Create plasticine animations for use in a mobile game
the article describes how to make graphics for computer games, using plasticine or clay, and what you need to do. Is supposed to break the article into two parts.
The first part in front of you, and it will be about how to build a home Studio to create a clay animation as well as about the peculiarities of shooting and used the techniques. Actually, I'm a programmer, so experience in creating games I have more than shooting, so the material in the first part will be easier, and can contain any inaccuracies.
In second part will be specific to game development information about the created animation (how to combine claymation and hand-drawn graphics, the differences between shooting games and story videos), and the most General facts about how to make a game (it makes no sense to write in detail how to create the skeleton of the game in Unity3D or another engine, it will be more interesting to specify where to get the sounds in addition to created animations, how many languages is it better to release the game or how to get a free version of useful tools for novice developers).
Information on this topic on the Internet a little, and in Russian even less. Mostly about plasticine animation we are talking about the occupation in circles for children. I will try to rectify this situation and show that it can be used as a replacement for hand-drawn graphics for a small game.
the
original. The phrase "Indie die" is a fallacy. The market is glutted monotonous games, and is now so popular among independent developers pixel graphics a La the nineties already fed up with it all (this is just my opinion, of course). To stand out among thousands of similar games, you should try the original style.
This is interesting. Personally, I have long wanted to try to make a stop-motion animation, and was not disappointed in the process – taken every time are interesting, and give an unusual (for the programmer).
It just. Relatively just, of course, but if you can't draw and simulate on the computer, the simple figures from clay learn how to sculpt a still in kindergarten, so, most likely, and you have such an experience. This could be a suitable method.
clay animation looks cool. Many gamers still remember with great nostalgia The wonderful Neverhood. Of course, this level of project hard to do, but everything comes with experience.
the
To create plasticine animations only the minimum required material for modeling and the camera to which you will be locking model. About the material and work with it in detail in the next section, and about cameras and photography related things below.
Choosing a good camera for filming goes far beyond the article, so I will say this – you can shoot almost anything you want.
Necessary for shooting settings camera disable autofocus (definitely don't need a change of focus every time frame something changed) and switching to manual mode all image settings (exposure, white balance). If necessary, you can change the image settings in post-processing in a graphics editor in batch mode for all frames at once.
It is also important to have a tripod for steady hold the camera, and ideally also a way to make the frame remotely, so as not to sway the camera when pressing the shutter button with your finger. Such methods can be:
Photography through computer when the camera is connected to a cord (requires special software that is available in most programs for stop-motion filming, and the camera support this function).
Special wireless keychain for photographing (for example, takia)for the particular camera. Either universal bluetooth keychain for your smartphone, if you are shooting on a smartphone. Suitable Chinese hack for 100, and a fancy smart watch, the main thing is to ensure the immobility of the camera.
Application smartphone (for Example Android and iPhone) to remotely control the camera.
The choice of method depends on your camera and financial preferences.
The next step for good shooting creating high-quality lighting. Will fit table lamp that can be easily directed in the desired direction, with a bright light. Recommended by many incandescent lamps, because near them convenient to warm up the clay before the animation, but the heat can be obtained from other sources (at least leaned against the clay to a glass of warm water).
The models themselves are conveniently placed on the low table. The table can be put against the wall, so to be able to consolidate her background. The using the technique of stop-motion implies that it is necessary for every frame to change the position of the models, so it is better to think about whether it is convenient to regularly take the models and put them in their place.
Background can serve as an ordinary white sheet (depending on the scale of shooting, A4-A3), securely fastened with tape. On top of the sheet, you can attach colored paper to the desired color or background image. It is better to have a few background options for the case of the shooting of objects of different colors (white background for dark objects and dark to bright) – for game graphics objects will probably need to cut out of the frame for further processing. The better the camera and lighting, and the contrast compared with homogeneous objects, and the footage will be the background, the easier it will be to carry out such processing. Read more about the methods of image processing will be discussed in the second part of the article. The use of paper handy also because it is easy to do support mark in pencil and erase them.
Example of a model and background, with marks:
the
In principle, it is possible to withdraw without specialized software, but its use greatly simplifies the process. The programs are not very different, so will fit almost any. List of specialized programs for PC related you can study here (in English). You can also use the software for smartphones, chosen by you search for "stop motion".
