Course

10207131 Animation 3
Course Information
Description
An advanced study of 3D creature animation for video game production, emphasizing the creation of believable and cohesive animation sets for real-time gameplay. Students build upon foundational character animation skills through the study of animal anatomy, biomechanics, quadrupedal and non-human locomotion, creature posing, weight, balance, and movement behavior. Through demonstrations, animal reference analysis, animation exercises, critiques, and project-based assignments, students develop gameplay-ready creature animations for a variety of anatomical structures and movement styles. Emphasis is placed on translating real-world animal movement into believable imaginary creatures, developing locomotion and action sequences, maintaining consistent anatomy and personality across animation sets, and meeting the technical requirements of real-time production. Students also refine professional production practices, collaborative workflows, and iterative problem-solving skills consistent with contemporary game development environments. 
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Analyze animal anatomy and biomechanics to inform believable creature movement and performance
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Projects
    Criteria
    Identify key skeletal, muscular, and joint structures that influence animal movement
    Analyze animal reference material to identify movement patterns, body mechanics, and anatomical relationships
    Apply joint mechanics and ranges of motion based on the creature’s anatomical structure
    Demonstrate believable weight distribution, balance, and center-of-gravity shifts during movement
    Apply anatomical structure to create locomotion and movement patterns
    Adapt observed animal biomechanics to support the movement of imaginary or stylized creatures
    Maintain consistent anatomical relationships and physicality throughout animated actions
    Use anatomy and biomechanics to reinforce the creature’s size, weight, behavior, and performance characteristics

  2. Create believable creature locomotion cycles that communicate anatomy, weight, balance, speed, and movement style
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Projects
    Criteria
    Looping locomotion cycles are seamless with consistent timing and spacing
    Gait patterns are based on the creature’s anatomy and intended movement
    Weight transfer, balance, and center-of-gravity shifts are believable throughout locomotion
    Foot placement and ground contact are maintained to minimize sliding and unintended movement
    Spine, limbs, head, and secondary anatomical structure movements are coordinated to create cohesive locomotion
    Timing, stride length, and spacing are adjusted effectively
    Differences in speed, size, and weight are communicated effectively
    Distinctive movement characteristics and behaviors reinforce the creature’s personality and physical attributes
    Anatomical mechanics and physicality are consistent throughout the locomotion cycle

  3. Create creature poses that communicate action, behavior, personality, and gameplay intent
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Projects
    Criteria
    Silhouettes are clear and readable and communicate the creature’s intended action
    Strong lines of action establish direction, energy, and flow within poses
    Balance, weight distribution, and center-of-gravity relationships are believable to the creature’s anatomy
    Anatomical and joint relationships are applied effectively while creating dynamic poses
    Asymmetry, opposing angles, and shape relationships strengthen visual interest and pose clarity
    Behavior, personality, and emotional state are communicated through posture, gesture, and body language
    Poses improve gameplay readability and clarity of action
    Poses are consistent with the creature’s established anatomy, physical characteristics, and movement style

  4. Animate quadrupedal and non-human body structures
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Projects
    Criteria
    Use effective gait patterns, joint mechanics, and movement relationships
    Gait patterns are based on the creature’s anatomy, speed, and intended movement
    Joint mechanics and ranges of motion are believable
    Limb placement and timing are coordinated to create clear and physically believable movement
    Spinal, pelvic, and shoulder movement supports locomotion and full-body actions
    Weight transfer, balance, and center-of-gravity shifts are believable throughout movement
    Ground contact and foot placement are maintained while minimizing unintended sliding or penetration
    Primary and secondary anatomical structures are coordinated to create cohesive, fluid movement
    Adapt established animal movement principles
    Motion is believable for imaginary, stylized, or unconventional creature anatomies

  5. Develop cohesive creature animation sets
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Projects
    Criteria
    Anatomy, physicality, personality, timing, and movement characteristics are consistent across multiple gameplay actions
    Anatomical structure and proportions are maintained consistently across all animations within the creature animation set
    Weight, balance, timing, and physicality are applied consistently throughout multiple gameplay actions
    Personality, behavior, and movement characteristics are recognizable across the animation set
    Animations function as a cohesive visual set while clearly communicating individual gameplay actions
    Posing, movement patterns, and body mechanics are consistent across the creature’s established anatomy
    Animation variations preserve the creature’s established movement style and behavioral identity
    Start and end poses support continuity and transitions between gameplay actions
    Complete animation set is refined to ensure consistency, readability, and functionality for real-time gameplay

  6. Demonstrate professional creature animation practices consistent with collaborative game development and real-time production environments
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Projects
    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