Course

10207120 Animation 2
Course Information
Description
An intermediate study of 3D character animation for video game production, emphasizing the creation of cohesive animation sets for real-time gameplay. Students build upon foundational animation principles to develop locomotion, body mechanics, dynamic posing, action sequences, and character interactions with props while maintaining consistent personality, physicality, and performance across multiple animations. Through demonstrations, reference analysis, animation exercises, critiques, and project-based assignments, students develop gameplay-ready character animations using professional 3D workflows. Emphasis is placed on weight and balance, character posing, locomotion cycles, animation continuity, prop constraints, iterative refinement, and the technical requirements of real-time production. Students also develop professional production practices, file organization, communication, and collaborative skills consistent with contemporary game development environments. 
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Create believable character locomotion cycles
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Projects
    Criteria
    Seamless looping locomotion cycles show consistent timing and spacing
    Weight transfer and balance are applied effectively throughout character movement
    Foot placement and ground contact are believable and minimize sliding and unintended movement
    Body mechanics communicate the physical requirements of walking, running, and directional movement
    Incorporate personality and character traits into locomotion while maintaining functional gameplay readability
    Speed, stride length, and movement direction are consistently maintained for the intended gameplay action
    Hips, torso, limbs, and secondary movements are coordinated to create cohesive and natural locomotion
    Locomotion cycles meet the technical and functional requirements of real-time gameplay

  2. Develop cohesive character animation sets
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Projects
    Criteria
    Character personality and performance are consistently maintained across multiple gameplay animations
    Consistent timing, spacing, weight, and physicality are applied throughout the animation set
    Posing, movement patterns, and body language are recognizable to the character
    Animations function as a cohesive visual set while clearly communicating individual gameplay actions
    Scale, orientation, root position, and technical requirements are consistent across animations
    Transitions and start/end poses support continuity between gameplay actions
    Animation variations maintain the character’s established movement style and visual identity
    Refine the complete animation set to ensure consistency, readability, and gameplay functionality

  3. Create clear and believable character actions
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Projects
    Criteria
    Body mechanics are adjusted to reflect differences in character size, weight, physical ability, and action requirements
    Weight transfer between contact points is effective throughout movement
    Balance and center-of-gravity relationships during static and dynamic poses are believeable
    Momentum and force effectively communicate the physical energy and direction of an action
    Movement of the hips, torso, limbs, and extremities are coordinated to create cohesive full-body motion
    Use anticipation, follow-through, and recovery to reinforce weight and physicality
    Maintain effective ground contact and foot placement during weight-bearing actions

  4. Create clear, dynamic, and appealing character poses
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Projects
    Criteria
    Silhouettes effectively communicate the intended action
    A strong line of action establishes direction, energy, and flow within the pose
    Balance, weight distribution, and center of gravity are believable
    Body mechanics are appropriate to the character and intended action
    Contrapposto, asymmetry, and opposing angles create natural and dynamic poses
    Character personality and attitude are incorporated through posture, gesture, and body language
    Poses are exaggerated to improve clarity and gameplay readability
    Maintain clear staging and visual hierarchy so the primary action is immediately understandable

  5. Animate character interactions with props
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Projects
    Criteria
    Constraints and attachment systems establish functional relationships between characters and props
    Hand placement, grip, and contact are effective throughout character-to-prop interactions
    Body mechanics and weight distribution are believable based on the size, weight, and function of the prop
    Animate clean attachment, release, and handoff transitions without unintended popping or sliding
    Prop position, orientation, and spatial relationships are consistent throughout an animated action
    Character and prop movement are coordinated to communicate believable weight, force, and momentum.
    Select appropriate constraint hierarchies and spaces to support efficient animation workflows
    Prop interactions meet the technical and functional requirements of real-time gameplay

  6. Demonstrate professional animation practices consistent with collaborative game development and real-time production environments
    Assessment Strategies
    Drawing/Illustration
    Critique
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Explain questions, concerns, and project-related information using professional verbal and written language
    Identify feedback in peer and/or instructor communication and/or critiques
    Apply feedback to your own work
    Use project management strategies to project schedules and deadlines
    Organize, name, and submit digital files according to established course and production conventions
    Completed artwork in submitted in the required format and resolution appropriate to the assignment

  7. Participate in a peer critique
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product and/or Oral Presentation (feedback on peer work)
    Criteria
    Evaluate peer artifact using provided criteria for basis of judgment
    Respond to/write feedback to peer in language that is inclusive and respectful
    Feedback identifies areas that meet criteria
    Feedback identifies areas that need improvement according to criteria
    Respond to the feedback and interpretations offered by peers and instructor