Have you heard about Virtual Reality? Do you know what it is?
Everyone was excited to see where it was headed when the first animations came out. In a few decades, the first colored animations came out, and they were much closer to reality than their predecessors. For some time, colored 2D’s were the extent of animators’ reach until 3D animations came. Ever closer to the fact, 3D Animation was the ultimate approach to Animation the industry had achieved.
It was so until VR short for virtual reality came to be. Virtual reality, as the name suggests, is only one step away from complete reality, and that is not in the graphics but in the content presented within the works. Virtual reality has managed to expand to the borders of the animation industry to where it was not even possible to think of before. VR has become a trend and more and more people have started to use it. Stay with us to find out more about VR.
What is Virtual Reality? [Definitions]
To understand virtual reality, we first need to have a definition of what it is. Virtual reality work is quite similar to 3D work. It is a stimulated 3D environment that allows your audience to experience the work you have produced as it was happening around them. They would see things as if they were seeing them in person and that the events were happening right in front of them. They would also hear sounds in the same manner, as if they were produced right where they are.
The process of creating virtual reality animations, though, is quite different from other types of it. Everything is done using advanced computers and gadgets. VR also requires certain devices, for both creating them and watching them. It would still be possible to watch a virtual reality animation without its proper gear, but it would be impossible to experience it as it is meant to.
What Are the Different Types of VR?
There are three types of virtual reality work. They apply to all works produced as VR, whether they are animation or not. When going for a VR animation, keep them in mind.
Non-immersive Virtual Reality:
Putting it into simple words, non-immersive virtual reality is what you see on your screen when playing a computer game. As you know, when playing computer games, you can interact with the world around you, and everything is presented to you as if you were there yourself. Although, as the name suggests, it is not quite immersive.
Semi-immersive Virtual Reality:
This mode is more focused on the 3D aspect of everything in the work. Also, unlike the previous type, it requires a headset or specialized gear for the full experience. Semi-immersive virtual reality is one step more advanced than the non-immersive version, but it’s still far away from what we can call true VR.
Fully Immersive Virtual Reality:
This is the type of VR that delivers the true experience of virtual reality. This type, depending on how advanced it is, requires different gadgets and gears, and although it is quite an amazing experience, it is not quite common yet. A fully immersive virtual reality allows a person to experience visuals and sounds as if they were real and they were experiencing them himself. It also allows him or her to experience smell, movement, and touch things as if they were real!
Types of VR Animation to Consider in Your Workflow:
VR animation is a way to create moving images for virtual reality experiences. It’s essential to follow a structured workflow to make it work smoothly. Here are the key steps to consider:
| Step | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Animation | Making characters and objects move and perform actions in VR animation. |
| 1. Idea | Start with a clear concept or story for your VR animation. |
| 2. Storyboard | Create a visual plan to outline the sequence of events in your VR animation. |
| 3. Character and Object Design | Design how your characters and objects will look in the VR world. |
| 4. Environmental Design | Design the virtual world or setting where your VR animation takes place. |
| 5. Modeling | Create 3D shapes for characters and objects, like shaping clay or building with blocks. |
| 6. Texturing | Apply colors and patterns to make your 3D models colorful and detailed. |
| 7. Rigging | Add joints and control points to make characters and objects move naturally. |
| 8. Animation | Create movements and actions for characters and objects using animation software. |
| 9. Sound | Incorporate sound effects and background music to enhance the immersive experience. |
| 10. Lighting | Set up lighting to create the right atmosphere in your VR world. |
| 11. Testing | Test your VR animation in a headset to check how it feels and make adjustments. |
| 12. Optimization | Make sure your animation runs smoothly without performance issues on VR devices. |
| 13. Rendering | Convert your animation into a suitable format while maintaining quality. |
| 14. Integration | Integrate your VR animation into the VR platform or application. |
| 15. User Interaction | Consider how users will interact with your animation in VR. |
| 16. Feedback | Gather feedback from testers to improve your VR animation. |
| 17. Finalization | Make final adjustments based on feedback and prepare for distribution. |
| 18. Distribution | Share your VR animation on VR platforms or apps for others to experience. |
| 19. Updates | Keep your VR animation up to date with any changes or improvements. |
Now it is time to explain a little more about each step:
Idea in VR Animation
The idea part is where everything begins. Understanding what you want to do in VR animation would be best. Start by brainstorming. Consider what you want to show people when they wear VR headsets. Consider if you will tell a story or create an excellent experience. Think about what will be exciting and fun for the people who use VR. You can also look at what other people have done in VR to get ideas. Once you have your opinion, please write it down or draw pictures to explain it.
