GDC 2025 Session Viewer

Rigging in real-time pipelines is gaining popularity, but 2D rigging has largely been overlooked by artists working within Unreal's rigging workflow. This talk introduces 2D character rigging and low cost motion capture techniques in Unreal.

In addition to exploring traditional 2D keyframe animation, a simple motion tracking workflow is presented, enabling real-time animation of a 2D character. Unlike conventional tracking workflows, this novel approach demonstrates how trackers can control IK limbs, emphasizing the feasibility and stability of animating a full 2D character using five trackers.

Additionally, 2D Drawing Replacements are introduced to mimic morph targets in 3D, allowing changing the drawing of body parts or facial features. In this setup, facial capture devices switch 2D drawing replacements to activate 2D facial expressions. Additional features demonstrate adjusting motion capture sensitivity and resetting the default pose to enhance performance flexibility, and allow live performers' movements to be mapped to unconventional default poses for the 2D character.

Takeaway

Attendees will learn about 2D puppeting in Unreal, from design preparation to rigging with Control Rig, and animating characters using low cost MoCaps in a novel approach of using IK chains. Attendees will learn about setting up 2D facial expressions using drawing replacements and face tracking devices. Bonus training material will be provided.

Intended Audience

Game and AR/VR artists or studios planning to create 2D games or interactive projects where enhanced and dynamic character movement capabilities beyond pre-rendered 2D sprites is needed. Artists working on other types of interactive and real-time projects that can benefit from the integration of real-time 2D motion tracking in the 2D/3D world.