What is Video Game Animation and How Does it Work?

Video game animation is the process of making and changing pictures to make it look like a video game is moving and interacting. There are two ways to make animation for video games: 2D animation and 3D animation.

2D animation is the way video games have always been animated. Each frame is drawn by hand or with a computer tool. Games with a grainy or retro look, like platformers, RPGs, and fighting games, often use 2D animation. Adobe Animate and Blender are both types of 2D animation tools.

The new way to make animations for video games is with 3D animation, where each frame is made by a computer program based on a 3D model. 3D animation is often used in games like shooters, racing games, and adventure games that are meant to feel real or bring the player into the game. Autodesk 3ds Max5, Autodesk MotionBuilder5, and Houdini5 are all kinds of 3D animation tools.

The main difference between animation for games and animation for movies is that animation for games has to be interactive and respond to what the player does, while animation for movies is pre-rendered and set. Game animation also needs to be optimized for speed and memory, while movie animation can be more detailed and complicated. Game animation requires more technical skills and knowledge of game engines and code, while movie animation needs more artistic skills and knowledge of storytelling and cinematography.

What are some popular video game animation techniques?

Some of the most common ways to animate video games are:

Motion capture:

With this method, sensors or cameras record the movements of real actors or items, which are then transferred to 3D models. Characters in games like The Last of Us and Red Dead Redemption 2 can move and talk in a way that looks real and natural thanks to motion capture.

procedural animation:

Rather than making each frame of an animation by hand, this method uses an algorithm based on rules or factors. With procedural animation, you can make images that change based on the situation, like in games like Spore and No Man's Sky.

Keyframe animation:

Using this method, you can make animations by defining a character's or object's pose or "keyframes" at certain places in time and then filling in the frames in between. Characters in games like Cuphead or Ori and the Blind Forest use keyframe animation to make movements that are expressive and stylized.

How do I get started with game animation?

To start animating games, you'll need to learn some simple ideas and skills, like:

Animation principles:

These are the basic rules and rules of thumb that make cartoons look appealing and real. Some of the rules of animation are squash and stretch, expectation, timing, easing, overlap, follow-through, and exaggeration.

Animation software:

These are the tools you can use to make graphics for games and change them. Blender, Maya, After Effects, and Unity are some of the most well-known animation programs. You can find classes and tutorials online that teach you how to use these programs for free or for a fee.

Animation techniques:

Here are the ways and styles you can use to animate different parts of a game, like characters, settings, effects, and the user interface (UI). Keyframe animation, motion capture, procedural animation, sprite animation, and pixel art are all types of animation.

Conclusion:

Video game animation is a dynamic process that enhances the gaming experience through two primary methods: 2D and 3D animation. 2D animation, often used in retro or grainy games, is often used in platforms, RPGs, and fighting games. 3D animation, driven by computer-generated models, immerses players in realistic environments, particularly in shooters, racing games, and adventure games. Game animation differs from cinematic animation in its interactivity and responsiveness to player actions. It requires technical skills and knowledge of game engines and code, while movie animation focuses on artistic skills and cinematography. Popular game animation techniques include motion capture, procedural animation, and keyframe animation. To become a skilled game animator, one must learn animation principles, familiarize themselves with animation software, and explore various techniques.