D Software by Daz 3D

Old Bakery | 3D Models and 3D Software by Daz 3D

Almirena Dress | 3D Models and 3D Software by Daz 3D

Almirena Dress Textures | 3D Models and 3D Software by Daz 3D

Troll | 3D Models and 3D Software by Daz 3D

No count:

Victoria 4

Freebies:

The Witchhat

Cheshire Cat *Exclusive* - FREE! : Fantasies Realm Market

Vorta Hair - Poser - ShareCG

Chocolate Cups - DAZ Studio - ShareCG

 Painted Teapot - DAZ Studio - ShareCG

NDBrownies&Cookies - DAZ Studio - ShareCG

Jacko'

[FREEBIE] Little Dyvil updated - Aery Soul

RenderCandy - Ghoul

RenderCandy - Kiko

Second Sid

!UG

EvilInnocence - Am BabyT for V4 | EvilInnocence.com

Valens Hair For V4/A4 - DAZ Studio - ShareCG

http://aprilsvanity.com/shop/free-items/caleb-update.html

Finally finished mine!

Monster Ball

Looks like the monsters are having a great Halloween party! 
Happy Halloween!

Freebies:

Industrial Goth Stage - https://www.deviantart.com/mcasual/art/The-Free-mcjIndustrialGothStage-Prop-is-online-857037106

AllenArt Jewelry Shaders - https://sharecg.com/v/95893/favorite/21/DAZ-Studio/Iray-Jewelry-Shaders

Autumn Hockey HDRI - Autumn Hockey HDRI - https://hdrihaven.com/hdri/?c=nature&h=autumn_hockey

Yeti - http://www.threednd.com/yeti.html

Thri-Keen - http://www.threednd.com/thri-kreen.html

Goblin - https://sharecg.com/v/26101/favorite/11/Poser/Goblin

Venus Man-Trap -  https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/plant-monster-venus-man-trap-/72739

Chameleon ROse 2 for G8F - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/chameleon-rose2-for-genesis-8-female/85859

High Front Skirt Dress - https://www.wilmapsdigitalcreations.co.uk/view_product.php?id=472 

Lace Choker - https://www.most-digital-creations.com/g8f_lace_choker.htm 

Pretty Look (Shoes and Stockings) - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/pretty-look-for-genesis-8-female-s-/83823

Tifa FF7 (Hair, Earrings) - https://www.deviantart.com/checkertoo/art/Freebie-Tifa-For-G8F-DL-847909854

Vampire Teeth G8M - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/vampire-teeth-for-g8m/79102

G8M Strong Shape - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/strong-for-g8m-character-morph-amp-pose/82833

Vampire G8 (Skin) - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/bloody-vampires/83774

Charming for G8M - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/charming-for-g8m/83939

Mr. Gibbs Set (Shoes) - https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/dazstudio-iray-mister-gibbs-clothing-set-g8male/85450

V DMC5 Hair G8M - https://www.renderhub.com/intheflesh/v-dmc5-hair-for-genesis-8-male

Wonder Woman Cape (Used on Vampire G8M) - https://sharecg.com/v/95602/favorite/21/DAZ-Studio/WONDER-WOMAN-dFORCE-CAPE-AND-SKIRT-FOR-G8F-G3F

WTP Shaders - https://sharecg.com/v/86001/favorite/7/Material-and-Shader/WTP2-Will-Timmins-Perlin-Shaders-for-Iray and https://sharecg.com/v/87095/favorite/7/Material-and-Shader/WTP3-Will-Timmins-Procedural-Shaders-for-Iray

G3F G8F Pose Adjust Script (Used on both genders) - https://sharecg.com/v/88527/favorite/21/DAZ-Studio/G3F-G8F-pose-adjust-script

Daz Studio Posing Scripts (Mirror Pose Script) - https://sharecg.com/v/76667/favorite/8/Script/Updated-Daz-Studio-Posing-Scripts-now-for-G3F

Paid:

Rama Drums - https://www.daz3d.com/rama-drums

The Monster Bride HD for Genesis 8 Female(s) - https://www.daz3d.com/the-monster-bride-hd-for-genesis-8-females

The Monster HD for Genesis 8 Male - https://www.daz3d.com/the-monster-hd-for-genesis-8-male

Enchanted Dance Poses for Michael 7 and Victoria 7 - https://www.daz3d.com/enchanted-dance-poses-for-michael-7-and-victoria-7

I tweaked some materials, the light and the poses, and made the poses for the Bigfoot and Yeti. Set up and rendered within Daz Studio Iray.  Postwork done in Pixelmator, mainly color and light correction and watermark.  I’ve attached before post (the one that says Render) and finished image files.

