GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Animation Summit: Animating Complex Emotions: Bringing Authenticity to Character Performance
Sole González (Animator, Super Spline Studios)
Eoin Loughrey (Director/ Lead Animator, Super Spline Studios)
Location: Room 2018, West Hall
Date: Monday, March 17
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Summits Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Design, Visual Arts
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: Video
Audience Level: All
How would you animate a character in love, in a non-cliché way?
This talk equips animators with practical tools and techniques to add depth and emotional resonance to their work, regardless of production scale.
The session delves into the intricacies of emotions, the unique challenges faced in game animation, and methods for moving beyond clichés to create genuine and unique performances. By leveraging tools like Plutchik's Wheel and Bodily Maps of Emotion, attendees will learn actionable strategies for breaking down complex emotions, blending them with character personalities, and pushing creative boundaries. Featuring interactive demonstrations and real-world examples, this talk empowers animators to embrace the complexity of emotions and infuse their work with authenticity.
Takeaway
Attendees gain practical tools and techniques to simplify portraying complex emotions. They learn to blend character personality with authentic emotional depth, overcome common challenges in game animation, and move beyond clichés. The presentation inspires creativity, empowering animators to create performances that feel natural, engaging, and emotionally resonant.
Intended Audience
This session is for animators of all levels, and anyone else interested in finding out about an animator's thought process in regards to the characters emotions and acting choices.
