Here's a fun challenge: How do you create the clearest, most fluid animation in a 2D game while ensuring the game feels responsive to player commands?
Okay, now how do you do that for a 2D fighting game in which serious players are literally counting frames as they play?
During the GDC 2014 Animation Bootcamp Skullgirls lead animator Mariel Cartwright took the stage to break down exactly how the Skullgirls team pulled that off. Her talk offered a deep dive into the importance of strong key frames, anticipation and timing, and how you can effectively get these principles across when your designer says you only have six frames to deliver a punch.
Cartwright's session offered an insightful look into a topic that's all-too-rarely discussed in contemporary game development, and if you missed it in person you can now watch it absolutely free over on the official GDC Vault YouTube channel.
About the GDC Vault
In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault and its new YouTube channel offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent Game Developers Conference events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers.
Those who purchased All Access passes to recent events like GDC, GDC Europe, and GDC Next already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription via a GDC Vault subscription page. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company by contacting staff via the GDC Vault group subscription page. Finally, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault technical support.
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