CB2S01 - Character Creation, Animation & Implementation for Games 19 Mar 2019 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: CB2S01
Module Title: Character Creation, Animation & Implementation for Games
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Culture and Animation
Faculty Sub Group: Animation
Module Leader: Jonathan Edwards
Module Team: Philip Duncan, Nick Hood, Brian Fagence, Jonathan Edwards, Leonie Sharrock, Matthew Gravelle-Eagles, Sarah Llewellyn, Emma Marshman, Thomas Walters
First Intended Intake: SEP 2019 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 101019 - computer games graphics
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 19 Mar 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To develop awareness and proficiency with the creative and technical abilities needed to prepare 3D CG Animation or Art Assets for incorporation into a live action shot for the Computer Games industry.

To create 3D CG Animation or Art Assets in accordance with pre-production proposals for integration into a games engine

To develop in-game implementation techniques as relevant to the Computer Games industry.

Content Summary

During the first part of the module, students will be required Interpret and execute the design work & animation preparatory work to generate content for a Game project where a CG Character is exported and enhanced within and “in-game” environment.

The module will attempt to further define students specialist pathways as either an animator or artist by offering two distinct specialist pathways based on the nature of the CG production work to be produced.

The second stage of the module will focus more on the integration and implementation of the assets created and explore methods to seamlessly embed them within a games engine environment.

Students wishing to specialise as animators will explore “in-game” rigging, animation, controls and sub-trees whilst those specialising as artists will generate and environment for their character and incorporate “in-game” texturing, high-poly transfer and lighting techniques.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 6
Tutorial 3
Practical classes and workshops 12
Supervised time in studio/workshop 27
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 44
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 8
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Develop proficiencies in 3D CG Art & Animation using a variety of computer-based skills to produce and deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline.
LO2 Explore creative processes and practices through engagement in 3D CG production techniques to develop an appreciation of in-game implementation principles as relevant to the Computer Games industry.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 2 (Asynch) Renders of the CG characters and other assets within a games engine scene, plus supporting work. 0 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) Renders of 3D CG Character Animation & Art Assets, plus supporting work. 0 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Coursework 2 (Asynch)
Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch)

Reading List

Animation Option :

Game Animation Techniques: A Practical Introduction Paperback – 1 Jan 2016 by Kenwright (Author)

Cartoon Character Animation with Maya: Mastering the Art of Exaggerated Animation – 13 Aug 2015 by Keith Osborn

How to Cheat in Maya 2014: Tools and Techniques for Character Animation, Paperback – 5 Sep 2013 by Kenny Roy (Author)

Tradigital Maya: A CG Animator's Guide to Applying the Classical Principles of Animation Paperback

– 24 Nov 2011 by Lee Montgomery (Author)

The Complete Digital Animation Course: The Principles, Practice and Techniques of Successful Digital Animation – 15 Mar 2010 by Andy Wyatt

Whitaker, H. & Halas, J., (2009), Timing for Animation, Focal Press, ISBN 0240517148

Character Animation Crash Course – 7 Jul 2008 by Eric Goldberg

Hooks, E., (2005), Acting in Animation: A Look at 12 Films, Heinemann Drama, ISBN 0325007055

Webster, C., (2005), Animation: The Mechanics of Motion, Focal Press, ISBN 0240516664

Hooks, E., (2003), Acting for Animators: A Complete Guide for Animators, Heinemann Drama, ISBN 032500580X

William, R., (2002), The Animator’s Survival Kit: A Manual of Methods, Principles, and Formulas for Classical, Computer, Games, Stop Motion, and Internet Animators, Faber & Faber, ISBN 0571202284

Johnston, O. & Thomas, F., (1995), The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation, Disney Editions, ISBN 0786860707

Blair, P., (1994), Cartoon Animation, Walter Foster, ISBN 1560100842

CG Artist Option :

Mastering Autodesk Maya 2016: Autodesk Official Press, 3 Sep 2015 by Todd Palamar

Drawing Basics and Video Game Art Paperback – 7 Oct 2012 by Chris Solarski Beginner's Guide to Character Creation in Maya Paperback – 7 Apr 2015

Maya Character creation: modeling and animation control, 11 Sep 2003 by Chris Maraffi Introducing Mudbox, 23 Sep 2010 by Ara Kermanikian

Digital Sculpting with Mudbox: Essential Tools and Techniques for Artists 28 May 2010 by Mike de la Flor and Bridgette Mongeon

Mudbox 2013 Cookbook, 25 Sep 2012 by Roland Jeremy and Sagar Patel Maya for Games: Modeling and Texturing Techniques with Maya and Mudbox 19 Nov 2008 by Michael Ingrassia

Character Modeling with Maya and ZBrush: Professional Polygonal Modeling Techniques 19 Jan 2008 by Jason Patnode

3D Game Textures: Create Professional Game Art Using Photoshop Paperback – 23 Nov 2011 by Ahearn, L.,

Maya Studio Projects: Game Environments and Props Paperback – 5 Mar 2010 by Michael McKinley

Maya for Games: Modeling and Texturing Techniques with Maya and Mudbox Paperback – 19 Nov 2008 by Michael Ingrassia

Game Character Development with Maya (New Riders Games) Paperback – 22 Nov 2004 Demers, O., (2001), Digital Texturing and Painting, New Riders Press, ISBN 0735709181

Franson, D., (2004), The Dark Side of Game Texturing, Course Technology PTR, ISBN 1592003508

Ahearn, L., (2006), 3D Game Textures: Create Professional Game Art Using Photoshop, Focal Press, ISBN 0240807685

Implementation for Games :

Unity in Action: Multiplatform Game Development in C# with Unity 5 Paperback – 29 Jun 2015 by Joe Hocking (Author)

Unity Game Development in 24 Hours, Sams Teach Yourself (Sams Teach Yourself...in 24 Hours (Paperback)) Paperback – 9 Dec 2015 by Ben Tristem (Author), Mike Geig (Author)

Unity 5.x Cookbook Paperback – 5 Oct 2015, Matt Smith & Chico Queiroz Journals:

3D World 3D Artist

Computer Arts Websites:

www.11secondclub.com

www.digitaltutors.com

www.3dtotal.com

http://tv.adobe.com/

www.3dcafe.com

www.3dbuzz.com

http://forums.cgsociety.org

http://www.fjasmin.net/walk_cycle_tutorial/index.html

http://www.navone.org/HTML/Tutorial_Splines1.htm

http://splinedoctors.com/http://spungella.blogspot.co.uk/