If there is a Maya 2013 next year in 2012…

...There are some features I would love to see:

1. Spline array - used for creating multiple models on a single spline or curve that could be animated itself, and lets the user choose whether the “source model” makes the specified array of the same (or modified, or in any way different) models to animate the same as the source model, randomly make animations based on the source models animations, or be “static”, or even let the user choose the order of animations for each model in the array, along with check boxes to not display certain animations, while playing the other animations, on each model in the array individually. Then, the user could also make different animations appear at different times by setting the start and end frames of each animation for each model in the array. A user specified density of how many models to include in the array could be good, as well as a distance spread, to make the models separated by a certain amount, also specified by the user.

2. Grid array - all the same features as the spline array, but it would be cool, for example, to click on a single model of a character, and another click of a button, and then that would produce a whole army of your model. 1 click of the grid array button could produce a single line of your models, in a column or row shape. You could specify a point of rotation of any of the created models in your grid array, so that they could have an easier time following a terrain, for example. It could also be used to make a 3d array of models with another click of the grid array button. That would be something like making a single Rubix Cube out of one cube in one step, but the user could use any model they make. The 3d array feature I wish for could be something like a tool that lets you make any amount of your models in 1, 2, or 3 dimensions.

3. Metaballs modeling features (blob modeling, in other words).

4. A feature for loading custom AVI animations as textures for entire models, and single faces on models. This could be usefull because loading lots of images frame by frame to make an animated texture, to me just does NOT feel like a good workflow, since it’s more time consuming.

Anyone know if these features are already in Maya 2011, or Maya 2012, or not?

Just so you know, I like Maya a lot, and in some ways I find it easier to do common 3d tasks than some free software like TrueSpace. Actually, Truespace does have model array features, but I want those features in Maya, since I use Maya for almost all of my modeling and short animations I make. I also don’t like Truespace as much as I did long ago. It’s just that it is hard to work with it, because it has 2 modeling and animation sides, called the “Workspace”, and “Modeler”. Switching between those sometimes causes problems for me. I only switch from one side to another in Truespace when there is a feature not included or not as well made on one side.

Thank you!