3D animation is an integral part of modern entertainment and gaming, offering a level of realism that 2D animation cannot match. 3D animation is widely used in today’s era of games and entertainment. It can be seen everywhere from Fifa Soccer to Asphalt 9: Legends. 3D animation has immense potential compared to 2D animation, which has limited scope. It takes us to a new level of realism, creating movie scenes that are impossible in real life, but the animation sparks the imagination with rich colours and forms in ads while immersing us in completely different worlds in computer games.
When done correctly, 3D animation blurs the lines between animation and reality by breaking down the boundaries between real and imaginary scenes making it impossible for viewers to determine what is in front of them.
There are various 3D animations classified based on their execution and the type of software used. It can also be classified based on the animation style. This blog explores various types of 3D animations and techniques to help you understand their applications and significance.
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3D animation is the process of creating moving three-dimensional objects. 3D animation creates an illusion of moving three-dimensional objects, with each of the different types of 3D animation providing unique visual effects.This process is done using different software and hardware like motion-capturing devices. The artists create three-dimensional models with virtual meshes operating in different shapes and styles. Various keyframes are used for animating the object. The software automatically creates the next steps that lead to the transition from one keyframe to another. The process is known as tween animation.
Several advantages of 3D animation are there over traditional animation techniques. The primary advantage of three-dimensional animation over the traditional one is realism. It generates a great sense of depth and creates realistic visuals.
Choosing the right animation style for your video game is essential to get the most out of it. One must have a fundamental knowledge of different 3D animation art forms to select the most suitable form. Here we have listed the most popular types of 3D animation, helping you select the ideal one for your project. Let’s start to know them.
Digital 3D also known as computer-generated image (CGI) is the most used form of 3D animation. It is used by game design studios for producing in-game cutscenes. The animation created through digital 3D format is not interactive in any form, meaning players cannot interact with the virtual environment if created this way. The digital 3D form is widely used in creating animated characters for movies and for cut scenes in video games. It is getting increasingly popular as game developers can easily depict the storyline progress through such game scenes.
SketchUp and Cinema 4D are the software used to create 3D animation for video games and movies. The artist visualizes the concept of the whole environment, characters, and scenario. 3D modelers create sketches and three-dimensional models. The next step involves animators to render the 360-degree model. The process of digital 3D animation, like many other types of 3D animation, can be time-consuming, making it less common in certain video game applications. However, games with prolonged cut-scenes developing the storyline are increasingly popular. An example of using digital 3D animation in movies is Toy Story.
In interactive 3D, as the name suggests, the users can move the characters in the 3D environment with the help of devices like a mouse and keyboard. Interactive 3D is one of the most engaging types of 3D animation and an essential component of video game development. The players can interact with the game environment and explore the three-dimensional world from any angle. Animators use specialized software to create interactive 3D animation. It is a flexible method allowing limitless possibilities in the 3D environment. However, there is a limitation that game developers face with interactive 3D animation is its integration with different game engines.
This drawback can be overcome by hiring expert 3D animators and game developers from a game art outsourcing studio.
The virtual environment must be built in such a way that it is highly customizable as players should be able to view the environment from all angles. 3D animators have to carefully implement the dynamics of the 3D animated environment for flawless changes in the correct manner.
Creating 3D animation for virtual reality games is a complex process. For games that use VR, one of the more immersive types of 3D animation, players need VR headsets to experience the environment fully. So, the renderings of the environment and characters must be realistic. In this way, players can get an immersive experience while playing the game.
VR 3D animation is also a time-consuming task. As the players get completely immersed in the 3D environment, the animation has to be perfect from every angle. To create virtual reality 3D animation, animators utilize software like Blender and Autodesk Maya.
Stop-motion is a distinctive type of 3D animation used to create unique video game experiences. The frames are physically altered in small steps. The process takes separate photographed images that are changed in small degrees. In easy language, stop motion combines several photographs placed in succession to create the illusion of movement. This process is complex as a single incorrectly captured frame can damage the entire sequence which leads to recreating the whole sequence again. It is a unique art style comparable to CGI animation, however, it takes much more time than CGI to create.
Stop motion animation is divided into different categories depending on the objects used:
Models made from clay and platinum are animated using Claymation. Example- Clay Jam, ClayFighter
All the characters, environment, and props are cut out of flat material such as paper, fabric, or cardboard. Example- Paper Mario
flat characters, objects, and backgrounds are depicted as black silhouettes. Example- Limbo
This animation uses Lego characters and action figures that move around. Examples- Lego Island, and Lego Harry Potter.
