They goes as far as to use 3D models for Steelbane, and they still don't use it in the actual film? Sure, Seelbane's body was used for Stormreign for some reason, but why scrap the head design? Especially if your going use it for toys too?
You sure? I don't see why they would create an entire cg model just for one package art for every figure. I always figured there was just an artist they paid to digitally paint or draw the character for the package.
Steelbane - Transformers Wiki Steelbane's design was actually in the movie. Well, it does say "Premier Edition" in the images though and the company's name is "Picture Plane", wouldn't it be "Industrial Light and Magic" if it was a movie model?
Neither of those screenshots are Steelbane. He has a different head. Good point, but it still seems strange to me.
Looks similiar to me, he even has the pointy thing at the top of his head. Plus, design details can be changed. True, it's kinda weird that they would do a full model. EDIT: The original head's mouth area seems to be wider, that's the only difference I notice.
It being 3D doesn't always mean it's less cost effective than 2D work or that it's better quality than the old painted packaging art(it's still a very nice render though.) 3D modeling is not some superpower that takes more skill than drawing or painting; it's a trainable skill that takes effort like any other in art that just happens to be in very high demand nowadays for all sorts of media. Hasbro has been using 3D renders on their packaging for a while now anyway, so producing these models isn't really setting them back because they should be making that money back in sales.
