As the mobile app industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it's crucial for developers to stay ahead of the curve by incorporating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). In this featured blog post, we'll explore how AI is revolutionizing animation in mobile games and what practical solutions you can implement to elevate your game development process.
My name is Mikhail, and I've spent over 8 years working in the animation and game development industry. Based in London, I specialize in creating 2D/3D animations, providing feedback, and improving workflows for mobile games. Throughout my career, I've participated in numerous projects and collaborated with colleagues from diverse countries. However, I've noticed that many problems in the industry remain relevant year after year, despite technological advancements and the availability of knowledge.
Common Animation Problems in Mobile Game Development
As an experienced animator and game developer, I want to share my thoughts on common problems in 2D/3D character animation and UI, as well as my experience in solving them. If you're interested in game development or animation, this article is for you.
The Art of Bringing Characters to Life
Before diving into the issues of animation in games, I want to highlight the difference between two key concepts: "animation" and "motion." While motion refers to the physical movement of an object from point A to point B, animation is the art of bringing these movements to life. It involves the use of principles such as timing, weight, expressiveness, and many others, to make the movements of characters or objects meaningful and emotionally rich.
Limiting Animation vs. Primitive Motions
An animation software should not do the animation for us. Although this may seem paradoxical, a software merely speeds up the work process by creating in-between frames. One common mistake is using basic program interpolation (splines), which kills the illusion of life in characters or objects, creating a sense of boredom.
Understanding and Applying Animation Principles
Every movement in animation must be justified and stem from the character's traits, emotional state, physical weight, and the laws of physics. Issues such as unnatural movement of characters caused by the automatic application of splines, or their collision with "invisible walls," indicate the need for a deeper understanding and application of animation principles.
The Power of AI in Animation
By incorporating AI into your mobile app development process, you can create more realistic and engaging animations that bring your characters to life. For instance, motion capture technology allows you to record real-life movements and apply them to 3D models, creating a more immersive experience for players.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the art of animation is not just about creating movement, but about bringing characters to life. By understanding and applying animation principles, you can create engaging animations that enhance the emotional impact of events and actions in your mobile games.