Technology
Artist develops 3D modeling tool to improve natural Black hairstyles in games
A technical artist has built a new software tool to render textured hair, according to Wired.
The short version
- Technical artist Danielle Udogaranya created the Loc & Kinky Strand Generator Tool, a Blender add-on to simplify rendering textured Black hair.[Wired]
- Natural Black hairstyles have historically faced underrepresentation in video games because rendering software was primarily engineered for straight hair.[Wired]
- The software remains in development and is undergoing beta testing with patent-pending elements.[Wired]
Key facts
- Natural Black hairstyles have been historically underrepresented in video games, frequently defaulting to a recurring style known as Killmonger locs.[Wired]
- Textured hairstyles in digital gaming have traditionally relied on rendering code designed for straight hair.[Wired]
- Danielle Udogaranya developed the Loc & Kinky Strand Generator Tool as an add-on for the 3D creation software Blender.[Wired]
- The tool was inspired by a 2024 academic paper addressing geometric coding methods for coiled hair.[Wired]
- Dove and the Open Source Afro Hair Library previously introduced Code My Crown in 2023 to guide developers coding textured styles.[Wired]
What remains uncertain
- The software remains in development and beta testing, and elements of its technology are patent-pending.[Wired]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.