Motion capture in games (Batman)

                                                            Batman Arkham origins

The type of animation in which I have chosen to write about is motion capture, however I am specifically applying this type of animation to one particular media sector which is gaming. In gaming the purpose of motion capture is to portray a story between characters this is most likely done in the “mini movies” between gameplay. This allows to add depth to the character and it allows to game to progress. The genre of motion capture can most defiantly differ as it can be used for various things. There is no exact age range in which we can specify or categorize it in. If I was to make a estimate in which age range motion capture would fall in I would say roughly around the teens area. The reason for my choosing is because it’s now mostly used in games, games in which incorporate a tremendous amount of violence such as Batman Arkham Origins therefore it is safe to say that its for teens in the 16-18 area.  

Motion capture suit with
retro reflective markers

Motion capture is the process of recording the movement of objects and most likely people. Essentially it records the movement of human actors. To be able to capture the movements of the actors they must wear a special motion capture suit. It is often or always made out Velcro as it is easy to carry as well as take on or off, you can also have motion capture accessories such as gloves and hats (beanie style) that is also used. Retro reflective markers are placed variously on the suit. The markers are used to outline the subject (actor)

In the game the motion capture is being recorded in a studio with lights placed all around it these lights are most likely infra. The motion capture is being recorded and pre-recorded voices are being used instead of the characters actually speaking. In the game the facial emotion is not being recorded as it is not always a necessity however it is used such as in movies a prime example would be dawn of the planet of the apes.

Once the motion capture is recorded and is on the computer the editors digitally enhance the characters and put on whatever it is that they want whether it be certain clothes as well as colour.

The purpose of why motion capture was used for this particular game was because that in Batman there are a lot of fighting and using motion capture would be the easiest as well as quickest way to document that fighting unlike CGI animation which uses a longer process. Furthermore, motion capture allows that sense of realism and can be used to make the characters seem as real as they may want. In certain scenarios even as real as an actual person which just goes to show the power of motion capture.

Motion capture example

Due to the sudden boom in technology motion capture has really been brought into popular culture. This is because computers were evolving we were able to do more things with it and motion capture were one of those things. It started however in 2002 with the second lord of the rings film.

The process in making motion capture has more or less stayed the same as it has only been used more frequently recently.

This animation has changed the way characters are seen in movies and gaming. It now allows the production process to be easier as there is an actor already on set and now the editors don’t need to put in the characters digitally all they have to do is change the way they want it to look. It can be used to make the characters seem extremely realistic and in games it gives the graphics a nice glossy finish in my opinion.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYIcjB3klZ8 (Batman Arkham Origins motion capture trailer)