The most necessary and convenient features that give specialized programs (minimum necessary set, be sure to check before using or purchasing a program):
Compatible with the selected method of remote photography and camera (a support program appropriate model and a keychain camera). I forgot about this item and long enough fiddling, trying to make friends with the selected hardware with the software I write more at the end of the section in the description of the configuration.
insect screen and the ability to display additional marks. Very convenient for alignment and aiming – you can mark the position where you want to be a model to the end of the animation or some points that must be passed during movement. So much easier, for example, shooting a falling object, noting on the screen of his pre-calculated coordinates at each moment of time.
the Ability to set the current frame partially transparent and bring them under the preceding. Practically it is also necessary to have a setting level of transparency, because different scenes handy to have different levels of visibility of the previous frame. This capability is key to creating a good animation and a number of its applications are countless. The use of combined frames will allow you to choose the speed of the object by comparing the distance between the neighboring frames in real time, and can detect accidentally caught in the frame object (for example, the hand of the animator). Also, thanks to the combined frame can be relatively accurately reconstruct the scene from the previous frame, if it has been damaged. And the stage in the process is damaged more often than I would like, for various reasons: accidentally touched with a hand, paused in the few days between filming, ran past the cat, etc.
A couple more relevant to software for smartphones highlights:
– Check the possibility of free exporting a frame as an image! Oddly enough, sometimes the software developers by accident or on purpose limits the receiving of the captured frame as images and provide only work with them inside the program in draft form, and the output can only get video. You can certainly look for images in the file system, or examine the file format of this project is to test, whether it is simply a zip archive, but these methods belong to the category of hacking. Easier to change the program (or buy the full version, sometimes the limitation to this and enter).
– Make sure that the chosen software supports use of all camera modes. It would be logical to shoot at the highest possible camera resolution.
The configuration of my Studio (chosen from what was already on hand):
iPhone 5s + tripod + easy bluetooth shutter + program "Puppet animation" for iOS to create animation (paid version has all the necessary capabilities). Unfortunately, by default, the program normally works with bluetooth-stoppers, so I can't recommend it to others, but I managed to find a way to force it to support remote photography (here I have recorded in detail the process of using a bug that allowed you to use the program with remote controls).
When the Studio is ready, you can start the moulding of the models.
the
First of all, on which to sculpt. Fits a normal clay that's sold in art supply stores, in the office, among the school supplies. It is common and cheap. Complete with clay are often plastic tools for working with small parts. You can try to use the clay, just keep in mind that the material will need a lot. Much more than it seems initially.
Of the minuses – the clay is soft, that sometimes prevents the model is unstable to stay in the prescribed posture. For example, in the pose like in the screenshot below, the arms of the figurine slowly lowered themselves.
To avoid this, you can, if inside a plasticine figures to have a frame-the skeleton of soft wire.
If the model was for a long time without any action, before shooting it should warm a bit, otherwise it is possible that any limb will just break off during deformation. If you are going to leave the model for a few days, you should wrap them in plastic wrap so they are not collected on the dust.
According to the technique of modeling there are many lessons, it is not necessary to pay attention for children or not positioned a lesson, some interesting combinations can occur at any.
An example of unusual technique is to throw the clay in warm water to soften, and dial it into the syringe. Then, squeezing it, you can get thin "pasta" that you can fold into complex shapes.
the More detailed method
the
If the examples of how to create models, you can find a lot of, with examples of unusual animation effects from clay the situation is worse, but this area offers great scope for creativity.
Here are a few basic interesting-looking methods:
Slow transformation of one shape into another (morph)
fades
Substitution between shots new models
Sometimes useful replacement frames in reverse order (for example, from the heart cut off a piece, and removed it folding, which is after the break in time gives the desired effect of his appearance from underneath the rolling down logs).
Jumping and flying
Worth looking at this in more detail. Each frame is built with additional supports holding the model in the air at the desired height, then in post-processing backup in each frame are erased.
Here is an example video tutorial how to make a jumping ball
The use of these techniques in dynamics you can see in the video on the end of the article.
the
Is to learn the basic principles of classical animation, for example, rules Disney.
First you need to choose which frame rate you need. Suitable for beginners 6 or 8 frames per second, professionals choose 24. The frequency depends strongly on the realism of animation, but for mobile games it is worth also thinking about the size of the obtained images, it is important to find a balance between quality and size.
After that you can paint on paper with words a sequence of key frames. To begin, I recommend to keep in mind the rules of animation "Training, or abandoned the movement and Soften the beginning and end of the movement," is given in the principles of animation Disney's the link in the beginning of this section.
An example of such a sequence for an animation of waving hand:
"In the first 5 frames, the model is stationary, the next 10-12 frames for offside, then 20 frames waving his hand from left to right three times, then 10-12 shots puts hand down." On this instruction, you are ready to shoot. The resulting animations:
That's all, next part I will talk about how to handle the animation so that it can be used in the game.
