SM3120 Game Level Design Machinima (Reference:

What is Machinima ? Machinima (muh-sheen-eh-mah) is filmmaking within a real-time, 3D virtual environment, often using 3D video-game technologies. In an expanded definition, it is the convergence of: 1. 1.Filmmaking 2. 2.Animation 3. 3.Game development

What is Machinima ? Machinima is real-world filmmaking techniques applied within an interactive virtual space where characters and events can be either controlled by humans, scripts or artificial intelligence. By combining the techniques of filmmaking, animation production and the technology of real-time 3D game engines, Machinima makes for a very cost- and time-efficient way to produce films, with a large amount of creative control.

How is Machinima produced? Machinima can be produced in a couple of ways. Machinima can be produced in a couple of ways. 1. It can be script-driven, whereas the cameras, characters, effects etc. are scripted for playback in real-time. While similar to animation, the scripting is driven by events rather than keyframes. 2. It can also be recorded in real-time within the virtual environment, much like filmmaking (the majority of game-specific Machinima pieces are produced in this fashion). While both of these approaches have their pros and cons, they are both Machinima-making techniques.

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What are the advantages of Machinima? Because Machinima can be shot live in real-time, it is way faster to create that normal CGI animation. For the animation director would be easier, as he wouldn’t have to rely on key frames. Many takes can be made in real-time or just a few depending on the director’s style. As well instead of rendering frames of animation or video streams, Machinima can be recorded at data level. That means it can be edited at data level, where you can add characters, adjust camera angels and create camera shots, fine-tune the animation. It’s very like doing extra shots without the need of the entire crew. Reduce costs of production. Reduce costs of production.

What are the advantages of Machinima? Machinima gives you: The real-time recording of human/scripted performances and events - eliminates the rendering process The creative flexibility of artistic assets moved over time – Similar to animation; allows total control over visual representation of characters, events An interactive environment - provides a space where characters can interact and real-world physics can be reproduced Hardware driven playback is resolution independent

Disadvantages Limited capability. because game engines were primarily designed for game-playing, not for making movies, the movie-making capabilities of game engines (and, consequently, the quality of the produced movies) tend to be limited, when compared to 3D animation software used by professionals High playback hardware requirements. Unless the entire rendered movie is distributed, in order to play a movie,the viewer needs the same rendering engine as the one used by the producer, and a computer with capable hardware (to run the movie scripts to view the movie), depending on the complexity of the rendering engine (the game, that is) and movie.

Where can find some Machinima? There are a number of sites that show some Machinima work. However, the most centralized site for Machinima is Additionally, some quality Machinima works can be found at: Red Vs. Blue: The Blood Gulch Chronicles – The ILL Clan: Nanoflix Films - South Park:

Machinima Tools While the current list of Machinima tools is somewhat shallow, new applications are on the way & will be added here once we receive word. Enjoy! Machinima Tool --- Game Base/Software Keygrip --- Classic QuakeClassic Quake Keygrip2 --- Quake2 (v.3.20)Quake2 (v.3.20) Unreal Movie Studio --- Unreal TournamentUnreal Tournament Real Time Movie Studio --- Unreal TournamentUnreal Tournament Matinee --- Unreal Tournament 2003Unreal Tournament 2003 Warcraft Editor --- Warcarft 3 Creation Tools 3D Studio Max Lightwave 3D

Machinima.com also hots a number of tutorials on the more advanced Machinima development approach, for example: World of Warcraft Machinima Tutorial ( Video 1) UT2004: Sim2: Tutorials

Books about Machinima The Art of Machinima (Paul Marino, Paraglyph Press, Aug. 2004)- a hands-on book showing you both the artform and the basics of how to get started in your Machinima production. The Art of Machinima Machinima : Making Animated Movies in 3D Virtual Environments (Dave Morris, Matt Kelland and Dave Lloyd, Ilex Press, Aug. 2005) - which gives a great overview of the medium and its filmmakers. Machinima : Making Animated Movies in 3D Virtual Environments