People often say that computer animation is a tough job and to a certain extent that holds true. It combines a lot of knowledge with creativity and walking the fine line between being productively creative and being a maverick animator.

2D animation technique

The techniques of computer animation vary a lot from general animation. They use software programs to give a real look and texture to the characters or images. In 2D animation, the figures are drawn using a 2D bitmap graphic or vector graphic. After giving the shapes or frames to the sequence, the animator moves them to the key frame where the software fills the gap required for the frames to move on.

The computer then automatically conducts its calculations for appearance of the frames which are called morphing or tweening. Morphing means seamless transition of the images. Tweening is the process in which the intermediate frames are inserted so that the evolving of the second image from the first images seems natural. Finally, the images are rendered. Rendering is the self-development by the computer to generate a figure from the existing data files.

3D graphic animation

Though almost all the work is same in 3D graphics, yet it differs from 2D. First, the images drawn or created always have a virtual skeleton. 3D animation has basically three steps – modeling, layout and animation. The last stage is similar to both and is called rendering.

In modeling, mathematical representation is implemented for the three-dimensional drawing. From creating general forms and shapes to the minutest specific details is a part of modeling. The sculpting tools are used for this purpose. This is also called visual styling. Then real world physics blends with animation physics. The emotions and expressions both facial and physical are properly mixed.

Now, the object or the image is placed in a scene for space and object relationship. It’s for specifying the motion of the object with respect to its location and size. Cinematography is another technique used in 3D animation for more perfection and camera angles. In cinematography, the lighting, composition and sequencing plays a vital role for the storytelling task. The last step is rendering. The techniques depend on the kind and model of the software used. If you have the more updated ones, you can do wonders while working on them.

Computer Game Animation

The video games or the computer games that are being played all around the world are animated games designed by animators. There are games like IGI, Counterstrike, MotoGP, Roadrash, Mid Town Madness, Age of Empire, Halo, and Medal of Honor that have been created with the help of advanced computer graphics and animation. The field of computer game animation includes modeling of characters, setting up of landscapes in accordance with the laws of physics or graphical mathematics and by using various animation softwares.

Game animation software may be a 2D or 3D. The nature of the game, its resolution and sophistication decide which animation software you will have to use. Some of these softwares are so sophisticated that an animator has to build the basic frames and the rest is adjusted by the computer to give the exact look to the figures.

Every thing from the character’s body types, facial expressions, physical poses, game loops, the lighting, and situations of the antagonists, enemies or contenders and reactions and consequences of varied results will depend on the details of your creation. The storyline of the game will depend on the script. You will have to follow the sequences of the script while designing the games.

2D computer game animation

The simple games with no high resolution and special effects are created with the help of 2D animation softwares. There you don’t need to follow certain laws of physics as to what will be the way the angle of fall if the bullet strikes in the right arm. They are simple games with less features and effects. The most powerful 2D animation software for games is the Bauhaus software that can give special effects and digital backgrounds.

3D game animation

The softwares that use 3D animation make high-quality games that will give you the thrill of virtual reality. The designing of these games are done by expert animators with the help of high-end workstations and softwares. There are many 3D softwares for making a game like SoftImage, Alias/Wavefront, Maya, 3D studios Max, and Lightwave 3D. Among all these 3Ds, Max software is regarded as the best for making next-generation games with its capacity to create apt controls of realistic lighting, dynamics and shading.