Game Anim teaches the technical and artistic fundamentals of video game animation and goes further to provide practical advice and industry insights to help you become a rounded and successful game animator.  

Covering every stage of game production from the animator’s perspective, it is packed with the lessons learned from working on a variety of game types in both in-game and cinematic roles in animator, lead, and director positions. These have been successful across multiple studios regardless of team, size and culture.

The 2nd edition includes a new chapter on 2D and Pixel Art Animation, an enhanced mocap chapter covering the latest developments in Motion Matching, and even more interviews with top professionals in the field.  

Game Anim provides essential guidance to those looking to break into the industry and successful animators wishing to take the next step in their career. 

Key Features

New 2nd Edition Content
All-new chapter on 2D and Pixel Art Animation, new motion-matching shot list, and more..

20 Years of Insight
Accumulated knowledge from 2 decades of experience in all areas of game animation.

The 5 Fundamentals
Reinterprets the classic 12 principles & sets out 5 new fundamentals for great game animation.

Full Production Cycle
Walks through every stage of a game production from the animator’s perspective.

Animator Interviews
Notable game animators offer behind-the-scenes stories, tips and advice.

Free Animation Rig
Accompanying AZRI maya rig, tutorials and other resources at the foot of this page.

Author Bio

Jonathan Cooper is an award-winning video game animator who has been bringing virtual characters to life professionally since 2000, leading teams on large projects such as the Assassin’s Creed and Mass Effect series, with a focus on memorable stories and characters and cutting-edge video game animation. He has since been focusing on interactive cinematics in the latest chapters of the DICE and Annie award-winning series Uncharted and The Last of Us.

Jonathan has presented at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco and at other conferences across Canada and the United Kingdom, and holds a Bachelor of Design honors degree in animation. More detailed bio here.

Resources

Free Rig

The AZRI Rig is a simple animation rig for non-commercial animation.

Tutorials

Some basic tutorials to get you up and running animating with the AZRI Rig.

Demo Reel Gallery

Over 1500 video game animation reels to be inspired by. Join the group and add your own.

Software & Tools

Download free software for educational purposes and be directed to recommended tools.