Why haven't they gotten this right? Part I: Running Animations - RaychelSnr's Blog

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RaychelSnr's Blog

Why haven't they gotten this right? Part I: Running Animations Stuck

Posted on June 22, 2009 at 11:09 AM.

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I'm starting a new series of blogs this week looking at things that I still can't believe sports gaming developers are not doing correct. Part one of this five part series looks at the simplest aspect of sports games, at least I would think so: running animations.

It is now June 22, 2009. I have yet to see a sports game look completely realistic in regards to player movements. Players still don't run or walk realistically in any sports game. Some are better than others, but some like in any football game I have ever played, just look absolutely wrong.

I think the thing that gets me is the simple fact people run differently and in games, everyone runs the same. That makes the entire experience look totally unrealistic because the game instantly feels artificial.

My solution is simple: if you are going to motion capture running, make sure you capture running animations for a few dozen different athletes. Otherwise, the game is going to feel 100% artificial. If you aren't going to mo-cap, have the common sense to know people don't run the same. A 300 pounder does not run near the same as a 215 pounder.

So what do you think? Which games have the best running animation(s)? How do you think this could be perfected in a sports game?

Comments

# 16 Skyliner80 @ Jun 23

In NFL Fever, everyone ran like a Wide Receiver, which was cool. Lankey strides and towels!

# 17 Tyrant8RDFL @ Jun 23

Madden on the last gen systems have solid run animations, and MLB the show 09 has solid run animations.

I feel it can be done. I also feel the next Gen game engines being used for NCAA , Madden, and MLB 2k series are engines not to friendly with producing smooth animations.

In the end I hope I'm dead wrong, but as of now I'm 100% right.

# 18 blackscorpion11 @ Jun 24

They need to get back to the motion capture technology used in the past... NCAA 09 and MLB 2K9 have the worst ive seen in a while.

# 19 EtheRed @ Jun 25

Even if they went to a style running animation. (speed, power, quick) for each position I think that alone would do wonders for making especially NCAA seem much more authentic.

# 20 cclary24 @ Jun 26

Im so glad someone said something about the running Animations because I feel the same way as MMChrisS on this one. Every person has a different running style. I think that those differences should be reflected in the game. I dont know if anyone would agree but I think that Madden on the Playstation 2 platform has more realistic look and feel to its running animations. Now I dont think they should or can change it back to that but EA needs to take some time to revamp that feature of the game.

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