These Tech Upgrades Are Set to Redefine Video Game Animation

On The Table Read, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, new tech upgrades to video game animation are about to change our gaming experiences.

For decades, video games have been great entertainment and competition for people. And whether they’re played on a PC, a console like the Playstation 5, or a  handheld device like the Nintendo Switch, they have enjoyed consistent improvements in animation quality over the years.

However, there is perhaps a limit to how lifelike a game’s characters can get. Recreating the laws of physics in a game can be pretty tricky, and it’s common to experience glitches during gameplay. Despite several gaming companies working to improve animation quality, it seemed like the industry would never escape the cycle of minimal improvements year-on-year. But this could be about to change.

Despite several gaming companies working to improve animation quality, it seemed like the industry would never escape the cycle of minimal improvements year-on-year. But this is about to change.  

Unreal Engine 5

Unreal Engine 5 is a development and creation tool for 3D-animated games released by Epic Games. It enables developers to build hyper-realistic games from the ground up, using an array of textures, effects, and assets. An upgrade from Unreal Engine 4, UE5 promises high-fidelity gaming at a level never achieved before.

As part of the upgrade, UE5 has two top features for creating lifelike characters based on lighting and detail. “Lumen” makes lighting more realistic, with attention to the little details of light reflection, daylight, and shadow. And “Nanite” allows for an increased number and complexity of geometries in building game elements to achieve angles and contours as close to reality as possible. Explore Unreal Engine’s industry-defining technologies and more here.

As part of the upgrade, UE5 has two top features, Lumen and Nanite, for creating lifelike characters based on lighting and detail. “Lumen” makes lighting more realistic, with attention to little details of light reflection and refraction, daylight, and shadow. And “Nanite” allows for an increased number and complexity of geometries in building game elements to achieve angles and contours as close to reality as possible.

Advanced 3D Slot Machines

It’s no surprise that even the online casino gaming world is seeking to enhance the animation experience for players. Chief among these efforts is integrating new features into 3D slot machines. With emerging improvements in 3D design technology and computer processing power, game developers like Microgaming can now deliver an experience almost as natural as sitting in a casino.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) increase gameplay excitement by enabling gamers to interact with the real world. And it’s all the more exciting if you get free spin offers for these games, as you can start playing with no deposits. You can read this list of free spins bonuses by Bonusfinder UK and choose the right rewards suitable for your unique experience.

Neural Animation Layering

Still, in its experimental stages, neural animation layering is poised to increase fluidity, smoothen the movements of game characters, and save time in game development. The promising alternative to motion capture tech is being built by Sebastian Starke, a scientist at Electronic Arts.

Using machine learning-based neural networks, neural animation layering works by layering multiple animations together such that the character performs a single action based on these animations. Rather than mapping one training model to one action only (say, walking), game developers can now create a “meta-action” from multiple models, making the animations come to life in a way that motion capture does not. Sebastian Starke explains everything you need to know about neural animation layering in this video here.

These three new technologies could change the video game animation experience.

Donate to support The Table Read
We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!