This makes it easier to share your idea with others who will help you make it happen. Your opinion is like the foundation of a building. It’s where everything starts, so take your time to get it right. And remember, it’s okay to change your idea as you go along, but having a good starting point is essential. So, think, brainstorm, and plan before creating your VR animation.
Storyboard
Storyboarding is an essential step in making VR animation. It’s like making a map or plan for your VR animation.
First, you take your idea and break it down into smaller parts. Then, you draw pictures or use simple sketches to show what will happen in each piece.
Think of it like drawing a comic book with squares or boxes. Each box represents a moment in your VR animation.
Storyboarding helps you see how your VR animation will flow from one part to the next. It’s like connecting the dots to make a complete picture.
You can use arrows or lines to show the movement of characters or objects. This helps you understand how things will move in VR.
By making a storyboard, you can see if your VR animation makes sense and is exciting. You can also use it to explain your ideas to others helping you.
Storyboarding is a bit like making a recipe before cooking. It helps you know what ingredients (or scenes) you need and in what order.
So, remember, when making VR animation, don’t forget to storyboard. It’s a simple but vital step to help you create a great VR experience.
Character and Object Design in VR Animation
Character and object design is a crucial part of creating VR animation. It’s like deciding how your characters and things in your VR world will look.
First, you need to decide what your characters and objects will be. Are they people, animals, or something else? Once you know, you can start drawing or taking pictures of them. Think about their size, shape, and colors. Ensure your characters and objects fit well in the VR world you want to create. They should match the style and feel of your VR animation. Think about how your characters and objects move. Do they walk, fly, or do something else? Make sketches or drawings to show their movements. Consider what they wear or how they change in different parts of your VR animation. This helps make your VR world more enjoyable.
Remember, in VR, things must look good from every angle, so pay attention to details. You can also get inspiration from things around you or other animations you like. Character and object design is like making the costumes and props for a play. It helps bring your VR animation to life. So, take your time to design your characters and objects reasonably. Your animation will be more exciting and enjoyable when it looks good and fits your VR world.
Environment Design
In the environmental design part, you create the world where your VR animation happens. This world sets the mood and atmosphere. First, think about the mood you want in your VR animation. Do you want it to feel happy, scary, or peaceful? Your environment should match that mood. Consider where your animation will take place. Is it in a forest, city, or outer space? Choose a location that fits your story. Plan how your environment looks. What colors will you use? Bright colors can make it feel cheerful, while dark colors can make it seem mysterious. Decide if your domain will be big or small. An extensive world can feel open and adventurous, while a small one can feel cozy.
Think about the details in your environment. Are there trees, buildings, or mountains? Add things that make sense for your story. Remember to use transition words like “next” or “then” to show the order of your ideas. Also, make sure your environment works well with your characters and objects. They should all fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Environmental design is like painting a backdrop for a play. It helps set the stage for your VR animation. So, take your time to design the environment. Your VR animation will be more engaging and enjoyable when it matches the mood and fits your story.
Modeling in VR Animation
In modeling, you create 3D shapes of your characters and things in your VR animation. This step helps give them a 3D look. Before everything, you must decide what your feelings and things will look like. Think about their shapes and sizes. Then, start making the 3D shapes on your computer. It’s like shaping clay into figures. You use simple shapes to build more complex ones. You can use software like Blender, which is unrestricted, to do this. It’s like using a unique tool to create your 3D models. When you make a character, you start with a basic shape, like a ball for the head, and add parts like arms and legs. It’s a bit like building with blocks.
For objects, think about what they are made of. If it’s a car, you make it look like a car with wheels and windows. Transition words like “first,” “next,” and “then” help you explain the steps clearly. You can also look at pictures or real things to help you make your 3D models. Modeling is like making a sculpture. You shape and mold until your characters and items look just right. So, take your time and practice. When your 3D models look good, they’ll make your VR animation more real and exciting.
Texturing
Texturing is essential in making your 3D models in VR animation look natural and colorful. Let’s go through it step by step:
First, after you’ve created your 3D models, they might look plain, like blank dolls or shapes. This is where texturing comes in.
Next, think of texturing as giving your models clothes or skins. It’s like painting on them to make them colorful and detailed.
Then, you need to choose the colors and patterns for your models. Imagine dressing up your characters in different outfits.
You can use simple textures, like colors or images, to make your models enjoyable. This is like putting stickers on your models. Transition words like “first,” “next,” and “then” help you explain the steps clearly. After you’ve chosen your colors and patterns, you apply them to your models using software. It’s like coloring a coloring book but on a computer. You can add details like bumps or roughness to make your models feel more natural. It’s similar to adding texture to a painting. Texturing is like decorating a cake. You add layers of colors and details to make it look delicious.
