OGLE: The OpenGLExtractor

First noticed by gtoon over at Machinima.com forums the OGLE tool has opened a lot of possibilities.

OGLE: The OpenGLExtractor is a tool that lets you grab 3d data out of an OpenGL application and output it as models again. What does that mean? It means that someone with a 3d printer can get 3d statuettes of their Second Life character. They can send it off to be manufactured, if they like. It means that you can snag any 3d model you like out of someone else's game data, and insert it into your own 3d scene.

For an immediate idea of such possibilities check out this project brought to light by Fiezi where Theodore Watson is using this and Google Earth to create a machinima piece. Tres cool. As discussed on Raph Koster's blog, your milage may very depending on the complexity of the game models your trying to extract and if the game supports OpenGL at all. But hey, sure is an awesome start...