And finally, a few videos made during the experiments:
Article based on information from habrahabr.ru
The first part in front of you, and it will be about how to build a home Studio to create a clay animation as well as about the peculiarities of shooting and used the techniques. Actually, I'm a programmer, so experience in creating games I have more than shooting, so the material in the first part will be easier, and can contain any inaccuracies.
In second part will be specific to game development information about the created animation (how to combine claymation and hand-drawn graphics, the differences between shooting games and story videos), and the most General facts about how to make a game (it makes no sense to write in detail how to create the skeleton of the game in Unity3D or another engine, it will be more interesting to specify where to get the sounds in addition to created animations, how many languages is it better to release the game or how to get a free version of useful tools for novice developers).
Information on this topic on the Internet a little, and in Russian even less. Mostly about plasticine animation we are talking about the occupation in circles for children. I will try to rectify this situation and show that it can be used as a replacement for hand-drawn graphics for a small game.
the
Why
original. The phrase "Indie die" is a fallacy. The market is glutted monotonous games, and is now so popular among independent developers pixel graphics a La the nineties already fed up with it all (this is just my opinion, of course). To stand out among thousands of similar games, you should try the original style.
This is interesting. Personally, I have long wanted to try to make a stop-motion animation, and was not disappointed in the process – taken every time are interesting, and give an unusual (for the programmer).
It just. Relatively just, of course, but if you can't draw and simulate on the computer, the simple figures from clay learn how to sculpt a still in kindergarten, so, most likely, and you have such an experience. This could be a suitable method.
clay animation looks cool. Many gamers still remember with great nostalgia The wonderful Neverhood. Of course, this level of project hard to do, but everything comes with experience.
the
What you need
To create plasticine animations only the minimum required material for modeling and the camera to which you will be locking model. About the material and work with it in detail in the next section, and about cameras and photography related things below.
Choosing a good camera for filming goes far beyond the article, so I will say this – you can shoot almost anything you want.
Necessary for shooting settings camera disable autofocus (definitely don't need a change of focus every time frame something changed) and switching to manual mode all image settings (exposure, white balance). If necessary, you can change the image settings in post-processing in a graphics editor in batch mode for all frames at once.
It is also important to have a tripod for steady hold the camera, and ideally also a way to make the frame remotely, so as not to sway the camera when pressing the shutter button with your finger. Such methods can be:
Photography through computer when the camera is connected to a cord (requires special software that is available in most programs for stop-motion filming, and the camera support this function).
Special wireless keychain for photographing (for example, takia)for the particular camera. Either universal bluetooth keychain for your smartphone, if you are shooting on a smartphone. Suitable Chinese hack for 100, and a fancy smart watch, the main thing is to ensure the immobility of the camera.
Application smartphone (for Example Android and iPhone) to remotely control the camera.
The choice of method depends on your camera and financial preferences.
The next step for good shooting creating high-quality lighting. Will fit table lamp that can be easily directed in the desired direction, with a bright light. Recommended by many incandescent lamps, because near them convenient to warm up the clay before the animation, but the heat can be obtained from other sources (at least leaned against the clay to a glass of warm water).
The models themselves are conveniently placed on the low table. The table can be put against the wall, so to be able to consolidate her background. The using the technique of stop-motion implies that it is necessary for every frame to change the position of the models, so it is better to think about whether it is convenient to regularly take the models and put them in their place.
Background can serve as an ordinary white sheet (depending on the scale of shooting, A4-A3), securely fastened with tape. On top of the sheet, you can attach colored paper to the desired color or background image. It is better to have a few background options for the case of the shooting of objects of different colors (white background for dark objects and dark to bright) – for game graphics objects will probably need to cut out of the frame for further processing. The better the camera and lighting, and the contrast compared with homogeneous objects, and the footage will be the background, the easier it will be to carry out such processing. Read more about the methods of image processing will be discussed in the second part of the article. The use of paper handy also because it is easy to do support mark in pencil and erase them.
Example of a model and background, with marks:
the
Software
In principle, it is possible to withdraw without specialized software, but its use greatly simplifies the process. The programs are not very different, so will fit almost any. List of specialized programs for PC related you can study here (in English). You can also use the software for smartphones, chosen by you search for "stop motion".
