MotionBuilder 2025 review: the addition of Pixar's USD is a game-changer

What's new in the leading game art animation software?

Motionbuilder 2025 review; a mech stands in a field
(Image: © Josh McCann / Autodesk)

Our Verdict

More minor than major as far as updates go, but the adoption of USD is a big leap for cementing MotionBuilder into broader pipelines. It also says Autodesk wants to make the software work for artists, which is promising.

For

  • Adoption of USD
  • Fast workflow
  • Dedicated tools

Against

  • Only one new feature
  • Lacks features of Maya

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Motionbuilder 2025 details

Price $2,145 / £1,725 annual 
Company Autodesk
New features USD Plug-in for MotionBuilder, it is now possible to lock a Global/Take time mark, new shortcut keys to change current take, ability to 'Delete' key is now supported in the Navigator

Recent years have seen creative heavyweight Autodesk focus its development efforts on a few products, including 3ds Max 2025 and Maya 2025, to the detriment of its other applications such as MotionBuilder, its 3D character animation toolset, and Mudbox.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

The Verdict
7

out of 10

MotionBuilder 2025 review: the addition of Pixar's USD is a game-changer

More minor than major as far as updates go, but the adoption of USD is a big leap for cementing MotionBuilder into broader pipelines. It also says Autodesk wants to make the software work for artists, which is promising.

Paul Hatton
Writer

Paul is a digital expert. In the 20 years since he graduated with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science, Paul has been actively involved in a variety of different tech and creative industries that make him the go-to guy for reviews, opinion pieces, and featured articles. With a particular love of all things visual, including photography, videography, and 3D visualisation Paul is never far from a camera or other piece of tech that gets his creative juices going. You'll also find his writing in other places, including Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World, and 3D World Magazine. 

TOPICS