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mGear Framework
What it is
mGear Framework is a free, open-source rigging and animation framework for Autodesk Maya, aimed at character production for games and animation. Its Maya tools include the modular Shifter rigging system, Anim Picker, RBF Manager, and Python libraries for developing or extending tools. Release 5.3.5 lists compatibility with Maya 2022 through 2027, with downloads provided through GitHub releases. The framework supports scripting and FBX export. For Unreal Engine workflows, the companion ueGear links Maya and Unreal through automated rigging, asset synchronization, animation transfer, Control Rig generation, and camera data exchange. The maker also describes integration with Unity pipelines. mGear and ueGear use the MIT license, and rigs made with mGear may be sold and distributed. Community forum support, bug reports, and feedback are free. mcsGear separately offers premium support, consulting, custom rig development, pipeline work, and training for studios.
For and against
For
- Free and open-source under the MIT license
- Modular Shifter rigging system for Maya
- Python libraries support tool development
- ueGear connects Maya and Unreal workflows
- Rigs may be sold and distributed
Against
- Designed around Autodesk Maya workflows
- Premium support has a six-month minimum
- Unreal integration uses the separate ueGear bridge
The verdict
mGear provides a broad Maya rigging toolkit with an open license and production-oriented integrations. Studios needing tailored help can use mcsGear’s separately offered support and services.
Who it suits
mGear suits animation and game studios working across film, real-time, and game production. It is intended for teams using Maya with Unreal or Unity pipelines.
Plans and prices
mGear Framework
Free and open-source · MIT license
Read 30 Sep 2026 · mgear-framework.com
On the record
- Compatibility
- The mGear 5.3.5 release lists compatibility with Maya 2022 through 2027.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Download
- The maker links to the mGear GitHub releases page for downloads; the latest listed release is mGear 5.3.5.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes mGear and ueGear as tools for animation and game studios, supporting film, game, real-time, and animation workflows.mgear-framework.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- License
- mGear and ueGear are free and open-source under the MIT license, and users may sell and distribute rigs made with mGear.mgear-framework.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Maya tools
- The Maya toolset includes the modular Shifter rigging system, Anim Picker, RBF Manager, and Python libraries for developing and extending tools.mgear-framework.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Paid services
- mcsGear offers pipeline bootstrapping, on-demand rigging, production consulting, custom rig development, and tailored training; the service page does not state prices.mgear-framework.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Premium support terms
- mGear Support includes priority help, bug fixes, direct communication, a private Slack or similar channel, weekly meetings, and roadmap input, with fixed monthly pricing and a six-month minimum.mgear-framework.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- mGear is an open-source rigging and animation framework for Autodesk Maya, designed to streamline character creation for games and animation.mgear-framework.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Service deliverables
- mcsGear says its services provide production-ready rigs and tools along with source code, documentation, and knowledge intended to let teams maintain and evolve their workflows independently.mgear-framework.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- Free support, bug reports, and feedback are available through the community forum; tailored premium support and consulting are offered by mcsGear.mgear-framework.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Unity integration
- The maker says mGear can be integrated into Unreal Engine and Unity pipelines, and identifies ueGear as its bridge to Unreal Engine.mgear-framework.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Unreal integration
- ueGear connects Maya and Unreal Engine with automated rigging, asset synchronization, animation transfer, Control Rig generation, and camera data exchange.mgear-framework.com · read 30 Sep 2026
