Animation for Games vs Animation for Movies

What Is Animation?
Animation is a process where multiple snapshots are taken and manipulated by showing them in rapid succession, which creates the illusion that they are moving. This can be done using drawings, models, puppets, computer images, and more. Initially, the method of choice for animation was drawings, which were applied to transparent sheets and then photographed. However, it is now more common for animation to be created using computer-generated imagery, also known as CGI.

Animation for Games vs Animation for Movies
The fundamental differences between Animation for Games vs Animation for Movies focus on each medium’s technical and creative challenges. Here’s a summary:

1. Interactivity vs. Linear Playback:
   • Game animations are interactive and respond to player inputs, so they must be flexible and adaptive.
   • Film animations are linear and designed for a pre-defined sequence, offering animators complete control over how every frame appears.
2. Resource Constraints:
   • Game animations must work within the real-time performance requirements of game engines, balancing smooth gameplay and visual quality.
   • Films can leverage more resources and time to create high-fidelity animations without hardware limitations.
3. Rigging and Motion Systems:
   • Game rigs are optimized for performance, often relying on skeletal joints for motion.
   • Film rigs are crafted for intricate expressions and lifelike movements to match cinematic quality.
4. Animation Techniques:
   • Games require seamlessly blending animations to accommodate variable scenarios like walking, running, or combat transitions.
   • Films use these techniques to enhance storytelling, with every detail crafted for visual appeal.
5. Player Agency vs. Storytelling:
   • In games, animation supports the player’s immersion and agency with dynamic reactions through procedural or physics-based animation.
   • In films, animation serves the narrative and emotional beats, leaving no room for variability.

What Are the Different Types of Animation?
Animation can be created using numerous techniques. Below are some common types:

• Traditional/Classical 2D: Hand-drawn images for each story frame painted onto plastic cells and captured individually in front of painted backgrounds.
• Digital 2D: Digital technology creates images in a 2D space, allowing for more efficient processes like batch actions and simplified changes.
• Digital 3D: Creates and manipulates 3D models digitally, streamlining the process compared to changing individual images.
• Stop-Motion: Uses tangible objects, such as clay models, with frames captured incrementally to create movement.
• Mechanical: Machines are manipulated to appear as if they move independently.
• Puppetry: Puppets with interchangeable heads for expressions are captured using stop-motion techniques.
• Claymation: Clay models manipulated during a stop-motion filming process.
• Zoetrope: Images inside a spinning cylinder create the illusion of movement.
• Cut-Out: Paper drawings cut out and placed in background settings, captured using stop-motion animation.
• Sand: Images drawn in sand on a lighted table, erased, and redrawn for each frame.
• Paint-on-Glass: Painted images partially cleared between each frame using turpentine.
• Pin-Screen: Pins poke a screen to create light-filtered impressions for images.
• Typography: Animates words and letters, often for title sequences.
• Drawn-on-Film: Images are drawn or etched directly onto film reels.

 

How Does Animation Work? Animation uses a combination of images and optical illusion to create the appearance of movement. The human brain retains an image briefly after it disappears, enabling a rapid succession of images to appear as continuous motion. For example, a clay model moved incrementally in each frame appears to move when played back rapidly.

How to Make Animations Using one of the animation types above, each frame is created and arranged chronologically to tell a story. Drawings, 3D objects, or computer programming are used to create frames shown rapidly to simulate movement. Sound and dialogue complete the story’s presentation. Animation can be created with household items and a video camera, but professional tools and programs simplify the process significantly.

Animation in Games Games are interactive, and players control the character and camera. Animation must look good from all angles. For example, third-person games require animations to remain seamless regardless of camera rotation. Animators must account for potential visual issues, like knee pops, ensuring smooth, arcing motions visible from any angle.

Animation in Movies In movies, animators only animate what’s in the camera’s view. Since the audience sees a fixed perspective, animators can focus on making a single angle perfect. Behind the scenes, much of the set is irrelevant as long as it’s out of the camera’s shot. This allows for certain shortcuts, but animating for films still presents its challenges, particularly in creating emotional and narrative depth.

How Long Does it Take to Make an Animated Movie? The time needed depends on the animation style and movie length. For example:

• 60-90 seconds of film can take roughly six weeks to complete.
• A professional, full-length animated movie (90 minutes) can take 200-600 people working 3-4 years.
• Lower-quality, shorter films can be made more quickly with fewer resources.

Creating Game Animation Game animators handle diverse animation types, including fantasy creatures, combat moves, and scripted events. Common cycles include breathing, idle stances, crouching, walking, and aiming. Animations must support gameplay needs, ensuring timing aligns with player inputs, and enhancing realism and engagement.

Working in Games Game animations often have shorter turnaround times than films. Animators must refine work quickly and ensure it meets gameplay needs. Unlike films, which allow months for a single shot, games demand efficiency to balance quality and performance.

Working with Motion Capture Motion capture is widely used in games for realistic acting scenes. Animators often use motion capture data as a foundation, adding traditional animation techniques to refine movements. Games like The Last of Us exemplify story-driven experiences where animation supports realism and emotional engagement.

Animating for games presents unique challenges but offers rewarding opportunities. If you’re interested in game animation, explore 3D animation tutorials to enhance your skills.