Importing problems

Problem:
Importing model and animation sequence using maya 2012 in to the Unreal Development Kit editor did not work, model imported correctly but the animation sequences were highly distorted. Below is an image that shows the walk cycle at frame 12 in the UDK and frame 12 in Maya.

Analysis of the problem:
Maya 2012 does not have the UDK actorX plugin that is available on previous maya versions for importing models and animation sequences to the UDK from maya.

1st attempt at soloution, install maya 2011, import model using .FBX file format and then import it in to UDK using the actorX plugin

This attempt was not successful as I am still having Problems getting the animation sequence to play correctly.

In order to illiminate any other potential problems with my character/ joints that may be causing this issue, I will create a simple block type character with 1 animation sequence of the legs moving in order to determine whether this is an issue with my joints in maya or the plugin/UDK end.

First animation test in UDK

initial issues, rotation of the character doesn't face the direction he is moving in





test video of robot walking:



Since this test was successful, it suggests that I have a problem with the joints/animation sequence on my original model, This was my first time rigging a skeleton in maya I imagine the problem was due to me being clumsy and moving joints around,changing their values, amongst other things that resulted from me not having previous experience. It played correctly when running in maya but causes problems in UDK. This could also have been a compatibility issue that originated from me exporting and importing a model between different versions of maya or me not checking the assume maya coordinates box, as maya uses Y for it's vertical axis. Regardless of which it was, I have remodelled my joints and redone my animation sequences in maya 2011 which has fixed the problem.

My new character:

animation test