[Level UP KL 2023] “We are the immersion makers”: James Martincheck Talks The Importance Of Animation In Games

James Martincheck shared today about how integral good animations are to an enjoyable gaming experience.

At his talk at Level Up KL 2023, he shared the intricacies of being involved in game animation, and the multifaceted reality of having to develop animations for games.

“We really want at all times, for a player or character to look as realistic or appealing as possible”, James says.

This includes taking care of the technical side as well, with a focus on iteration as all other sides of production may need the animation change to match speeds or other engine requirements.

He describes this as a collaborative process, working with all the technical and artistic facets to make the game as good as it can be.

“Collaboration is iteration and vice versa”, he explains.

James also elaborated on his experience in motion capture, saying that many animators who move up the ladder may eventually find themselves motion capture directors- being present on the mocap stage as actors have their movements used as the basis of realistic character animation.

It’s more than just a field trip, though- this responsibility includes directing the shoot itself, such as suggesting different ways for an actor to walk or run.

Ultimately, all of these serve one goal- making better games, with titles like The Last Of Us and other first-party PlayStation titles being praised for their compelling animations.

“We are the immersion crafters”, he says. “We help the world come to life”

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