So, take your time with texturing. When your 3D models are textured well, they’ll look vibrant and lifelike in your VR animation.
Rigging in VR Animation
Rigging is integral in making characters and objects move in VR animation. Here’s a simple explanation:
First, imagine your characters and objects as puppets. Rigging is like adding strings to these puppets to make them move.
Next, you create joints or points in your 3D models, like where the arms and legs bend. It’s like putting hinges on a toy.
Then, you connect these joints with lines or “strings” to control movement. This helps your characters and objects bend and stretch realistically.
Transition words like “first,” “next,” and “then” help explain the steps clearly. After you set up the rigging, you use software to control how the joints move. It’s like playing with action figures and making them pose. Moving these joints lets your characters walk, jump, or dance. This brings your 3D models to life. Rigging is like making a marionette puppet dance on strings. It lets you control the movements of your characters and objects. So, take your time with rigging. When done right, your feelings and things will move smoothly and look natural in your VR animation.
Animation
Animation is the part where you make your characters and objects in your VR animation come to life. It’s like making them move and do things.
First, you must decide what movements your characters and objects will make. Think about actions like walking, talking, or jumping.
Next, you use special software to create these movements. It’s like making a flipbook where you draw different pictures to show motion.
Then, you set a sequence for these movements. This means deciding when they start and stop. It’s like making a list of steps.
Transition words like “first,” “next,” and “then” help explain the steps clearly. After you’ve set the movements, you can preview or watch them in the software. This enables you to see how your characters and objects will move. You can adjust the timing and speed to make the movements look right. It’s like tuning a musical instrument to sound good. Animation is like making a puppet show where you pull the strings to make the characters move. It brings life and action to your VR animation. So, take your time with energy. When your characters and objects move smoothly and naturally, your VR animation will be more engaging and enjoyable.
Sound
The Sound part of VR animation is about adding sounds to your virtual world to make it more exciting and authentic. It’s like giving life to your animation by including noises and music.
First, think about the sounds that fit the actions in your animation. For example, if someone in your VR world is walking, you’d want a sound that matches footsteps.
Next, find or create these sounds. You can use simple tools or software to make or collect sound effects. This is like gathering different ingredients for a recipe.
Then, choose music or background sounds that match the mood of your VR animation. Happy scenes can have cheerful tunes, while scary scenes can have spooky sounds.
Transition words like “first,” “next,” and “then” help explain the steps clearly. After collecting your sounds, you place them in your VR animation at the correct times. If a character is talking, add their voice where it makes sense. You can adjust the sounds’ volume and timing to ensure they fit well. This is like changing the book on a TV or radio. Adding sound is like putting the final touch on a painting. It makes your VR world more immersive and engaging for the people using it. So, think about the sounds that match your animation, collect them, and place them in the right spots. When your VR animation has the right sounds, it becomes a complete and enjoyable experience.
Lighting in VR Animation
Lighting in VR animation is like turning on lamps to make your virtual world look good and clear. Here’s how it works:
First, consider how bright or dark you want your VR world to be. Bright lighting can make it feel cheerful, while dimmer lighting can make it seem mysterious.
Next, decide where the light comes from. It can be like the sun, a lamp, or something else. This helps set the atmosphere of your VR animation.
Then, use software to place and adjust the lights in your VR world. You can make them shine in different directions to create shadows and highlights.
Transition words like “first,” “next,” and “then” help explain the steps clearly. After setting up the lights, you can see how your VR world looks with the lighting. You can adjust it to make sure everything is visible and looks good. Lighting is like painting with light. You can change the colors of the morning to create different moods in your VR animation. So, take your time with lighting. When done right, your VR animation will look realistic and set the right mood for the people using it.
How is Virtual Reality Animation Different from 3D?
There are many differences between a 3D and a VR animation. Many things differ in the creating process, in the watching process, and the gears required. What really matters here, however, is that a 3D animation is meant for the eyes. On the other hand, a VR animation is not only meant to please the eyes, but other senses such as hearing as well.
How Is Virtual Reality Changing Animation?
We have reached an important question, what has VR done to the animation industry and what else will it do to it in the future? It will not be easy to answer this question, as it requires a lot of dedication and scientific data collection.
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One of the things that, perhaps has already started and is in the process of becoming something general, is the enhancement of human understanding of space. It is true we live in in a world which space is made of three dimensions. But, considering how we are always walking on earth or sitting, and never flying as birds do, we don’t have a good understanding of what being able to experience movement in the direction of all three dimensions means. Virtual reality can give us a new understanding in this regard. It would thus make it possible for animators to focus more on aspects of their animations that include such experiences as flying.
