New CG software you may have missed: 13 September 2026

The latest updates in computer graphics (CG) software showcase a range of new tools and enhancements that cater to various aspects of visual effects (VFX), animation, game art, and visualization. Among these updates is SwitchX 2, the latest iteration of Beeble’s video-to-video AI model, which has introduced significant improvements, including the ability to generate longer video sequences. This article will delve into the key updates from various software tools that may have slipped under the radar in recent weeks, providing creators and technologists with a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of CG software.

Notable Software Updates

In the realm of real-time lighting, HDR Light Studio has made strides by integrating support for the V-Ray renderer, enhancing its utility for visualization, motion graphics, and VFX work. As of now, there have been no changes to the pricing or system requirements since the previous version, HDR Light Studio 9.5.

Maverick Render, known for its GPU-accelerated production renderers, has also rolled out updates that include new denoiser modes. These enhancements were tested on an older NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 GPU, demonstrating the software's adaptability to various hardware setups. The new OptiX 9.1 denoiser and the OptiX DEN2x model, which combines denoising with 2x image upscaling, aim to improve interactive rendering speeds and final render efficiency, potentially making final outputs up to four times faster. Similar to HDR Light Studio, Maverick Render has not altered its pricing or system requirements since the release of Maverick Render 2026.2.

The open-source character rigging framework, mGear for Maya, has introduced Anim Picker 2.0, a complete rewrite of its animation picking tool. This new version incorporates vector (SVG) shapes, interactive widgets, viewport pins, conditional visibility, mirroring, and a heads-up display mode, enhancing the user experience for animators. As with the other tools, there have been no changes to the pricing or system requirements since mGear 5.3.

AI Tools in Focus

Among the most noteworthy advancements is Beeble's SwitchX 2.0, which has been described as a “breakthrough generative video capability” for VFX work. This model allows users to modify existing video footage rather than generating new content from scratch, enabling changes to lighting, backgrounds, props, or costumes while maintaining the integrity of the original subject. The new version lifts previous restrictions, allowing for the generation of up to 20 seconds of 4K, 10-bit video at a time. SwitchX operates through Beeble’s cloud app, which is accessible via standard web browsers and includes a suite of tools such as an AI compositor, relighting features, VFX pass generation, background removal, upscaling, and SDR-to-HDR conversion. Pricing for SwitchX is structured around a credit-based system, with creator subscriptions available for $19/month or $192/year, providing 540 credits monthly, while professional subscriptions are priced at $75/month or $720/year, offering 2,400 credits.

Another significant development is the introduction of AI 3D model generation in Chaos Cosmos, an online 3D asset library. This feature, currently in early beta, allows users to create a 3D model from a single reference image using third-party AI models, including Tencent’s HY 3D and Microsoft’s Trellis.2. The AI model generation is free to use during the beta phase and does not consume any Chaos Credits, making it an attractive option for creators looking to explore AI-driven design.

Why it matters

These updates reflect a growing trend in the CG industry toward integrating AI technologies into traditional workflows. For creators, the ability to modify existing video content with tools like SwitchX 2.0 opens up new avenues for creativity and efficiency, allowing for rapid iteration and experimentation without the need for extensive reshoots. Similarly, the advancements in rendering tools like Maverick Render and HDR Light Studio enhance the speed and quality of visual outputs, which is crucial in a competitive landscape where time and resources are often limited.

Moreover, the introduction of AI 3D model generation in Chaos Cosmos signifies a shift towards more accessible content creation. By enabling the generation of 3D models from simple images, this tool democratizes the process of asset creation, allowing artists and designers to focus more on their creative vision rather than the technical intricacies of modeling. As these tools continue to evolve, they will likely reshape the workflows of artists and technologists, fostering a more collaborative and innovative environment in the realm of digital content creation.

In conclusion, the recent updates to CG software not only enhance the capabilities of existing tools but also introduce new functionalities that leverage the power of AI. As creators and technologists adapt to these advancements, the potential for innovation in VFX, animation, and game art continues to expand, paving the way for more dynamic and engaging visual experiences.