Assessment Component 1 – Portfolio of Animations

A portfolio of animations which showcases and explores a range of animation techniques and application in 3D spaces. These animations should evidence an application and understanding of the animation principles, theory and composition within a 3D software or game engine. The portfolio should show iterative, reflective development of the animations. These animations can be rendered either in a game engine or as a traditional showreel. (max. 5 minutes)

Introduction to Games Animation
Introduction to Animation
Animation Principles
Introduction to Gameplay Animation
Introduction to Motion Capture

1. Apply knowledge and understanding of animation principles, techniques and theory to create an animation showreel or rendered demonstration.

Programme Learning Outcome: Application and Problem Solving

2. Conduct academic research into animation techniques and methods suitable for the games animation pipeline whilst critically analysing own animation quality.

Programme Learning Outcome: Research Skills

3. Take responsibility in engaging with critique, open feedback and stand ups to enhance animation skillsets for industry or independent working environments.

Programme Learning Outcome: Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

4. Critically reflect on the creation of 3D animations, application of animation principles and quality of final animations used to make a showreel.

Programme Learning Outcome: Reflection

Students will have a mixture of structured and independent learning. Structured learning will have presentations and live demonstrations while independent learning will be providing ample workshop and individual development time to experiment and apply new techniques discovered in lectures.

3D animation software
Game Engine software
Photo Editing Software
Video Editing Software
Digital Academy Forum
Digital Academy Upload System
Video Draw-over Software

Cooper, J. (2021) Game Anim: Video Game Animation Explained. 2nd edn. Boca Raton: CRC Press. ISBN: 9780367707651

Thomas, F. and Johnston, O. (1995) The Illusion Of Life: Disney animation. New York: Hyperion. ISBN: 9780786862023

Williams, R. (2009) The Animator's Survival Kit. 2nd edn. London: Faber & Faber. ISBN: 9780571238330

Osipa, Jason. (2010) Stop Staring: Facial Modelling and Animation Done Right. Wiley Publishing, Inc. ISBN : 9786612817465

Games animation brings a game to life with visual fluidity and juice. In this module students will learn the fundamentals and foundations to create animation for the game development pipeline. This module serves as an introduction to both animation and gameplay animation.