Another thing that will be changed in animations is how much Animators pay attention to the realistic details of their works such as the laws of physics. To provide a truly realistic experience, everything must be created as things are in reality, and that means animators will have to pay attention to these details, unless, it is supposed to be virtual reality sci-fi!
How Can Virtual Reality Be Used?
With how VR is spreading like wildfire, and how it is becoming more and more available in the market, things are bound for a shift in the animation industry quite soon. Considering how many new approaches and techniques employed by animators in recent years have distanced themselves from pen and paper, it has a very good chance of being incorporated quite well into virtual reality.
1- Training:
Yes, training! One of the problems many of us face, especially when applying for a job or when trying to do something new, is the lack of experience. Imagine if there was some sort of tech or course that allowed you to experience doing that work firsthand. Any mistake you made here didn’t matter at all, but it still helped you learn the tips and not repeat that mistake when doing the actual thing. There are professions in which it would be too dangerous to allow people to learn while doing their job. This would apply to many professions, such as healthcare-related ones.
2- Healthcare:
I already said how healthcare could benefit from VR. But that was only one of the possible uses we could have for VR. In recent years, many people have suffered from mental problems. Many of these problems can be solved by experiencing certain conditions, and it would be a lot easier for the patient to experience them with VR and under the control of healthcare professionals. Considering that, many of the required conditions might not be available in the real world or very hard to reproduce, it would give an amazing chance to animators to shine, and not only make a fortune along the way but also help their fellow human beings.
3- Retail:
How VR might help retail you might wonder. Well, it is fairly simple. Imagine you need to buy a new shirt. What do you do normally? You go out to the nearest shop, assuming you don’t have any preference, you try on some of the shirts you think might suit you best, you buy it if it’s good enough for you, and then you will return. Well, this process takes a lot of your time, and it also costs money to go around the city. With VR, you can just try any item you want at home, order it and have it delivered to you right at your door.
4- Entertainment:
This one was quite obvious and perhaps that’s why I kept it for the last. But the truth is, entertainment is perhaps animators can shine the brightest when it comes to VR. Why watch a sci-fi movie set in space when you can experience it firsthand? Why not fly around the city as Superman or play your favorite action game as if it were real? When it comes to entertainment, there is certainly no limit on how much can be done.
What to Consider Working on?
Based on what I’ve said so far, there are particular approaches or techniques that will be in demand more than others. There will be many ones out of business, and there will be many new ones introduced in the future. However, these are the ones currently available that have a good chance of having a good share of the industry to themselves in the near future.
Computer-generated Imagery Animation:
CGI has been around for around 50 years. It has evolved so much in these years and has come a long way in both being realistic and the number of details. CGI has the potential to continue evolving and being used in VR animations, especially in more immersive VR animation. The amount of work VR demands make it impossible for many other techniques to compete with CGI. Also, CGI and works produced in this way are already quite in demand.
Motion Capture:
Motion capture is a technique that, as its name suggests, captures the movement of objects and people. It is used to replicate the captured movement of characters and objects in movies. Although motion capture is a very useful tool, it has been losing its place in work as studios have slowly started relying on patterns generated by graphic engines and artificial intelligence. However, this could change with VR animations. Producing new movement patterns, especially in VR, can be extremely difficult. With this technique, it will be far easier to create a lot of different works without having to create the same patterns over and over again. It’s also a lot easier to create similar patterns.
Immersive Virtual Reality Animation:
If you are going to do something, might as well go all the way, right? Immersive virtual reality is the closest animation can get to reality. It is an experience where you can have all your senses stimulated. You can hear, taste, move around, hear, and see as if everything were real. With how humanity has thirsted to be able to bring reality to the screen, to be able to experience it without having to work hard for it, it seems that immersive virtual reality animations are going to have a very bright and promising future ahead of them.
Conclusion
At some point in time, simply having some paper that is flipping around would create a most amazing experience which would later inspire the first-ever animations. Then, The Industry grew up and become more and more complicate, by introducing to new techniques and technologies. Although the first animations were in black and white, it didn’t take a long time for them to be colored. Likewise, it didn’t take long for animators to use computers more and more. It was continuing until 3D were introduce. But that wasn’t enough. So now, we are seeing virtual reality in the world of animation. It has come to bring massive changes and shifts to the world of animation. Many believe it will transform it completely.
In this article, I explained: what VR animation is? how many different types it has? how is it similar or different from 3D? where can use it in the future? how it will alter human understanding? and what the future holds for virtual reality animations. If you want to be successful in this industry, without a doubt, you are going to need the help of a professional team. Luckily for you, there is one such team nearby: Pixalent.com. They are exactly whom you need. A team of young, talented, and experienced professionals. A team who have worked with and aided many different groups including Big Companies, TV channels, and commercial groups. Good luck