One thing that I did find interesting was a case recently in which I looked at some artwork from the era of Victoria 4, presumably before IRAY. Looking at things people did from that time that looked really good, and in my opinion better than a lot of the stuff being produced now, I found it very impressive that they were able to do it with the tools available then. Of course I don't know what those tools were, and I may be incorrectly assuming it was 3Delight or Firefly when they might have had access to something much more expensive.

Title: "... and her voice, soft and airy as maggot-infested silk."

Rendered in DAZ Studio, no post work.

Freebies:

1) HDRI by Greg Zaal & HDRI Haven: https://hdrihaven.com/hdri/?c=indoor&h=georgentor

2) Cellar by Summoner: https://fantasiesrealm.com/market/Designers/Summoner/Cellar-Exclusive?cPath=449&;

3) Skeleton by Mortem Vetus: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/second-sid/84772

4) Head Morph by TritiumCG: https://www.deviantart.com/tritiumcg/art/Rila-Fukushima-Head-Morph-for-G8F-832636705

5) Hair by Mark003: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/punk-gaga-hair/60694

6) Blouse and Bow by Yomiuri: https://sharecg.com/v/94694/gallery/21/DAZ-Studio/Blazer-Uniform-Set-for-G8F

7) Skirt by DigiDotz: http://www.digi-dotz.com/index.php/free-poses/daz-clothes/233-free-pleated-skirt-for-daz-g8f

8) Boots by Headkase & Varsel: https://www.sharecg.com/v/56443/browse/11/Poser/Bossy-Boots-2.0-for-GENESIS

Purchased:
1) Raysee Doll
2) Legacy UVs for G8F: V4
3) Iray Converter for Generation 4

No Count:
- G8F Body Morphs
- The stockings are a geoshell and a texture I found via image search

Edit (05.NOV): uploaded the image as an attachment because the gallery is unreliable right now.

 

Title: "... and her voice, soft and airy as maggot-infested silk."

Rendered in DAZ Studio, no post work.

Freebies:

1) HDRI by Greg Zaal & HDRI Haven: https://hdrihaven.com/hdri/?c=indoor&h=georgentor

2) Cellar by Summoner: https://fantasiesrealm.com/market/Designers/Summoner/Cellar-Exclusive?cPath=449&;

3) Skeleton by Mortem Vetus: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/second-sid/84772

4) Head Morph by TritiumCG: https://www.deviantart.com/tritiumcg/art/Rila-Fukushima-Head-Morph-for-G8F-832636705

5) Hair by Mark003: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/punk-gaga-hair/60694

6) Blouse and Bow by Yomiuri: https://sharecg.com/v/94694/gallery/21/DAZ-Studio/Blazer-Uniform-Set-for-G8F

7) Skirt by DigiDotz: http://www.digi-dotz.com/index.php/free-poses/daz-clothes/233-free-pleated-skirt-for-daz-g8f

8) Boots by Headkase & Varsel: https://www.sharecg.com/v/56443/browse/11/Poser/Bossy-Boots-2.0-for-GENESIS

 

Purchased:
1) Raysee Doll
2) Legacy UVs for G8F: V4
3) Iray Converter for Generation 4

 

No Count:
- G8F Body Morphs
- The stockings are a geoshell and a texture I found via image search

All The Links Check Out Plz Post To The Entries Thread Now

Come on everybody!

Purchased Items:

Daemonessa SSS | 3D Models and 3D Software by Daz 3D

Old Bakery | 3D Models and 3D Software by Daz 3D

Almirena Dress | 3D Models and 3D Software by Daz 3D

Almirena Dress Textures | 3D Models and 3D Software by Daz 3D

Troll | 3D Models and 3D Software by Daz 3D

 

No count:

Victoria 4

 

Freebies:

The Witchhat

Cheshire Cat *Exclusive* - FREE! : Fantasies Realm Market

Vorta Hair - Poser - ShareCG

Chocolate Cups - DAZ Studio - ShareCG

 Painted Teapot - DAZ Studio - ShareCG

NDBrownies&Cookies - DAZ Studio - ShareCG

Jacko'

[FREEBIE] Little Dyvil updated - Aery Soul

RenderCandy - Ghoul

RenderCandy - Kiko

Second Sid

!UG

EvilInnocence - Am BabyT for V4 | EvilInnocence.com

Valens Hair For V4/A4 - DAZ Studio - ShareCG

http://aprilsvanity.com/shop/free-items/caleb-update.html

 

 

 

All The Links Check Out Plz Post To The Entries Thread Now

Title: "... and her voice, soft and airy as maggot-infested silk."

