Game Animation

tomdon

I am trying to find some tutorials, links or even books, that can get me started with animation for games. I am trying to learn the basics, simple walk and run animations etc. I have not had much luck so far. Does anybody know of any good tutorials, max based idealy.

Downsizer

Well dont focus on games is a first thought. Focus on the art, game spec for animation is fairly bland, and varies so much from title to title. Best way to get started is to look at real game assets, get a copy of unreal tournament 2004 and check out the animations.

I would focus on demoing character animation in general before you apply it to game spec.

tomdon

It was more the fact the mod I do characters for needs some animations done. We have not had any luck in finding somebody to help. So I was looking into trying to do them myself.

Eric Chadwick

http://www.keithlango.com is a good place to start, as far as animation itself is concerned.

Some technical notes here about game-specific issues.
http://udn.epicgames.com/Two/SkeletalSetup#Overview
A little dated, but a good primer. For example, most games now use the Skin modifier instead of Physique.

Ultimately though, animation is tough. Good results require a lot of practice as well as a good eye. Depends on the quality you need, but sometimes achieving that last 10% quality level takes 90% of the total effort.

Have fun though, it's really a blast. I wish I had time to do it more.

tomdon

Thanks for the links, I shall check them out.