The most necessary and convenient features that give specialized programs (minimum necessary set, be sure to check before using or purchasing a program):
Compatible with the selected method of remote photography and camera (a support program appropriate model and a keychain camera). I forgot about this item and long enough fiddling, trying to make friends with the selected hardware with the software I write more at the end of the section in the description of the configuration.
insect screen and the ability to display additional marks. Very convenient for alignment and aiming – you can mark the position where you want to be a model to the end of the animation or some points that must be passed during movement. So much easier, for example, shooting a falling object, noting on the screen of his pre-calculated coordinates at each moment of time.
the Ability to set the current frame partially transparent and bring them under the preceding. Practically it is also necessary to have a setting level of transparency, because different scenes handy to have different levels of visibility of the previous frame. This capability is key to creating a good animation and a number of its applications are countless. The use of combined frames will allow you to choose the speed of the object by comparing the distance between the neighboring frames in real time, and can detect accidentally caught in the frame object (for example, the hand of the animator). Also, thanks to the combined frame can be relatively accurately reconstruct the scene from the previous frame, if it has been damaged. And the stage in the process is damaged more often than I would like, for various reasons: accidentally touched with a hand, paused in the few days between filming, ran past the cat, etc.
A couple more relevant to software for smartphones highlights:
– Check the possibility of free exporting a frame as an image! Oddly enough, sometimes the software developers by accident or on purpose limits the receiving of the captured frame as images and provide only work with them inside the program in draft form, and the output can only get video. You can certainly look for images in the file system, or examine the file format of this project is to test, whether it is simply a zip archive, but these methods belong to the category of hacking. Easier to change the program (or buy the full version, sometimes the limitation to this and enter).
– Make sure that the chosen software supports use of all camera modes. It would be logical to shoot at the highest possible camera resolution.
The configuration of my Studio (chosen from what was already on hand):
iPhone 5s + tripod + easy bluetooth shutter + program "Puppet animation" for iOS to create animation (paid version has all the necessary capabilities). Unfortunately, by default, the program normally works with bluetooth-stoppers, so I can't recommend it to others, but I managed to find a way to force it to support remote photography (here I have recorded in detail the process of using a bug that allowed you to use the program with remote controls).
When the Studio is ready, you can start the moulding of the models.
the
Features sculpting models from clay
First of all, on which to sculpt. Fits a normal clay that's sold in art supply stores, in the office, among the school supplies. It is common and cheap. Complete with clay are often plastic tools for working with small parts. You can try to use the clay, just keep in mind that the material will need a lot. Much more than it seems initially.
Of the minuses – the clay is soft, that sometimes prevents the model is unstable to stay in the prescribed posture. For example, in the pose like in the screenshot below, the arms of the figurine slowly lowered themselves.
To avoid this, you can, if inside a plasticine figures to have a frame-the skeleton of soft wire.
If the model was for a long time without any action, before shooting it should warm a bit, otherwise it is possible that any limb will just break off during deformation. If you are going to leave the model for a few days, you should wrap them in plastic wrap so they are not collected on the dust.
According to the technique of modeling there are many lessons, it is not necessary to pay attention for children or not positioned a lesson, some interesting combinations can occur at any.
An example of unusual technique is to throw the clay in warm water to soften, and dial it into the syringe. Then, squeezing it, you can get thin "pasta" that you can fold into complex shapes.
the More detailed method
the
Creating special effects with stop-motion animation
If the examples of how to create models, you can find a lot of, with examples of unusual animation effects from clay the situation is worse, but this area offers great scope for creativity.
Here are a few basic interesting-looking methods:
Slow transformation of one shape into another (morph)
fades
Substitution between shots new models
Sometimes useful replacement frames in reverse order (for example, from the heart cut off a piece, and removed it folding, which is after the break in time gives the desired effect of his appearance from underneath the rolling down logs).
Jumping and flying
Worth looking at this in more detail. Each frame is built with additional supports holding the model in the air at the desired height, then in post-processing backup in each frame are erased.
Here is an example video tutorial how to make a jumping ball
The use of these techniques in dynamics you can see in the video on the end of the article.
the
Animation model
Is to learn the basic principles of classical animation, for example, rules Disney.
First you need to choose which frame rate you need. Suitable for beginners 6 or 8 frames per second, professionals choose 24. The frequency depends strongly on the realism of animation, but for mobile games it is worth also thinking about the size of the obtained images, it is important to find a balance between quality and size.
After that you can paint on paper with words a sequence of key frames. To begin, I recommend to keep in mind the rules of animation "Training, or abandoned the movement and Soften the beginning and end of the movement," is given in the principles of animation Disney's the link in the beginning of this section.
An example of such a sequence for an animation of waving hand:
"In the first 5 frames, the model is stationary, the next 10-12 frames for offside, then 20 frames waving his hand from left to right three times, then 10-12 shots puts hand down." On this instruction, you are ready to shoot. The resulting animations:
That's all, next part I will talk about how to handle the animation so that it can be used in the game.
And finally, a few videos made during the experiments:
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