Many people think that animation used in games and films is the same. As an animator, if you want to be in the industry, you should know that it is a misconception. Enrolling in an animation course will give you an in-depth understanding of games and movie animation. The principles and tools used to create animation for movies and games are similar. However, the techniques and processes of animation for both are different. And a thorough understanding of the difference can go a long way in your career. In this blog, you will learn how animation is created for games and movies.
Different Types of Animation
There are various techniques you can use to create animation. The different types of animation include:
1. Traditional Animation
Animators use the hand-drawn technique for traditional animation. They used this technique to create classic movies like Sleeping Beauty and Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs. On a cel (transparent sheet), animators draw every frame. They layer multiple cels on a static backdrop to create movement. This process used to be very time-consuming. As a result, animators rarely use traditional animation today.
2. 2D Animation
The process of putting up images on a 2-dimensional background to create movements is called 2D animation. Usually, 24 frames make one second of animation. However, in 2-D animation, 12 frames make up one second. 2D animation is fast-paced and doesn’t require animating all 24 frames.
3. 3D Animation
This animation process uses 3D models that are made and manipulated in a digital space. 3D animation is a much easier and rapid animation technique than changing each image. Animators can streamline 3D animation by setting important frames for core actions. To fill the frames in between, animators use 3D software like Maya.
4. Stop Motion Animation
In this kind of animation, tangible objects are used. This includes clay models. After capturing one frame, the models are moved slightly to capture the next frame. Stop motion animation takes hours of work to create seconds of motion. It is an art in itself.
5. Motion Capture
Motion capture is used to elevate 3D animation’s realism. You will find this technique in games like Grand Theft Auto and LA Noire, as well as in movies like Avatar. If you’ve watched the BTS of the movie, you would observe that the actors were wearing bodysuits that had sensors. With the help of motion capture software, you can translate the movements from the sensors to a digital version.
6. Motion Graphics
Animators use motion graphics to create basic illustrations and text logos. You can see this kind of animation in TV credits videos. It’s also commonly used in movie intros, outros, and animated brand logos. You can also see this animation on sports channels, especially the logos. Motion graphics can be created in 2D or 3D.
How Animation is Made in Games?
Games should be interactive. When you play a game, the control of the characters should be with the players. The players should drive the story and characters forward. For this reason, as an animator, you must ensure the animation looks good from every angle. For instance, consider the game from the third-person point of view. When the player shifts the camera, they can see a new angle.
This angle will reveal things like knee popping that you can’t see from a normal camera POV. You need to take care of such details so that the player gets an immersive gaming experience. In movies, the principle of arcs may not always be used. But in game animation, it’s essential for realistic motion. This ensures the game character follows a streamlined arc motion from different camera angles.
How Animation is Used in Movies?
When an animator is responsible for movie animation, the only thing the person should focus on animating is the things and characters that appear in the camera shot. To put it simply, you have to worry only about one camera angle at a time. When you watch a film, the viewer cannot rotate to view the whole environment. You only view things that the camera captures. Animation in movies is much simpler than in games. You have to animate only those areas that come into the camera focus, i.e. one angle. If your work looks good from that camera angle, that’s the only thing that matters.
Though it is simpler to animate movies than games, movie animation has its challenges. In movies, the audience can’t control what they see on the screen. Only when you look at the BTS shots do you see the director, actors, lights and other things.
Passionate About Animation? Master Movies or Games with Moople Academy
Becoming a successful animator takes more than just passion. You need the right skills and guidance. That’s why we’ve designed some of the best animation courses in Kolkata at Moople Academy. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
- In-Depth Understanding of Animation: At Moople Academy, we curate an animation course that offers industry-relevant animation topics.
- AI Intervention: At Moople Academy, we integrate artificial intelligence into our courses to ensure students get familiar with tools.
- Placement Opportunities: We offer placement support after course completion. This increases your chances of getting hired by top companies.
Conclusion
With the right techniques and skills, you can ace both game and movie animation. Just having theoretical knowledge in animation will not help. You need to hone your practical skills, too. Hence, you must sign up for the best animation course and make a smooth career in the industry.
FAQs
Q1. In which movies has traditional animation been used?
In classic movies like Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs or Cinderella, traditional animation has been used.
Q2. Is gaming animation more difficult than movie animation?
In gaming animation, an animator has to create animation for every camera angle. However, in movie animation, the animator only works on one camera angle. This makes it a difficult process than movie animation.
Q3. Where can I pursue an animation course?
Many institutes offer animation courses across India. Moople Academy is one of them. They offer practical training and cover topics that match industry needs. It’s a good option if you’re looking to build a career in animation.