Is key frame animation going into history?

[x3dx]

Ok I know that Face Robot is the key ingredient for facial animation in all hi end game cinematics but what in the world they use for the rest of the body? Did you see this (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/18728.html)? Mocap? Which one? Is there something like that capable for "home 3D studio" use?

I guess tha classic animation aproach with key frames is going slowly in to the history or what?


P.S. Sorry for my english. :sweatdrop:

[SebasProulx]

Key frame animation will NOT disapear. Of course, mocap is more effective and cheaper than ever (well ,not all systems are cheaper) , and if you want to do high quality realistic animation, mocap is the solution, but if you want to do stylized or cartoon animation, nothing can replace good old keyframe.

Ten years ago, when mocap was getting big, people would think keyframe could soon become history, but here we are. I think keyframe and mocap can live very well together.

As for FaceRobot, i think you can still do very good animations (realistic or cartoon) without it. You just need a good rig, and good animators.

P.S. Would you see pixar, BlueSky or Deamworks change for mocap?

[Ahmidou]

Face Robot is just a Rig, you can make keyframe animation with it as well as mocap

[Helli]

Mocap simply can't replace keyframe Animation. It's too liveless. If you don't exagerate Mocap Files they look crapy so also for doing Mocap most time you will need Animators cleaning and exagerating the Mocap Files.

And when it comes to comic style Animation there is no other option then keyframing it.

[lookslikematt]

I think you'll get the same general response from any animator that works with mocap that SebasProulx and Helli are giving you.

Mocap is just a technique - as imperfect as the next and only as good as the person using it. It takes a lot of work and skill to mold into the final performance. Although, maybe calling it "too liveless" is a little further than I would go (that really tends to depend on the on-stage performer and director).