Rendered in DAZ Studio, no post work.

Freebies:

1) HDRI by Greg Zaal & HDRI Haven: https://hdrihaven.com/hdri/?c=indoor&h=georgentor

2) Cellar by Summoner: https://fantasiesrealm.com/market/Designers/Summoner/Cellar-Exclusive?cPath=449&;

3) Skeleton by Mortem Vetus: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/second-sid/84772

4) Head Morph by TritiumCG: https://www.deviantart.com/tritiumcg/art/Rila-Fukushima-Head-Morph-for-G8F-832636705

5) Hair by Mark003: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/punk-gaga-hair/60694

6) Blouse and Bow by Yomiuri: https://sharecg.com/v/94694/gallery/21/DAZ-Studio/Blazer-Uniform-Set-for-G8F

7) Skirt by DigiDotz: http://www.digi-dotz.com/index.php/free-poses/daz-clothes/233-free-pleated-skirt-for-daz-g8f

8) Boots by Headkase & Varsel: https://www.sharecg.com/v/56443/browse/11/Poser/Bossy-Boots-2.0-for-GENESIS

Purchased:
1) Raysee Doll
2) Legacy UVs for G8F: V4
3) Iray Converter for Generation 4

No Count:
- G8F Body Morphs
- The stockings are a geoshell and a texture I found via image search

What do you mean by "texture map (or UV or whatever they call it) had been completely changed to make it incompatible with everything before it"? Genesis could use the fourth fgeneration Daz figures' maps (Victoria 4, Michael 4, Kids 4) out of the box. Genesis 3 changed the way the surfaces were split into groups, which meant they couldn't simply reapply the older maps with a new set of UVs but it didn't break any compatibility at the application level.

The thing about the surfaces being grouped differently is what I was talking about, and also what spawned my speculation about how the new Genesis figure might comnbine the arm and foot texture for no reason. I wasn't sure which Genesis version it started with but I figured any Genesis version before G8 would count as an earlier Genesis version. I do remember somebody saying there was some practical reason for the rearrangement of the textures. But I've always felt backwards compatibility would have been more desirable.

Also note that a G& is what you get if you want to type G7, hold down the shift key and type G, and manage to type a 7 before you release the shift key.

It was quite a rollercoaster ride but I've managed to convert Lady Noir v2 from V4.2 to a G3F morph. The Genesis version is very, very close to the V4.2 original. I have adjusted the size and placement of her ears and made her nose slightly less tilted up. The rar file has the head morph only. No textures.

Please read the ReadMe.txt as it contains installation instructions.

A texture map makes a huge difference as you can see on the attached rendering of LN2 in G3F mode. I have used Victoria 7 Face 05 with the dark brown eye texture and it is a completely different face! Still very pretty, I think. :)

Clothing is Business Suit for G3F and I've used Yvette Hair for a more retro look (hair scarf switched off). All available from the DAZ3D store.

As this is my take on an iconic Noir character (Rachael from BR) so non-commercial use only.

Enjoy!

AOBB

Edit:  I have just noticed that LN2's for G3F eyes still don't close completely. I don't know how to fix that.

These are great!  I have several of her characters that I am wanting to transfer as well.  I am not quite sure about how you are doing the materials tho ...  what is texture transformer?

Thank you!

I can't remember if I can link to Rendo on these forums, but it's there if you search for it. You'd also need the Female Add-on pack. If you want to transfer V4 textures, you'd have to get the V4 add-on pack as well.

You don't absolutely have to have them if you're willing to work with the Legacy UV series. For these Raiya V6 characters, you'd need: https://www.daz3d.com/legacy-uvs-for-genesis-8-victoria-6. If you plan on using Altern8 or even Anagenessis, I think you have to apply the same settings to the geograph portions.

I prefer Texture Transformer because I can use other G8 products if need be, and it's just easier for me to mess with the skin settings. I apply Altern8 and then make more adjustments from there, trying to match their skin tone a little closer to the original figures.

be interesting to update if you get it - as they weren’t supposed to be in the section and reverted where the “error” was fixed. 

Same thing happened to me with the PC Price for a Day items. My cart was showing $24.86 all day, with "SY Victoria 4 and Michael 4 Clones for Genesis 8", "SY dForce Roman Clothing Pack Genesis 8 Male", and "SY Hat and Hair Helper Genesis 8" all still showing at the PC for a Day price, but when I went to check out, the total was $97.93 because these items had changed to $29.95, $27.95 and $19.95 respectively. I went ahead and bought the whole cart anyway and then submitted a ticket requesting store credit for the difference in price.

