Lecture 8 Oct.27.2008 Thesis paragraph: about 100 words Think of chapters: Chapter abstracts hands in next week ex. 'Project Title' 1. Introduction '(thesis statement, theory part)' 1-3 pages 2. Project Description and development '( project abstract, technical challenge and solution, etc)' 2-6 pages 3. Conclusion (1-2 pages) + Bibliography, Appendix,etc
Animation in 3D games: character, motion and narrative Today's topic Animation in 3D games: character, motion and narrative
Meaning of animation in 3d CG games For the class, we will look at Play Station 2 games Animate technology is THE expressive language of the game Out of necessity: Pseudo live-action? Considering relationship of realism and game design
Realism, animation media,game medium from Passive Limited control Viewer to Interactive More control player
Meaning of animation media Traditional media Aesthetic choice Expressive tool Giving life: created motion and expressions Believable characters Game No other way: Functions Virtual puppets: movable, yet limited expression agency
Game as narrative medium Janet Murray: Hamlet on the Holodeck (1997), narratology Espen Aatseth: Cybertext (1977): ludology Conflict between story and interactivity Immersion
From animation media point of view Small use of animation media aesthetic Giving life: who's life is this? You v. character Transition period; strong tendency to use traditional narrative film techniques in games Narrative as logic: introduction segments in games: rhetoric of the game world, explaining piratical rules, exercise Visualization
Believable character Movement- dominated by 'control' Constant reminder of reality Lack of true interactivity Characters without personality: agency Free camera point of view From original to game; crude visualization Game design problem?: Better examples by film directors involved in game design
King Kong 2005 by Peter Jackson Immersible, cinematic 1st person (Jack), 3rd (Kong) http://www.metacafe.com/watch/42225/king_kong_trailer/ http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-bB5yPUya-DE/peter_jacksons_king_kong_game_the_movie_intro/ http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-PP6yvQsFNdM/king_kong_the_venture/
Arthur and the Minimoys (Luc Besson, 2006) Film: Live action + animated characters Good game design and visualization http://www.arthuretlesminimoys.com/arthur_site.php?ze_langue_choisie=1
Tutorial Z brush model Max Skin