What are Video Games Animation? A Brief Guide

Video game animation is creating movements in the objects and making them realistic enough to look real-time. Animating video games are more than creating movements, as there have to be facial expressions, body gestures, and many other factors.

 

It All Started From Disney and CN: Your Childhood’s Best Friend 

 

Do you remember when you would wake up to watch Looney tunes, Your favorite Disney cartoons, and Tom & Jerry? All those cartoons are the animations of the characters in which they move frames within a single second. 

 

If we were given a chance to travel back in time and relive those childhood memories, would we? IT’S A BIG YES! 

 

How did they Create Video Games Animation Back in the Early 90s?

 

This question piques the interest of many when it is all about 2D and 3D animation software now.

 

Back in the days of Disney and Cartoon Network, the artists used to draw sketches of objects and characters with all the background/assets. After the artists were done with the hand-drawn sketches, cellulose sheets or “Cels” were placed on the sketches, which were filmed by the multip-plane camera to create the graphical effect. 

 

We see a lot of effort and put in our gratitude for making childhood perfect. Right? 

 

Types of Video Games Animation

 

A wide range of video game animation is being used for creating games, movies, and other purposes. Since the scope of video game animations is quite vast and only a few are more common than others, we will discuss the top six types of game animations. 

Let’s see each of them one by one. 

 

Traditional Animation

 

Another name for traditional animation is cel animation. The movies back in the early 80s, 90s, and even before that used the technique of cel animation in which hand-drawn sketches are used to create the effect of moving objects. 

 

In such an animation, the background is considered the base layer. In contrast, characters, props, and other game objects are drawn on transparent sheets and animated without the background and other props. 

 

2D Animation 

 

As the name suggests, 2D animations are done in two-dimensional space, during which 24 frames are animated within a second. 

 

2D Animation is one of the most common animations for creating games, movies, films, cartoons, etc. 

 

It involves the process of digital rigging, using which animators can create a skeleton and animate the character’s body part as per the requirements. 

 

If you want to start your 2D animation journey, the best software would be Adobe After Effects and Toon Boom Harmony. 

 

3D Animation

 

3D Animation is more realistic, bringing the game characters, props, and overall game assets to a virtually natural environment. 

 

In 3D Animation, for supposed to take a character, the animator can view it from any angle and manipulate it using different high-end software. Within the boundaries of three-dimensional space, animators can rig 3D models to create lifelike characters and play them around in the Animation. 

 

3D animations are more complex and realistic as compared to 2D animations. The best tools for 3D animations are Blender and Autodesk Maya. 

 

Grand Theft Auto is the most famous 3D game, with its realistic graphics and iconic music! 

 

Motion Capture 

 

It is one of the most recent technologies that has given the animators and video gaming industry a new dimension. 

 

Motion capture is accompanied by an actor who acts out a scene captured by many cameras around the actor. The actor also wears sensory devices so that all the motions are well-received and can be animated seamlessly. 

 

Motion capture is carried out using the recorded data in 3D software to rig the details and create intricately-designed animations. A few top tools for motion capture are Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, and Motion Builder. 

 

Motion Graphics

 

It is the process of animating the texts, logos, and basic illustrations during the frames of animations. It is done using various tools that render the purpose of motion graphics: Cinema 4D, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Photoshop. 

 

Stop Motion 

 

Recently, stop motion has been the trend in Animation. It is a cinematography technique in which the sequence of still images creates the animation effect. Sometimes, in this technique, the camera is switched off and on while the still images are captured to animate the objects. 

 

Best Animation Software  

 

The best animation software will help you create brilliant animations without lag. Here is one of the best animation software that we have gathered for you: 

 

Animation Process: Step-by-Step Guide 

 

The animation process involves several different steps to start from scratch. Here is a brief overview of the animation process that will help you to create animations easily. Let's get into it without any further ado. 

 

Planning 

 

The animators map out the requirements, understand the storyline, create the storyboards, develop characters and animations, and conceptualize the overall idea for animations. 

 

Modeling

 

After getting all the details, the models and meshes are created for the video game assets, such as characters, props, and environments. 

 

Rigging 

 

After creating the meshes, the body skeletons and anatomy of game assets are prepared to give the proper shape so that the animation looks realistic. 

 

Animation

 

After developing the outer and inner structure of the video game objects, the time for creating movements and facial expressions start. It depends on whether it is 2D or 3D animation for utilizing the required techniques and animation software. 

 

Lighting 

 

Baking and lighting are two essential steps in creating video game animations since they help set up the mood and atmosphere - as realistic as possible.  

 

Rendering 

 

For the final visual output, the animators have to create the final render of the animations after all the elements have been created and attached seamlessly. 

 

Post-Production 

 

To make rendering more realistic and perfect, visual and sound effects are added to enhance animation quality. 

 

Video Game Animations and the Game Industry Go Hand in Hand. How?

 

Animations and the gaming industry are closely related as they both involve creating interactive and visually appealing experiences for audiences. Video games often use animations to bring characters, environments, and objects to life, creating an immersive and engaging experience for players. 

 

The gaming industry also employs animators to create cinematics, cutscenes, and promotional trailers that showcase the game's story, characters, and gameplay. 

 

The combination of animations and gaming technology allows for endless possibilities and offers an exciting and dynamic field for those interested in art, storytelling, and technology. 

 

Overall, the relationship between animations and the gaming industry is mutually beneficial, and it continues to evolve as new technologies and techniques are developed.

 

Develop 2D and 3D Animated Video Games with InvoGames 

 

Are you looking to launch your animated game? Look no further because InvoGames have got your back. 

 

We create 2D/3D video games fueled by our game developers' creativity, passion, and expertise. From concept art to the completion of video game animation, our years of expertise will help you in the whole game development process. 

 

Contact us and hire 2D/3D game animators for your next game launch!