 

Here is the update: On Sunday evening I did submit a ticket for the difference in price (I had attached screen shots of my cart with the original sale prices and then the prices when I went to checkout) and was informed that I would receive the $73.07 as store credit. So they did honor that PC+ for a Day price for those items, even if it was some kind of a mistake.  Unfortunately the store credit has still not shown up in my account, but I am sure this will happen soon.

The reason I mentioned lack of interopability as a factor was, I remember when earlier Genesis figures came out and, along with weight maps, people were saying the texture map (or UV or whatever they call it) had been completely changed to make it incompatible with everything before it. And there were people who seemed to think G8 wasn't necessarily an upgrade from G&, which would suggest generating sales might be a higher priority than creating a better product.

What do you mean by "texture map (or UV or whatever they call it) had been completely changed to make it incompatible with everything before it"? Genesis could use the fourth fgeneration Daz figures' maps (Victoria 4, Michael 4, Kids 4) out of the box. Genesis 3 changed the way the surfaces were split into groups, which meant they couldn't simply reapply the older maps with a new set of UVs but it didn't break any compatibility at the application level.

I think if this GAN thing were to be used, it wouldn't require a new figure. It would just have to be good at applying settings to whatever is in the scene. One good starting point would be facial expressions. If you set a facial expression, one half of the GAN could adjust every facial feature to be something other than default but still fit that expression (or lack of expression without looking dead) and the other half of the GAN could decide whether the expression fits the description or needs to be regenerated. But it would depend on there being good expressions in the first place so the AI could learn from it, and they'd have to be available to the AI. But that would depend on people, who are really good at this, sharing their settings. And maybe it's just me but it seems like a lot of them don't like to do that.

First, DAZ's main strength is humans. Photorealism in today's 3D world regarding humans is more or less producing results that fool the human eye, the sort of digital humans where the average viewer cannot distinguish between render and photo.

While I don't doubt DAZ can achieve moving their platform there, I think they will compromise here more or less because this interferes with some points where they are really good at. Today's digital humans, that kind of hyper realistic models, have an awful amounts of details, this is essential to what makes them look so realistic. The assets of various digital human scans, the amount of details you see on pro artist sculpts, demonstrate this.

This can all be done using DAZ figures and DS, too. The conversion of Underbelly kind if shows this. But not all DAZ figures, and certainly not their flagship line of Victoria and Michael, will move to that direction.

DAZ does very well with bringing 3D Art to people who just want to click and render. You don't have to model, texture, setup shader networks and materials and don't even have to study lighting setups and you can create 3D Art. Of course, your renders won't look as good as when you go deeper into these topics but DAZ provides excellent products when you just want to create renders made with pre-made assets. In a way DAZ has brought simplicity to the world of rendering 3D humans accessible to a broad range of audiences. This leaves particular restraints for people who don't want or don't need it do easy, especially regarding functionality of DAZ Studio.

One of DAZ's strongest features is the level of customization. Although DAZ largely expanded their line of core figures many characters are still intended as bases, to an extent, in particular Victoria and Michael. DAZ has always focused on the aspect that users can create their own characters and combine maps and morphs as they see fit to create their own versions of the Genesis figures, all with pre-made assets, and they are successful with this. Even their HD morphs are interchangeable to a certain extent. This brings automatically the aspect that characters that allow for customization cannot have too many details - unique maps and shapes are more difficult to adapt to characters with different features. Given that artists have managed to create characters of different ethnicity than Victoria and Michael in their base versions this shows they are versatile enough as bases but also, that they lack specific detail to make them more customizable.

Now DAZ can combine both to an extent - release dome highly unique characters that have more details but are not customizable, and also release more generic characters that make good bases - they already this this, Underbelly is an example of that. Financially I don't know in what ratio this is most profitable for them, whether it's 1 to 1 or 20 to 1 ...

I think future DAZ releases will move closer to photorealism in a sense that we will see certain characters that are more realistic and have more details and more advanced shaders. But I also don't think that means per se G9 as a whole will become more realistic in a sense that you load up Victoria 9 and she looks like a sister of digital Emily.

The DAZ Originals shapes in the Body Morphs packs, like Emaciated, Portly, Pear-Shape, Bodybuilder, etc. Also, Michael 8 and Victoria 8.

You should check clothing in the store and see what else they list and what you happen to have. Personally, I like the "Expand All" or individual adjustment in certain areas, such as the sleeves, legs, waist, for other random/custom character shapes.