Each of us at least once in our lives sat down to play a game with good graphics, well-designed characters and other elements. Animation in games helps a lot with this.
It helps to create a unique and inimitable gaming experience. With its help, you can convey the mood, emotions, actions of characters and much more. Therefore, in this article we will talk more about video game animation.
Creating animation is a very difficult process that requires skills and abilities. It all starts with the fact that the specialist begins to develop the personnel or facility. After that, the creation of key frames is performed, with the help of which the character will be able to perform the main movements in the game.
Then it comes to intermediate frames. With their help, we add smoothness and naturalness to our objects or heroes. In addition, to achieve smoothness and organicity, specialists also often use animation curves.
Behind these processes is a lot of work and effort that requires time and professional skills. Therefore, the creation of game animation is not an easy and slow process.
Platform, arcade, and RPG games with mainly 2D characters in a 2D world are typically made with 2D animation. To give the impression of movement, 2D animation consists of a series of images that change swiftly one after another.
Sprites, which are used to animate backdrops, objects, and characters, can also be a part of 2D animation. Super Mario and Terraria are among games with 2D animation.
Games with 3D graphics in the genres of FPS, racing, simulation, and RPG are also produced using 3D animation. 3D objects are modeled for 3D animation, after which they are animated and interact with one another in 3D space.
Techniques including skeleton animation, morphing, particle animation, and physical effects are used in 3D animation. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Grand Theft Auto V, and Minecraft are a few games with 3D animation.
What animations are used in modern games?
Modern games use various technologies to make animation more realistic and detailed. This may include using motion capture, where the animation is based on the actual movements of the characters, or using CGI to create animations with a high level of detail.
In general, animation is an important element in the gaming industry and its use can make the game more attractive and exciting.
In fact, it all depends on the game. As a rule, you can use different types of animation, for example, 2d or 3d. Frame animation is one of the most common types of animation. The bottom line is that a special sequence of images is used that creates the illusion of movement.
Most professionals prefer to use skeletal animation. With its help, you can achieve smoother and more natural character movements in the game. Here we use the skeleton, which consists of bones and joints, with the help of which the movements of our character are created.
The main advantage of this technique is the ability to create more complex movements, such as combat jumps or running.
If you want to create facial animations and expressions, then you should use morphing. It is used just for this. And if you need to add realism to the game, then various effects are used here, such as smoke, fire, etc.
How to choose the right animation for the game?
As mentioned earlier, the type of animation depends on the game, and more specifically on its genre and style. Based on this, the best solution is selected.
The key to high-quality animation in the game is its implementation. You need to find good specialists who will perform it at a high level. Animation should be well designed and consistent with the concept of the game.