It uses puppets and dolls for actions in the game. Example- Yoshi’s Wooly World.
The entire gamescape appears pixelated including the characters and the environment. Example- Shovel Knight.
Regardless of the subset of animation style, photography from a straight-on point-of-view is a common part. The 3D animator must carefully take pictures to avoid any error that may require the entire composition to be recreated.
In this type of 3D animation, a non-photorealistic rendering technique is used to make computer-generated graphics look hand-painted. This animation form is commonly used in mimicking the comic book appearance. It is done in such a way that it looks like 2D animation. The main characteristics of the cel-shading 3D animation technique are rigid shadow, ink outline effects, soft colour palettes, and limits. Cel shading aims to create a flat, hand-drawn appearance in real-time. The animation is tricky when used on objects in motion. Persona 5, Borderlands, and Dragonball FighterZ are some of the video games featuring cel shading 3D animation styles.
Also known as mo-cap, it is a type of 3D animation used by game art outsourcing studios primarily for AAA games, mobile games, and movies. The characters appear more realistic using motion capture. The movements and actions of real actors are captured and then implemented in animation to look real. Special sensors are placed over the actor’s body to record their movements and render them into final animation. Motion capture is also used for capturing animal movements.
There are several benefits of using this type of 3D animation for capturing in-motion movements. The primary benefit of using this technique is the ability to capture physical interactions and complex movements can be recreated very quickly. This technique is cost-effective and produces highly realistic animation compared to traditional methods. God of War: Ragnarok is the most common example using motion capture 3D animation.
This is a unique animation among the different types of animation that includes both 2D and 3D directions. Motion graphics have diverse applications in various fields, including video games. Tweening and keyframing are the primary components of this animation. However, this method is not used to animate characters as it is more sophisticated to implement it in the movement. Generally, motion graphics and 3D animation are used in advertisements, logos, and sports events.
Related : Key Differences Between Game Design and Development
In addition to styles, types of 3D animation can also be categorized by the techniques used in video games and movies. Let’s know the popular techniques of 3D animation used to provide three-dimensional animation services.
Also known as 3D rigging, Skeletal Animation is used to animate 3d figures with fewer controls. It is a 3D animation technique that creates a skeletal-like figure which is further developed to make the characters. The bones are attached in such a way that when one bone moves, the other attached vertices show movements. This animation eases the animator’s work as they only have to create the position and vertices rotation and not all the components. The skeleton is known as a rig and the surface representation is known as mesh.
Inverse Kinematics makes a collection of joint configurations. It helps to create the smoothest and highly precise movements at any point. This animation technique is used to determine the movements of the hand and leg. It is also used to model the characters and objects built using skeletal animation. The movement of the last bone or vertice is made in this animation technique, based on which the other vertices and their movements get automatically positioned in the correct order and location.
The technique is used to animate water, lava and smoke. It helps to process the movements of fluids and gases accurately. It also simulates and creates storms and similar environments in games. Additionally, it is also used to portray clouds, fire, and other large-scale atmospheric impacts.
By now, you know everything about the various types of 3D animation techniques, it’s time to make a decision. However, choosing the right animation for your project is a challenging task. Every animation has its benefits and applications. You can go for digital 3D but you will lower the impact of your video.
For explainer videos on complex subjects requiring expertise, 3D animation is highly recommended. In case, you are doing a short promotional video, you can opt for 2D animation. Generally, the cost of 3D animation is higher than 2D animation. But it’s not always the case with long animations. The longer your animation, the more cost-effective 3D animation gets. Example: animated cartoon series.
It depends on the budget and requirements of your project, either to go for 3D or 2D. If you are confused about what type of 3D animation technique you should use, you can ask an expert game designer to help you.
BR Softech is a video game development company with 12+ years of experience in creating high-quality 2D and 3D video games for an international clientele. Our game designers, animators, and developers are highly experienced in using different types of 3D animation techniques to create high-performance, quality video games.
If you have any doubts about your 3D game project or want to create a 3D game for your gaming business then share your idea with BR Softech. Their team will connect with you and help you make your idea come to life.
Autodesk Maya and Blender are the top choices for animation.
AI in the animation industry helps 2D/3D animation makers simplify their work to improve their performance providing more opportunities for animators and enhancing animating techniques.
Here is the list of major types of 3D animation:
Stop motion
Motion graphics
Virtual reality 3D
Motion capture
Interactive 3D
