In traditional 3D modeling, two spheres placed close together remain two separate spheres. In a metaball system, they merge into a peanut shape. When they overlap completely, they become one perfect blob. This is governed by a mathematical threshold.
is therefore the practice of generating, manipulating, and simulating volumetric, blob-like organic meshes in real-time, inside a virtual reality environment. Unlike traditional polygons (which are hollow shells), BlobCG utilizes voxels or signed distance fields (SDFs) to create objects that are solid all the way through and can fuse with one another spontaneously.
First, (presented at SIGGRAPH 2024) promises to make BlobCG rendering 3x faster using AI-predicted isosurfaces. Second, Meta's "Oculus Goo" patent (filed Jan 2024) describes a system where hand tracking directly displaces a volumetric blob fluid. No controllers needed—just your fingers parting digital honey.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of virtual reality, we have seen a shift from rigid, polygonal worlds toward organic, living environments. We’ve had VR painting (Tilt Brush), VR sculpting (Medium), and VR social platforms (VRChat). But a new, squishy contender is emerging from research labs and indie game jam basements: .
