Creating 3D animation for games

In the world of game development, 3D motion content is an integral part of project design, ranging from simple casual apps to AAA blockbusters. 3D animation in games makes characters and environments convincing, enhances the sense of presence, and immerses users in the virtual world.

The visual quality of a game development product is a key factor determining its success, player engagement, and the quality of the user experience. Creating 3D animation for a game (bringing characters, environments, and gameplay to life) is a crucial component of the title's overall experience.

Smooth movements, realistic facial expressions, expressive gestures, spectacular special effects, and interactive interface responsiveness—all these aspects make the universe compelling, dynamic, and engaging. Contact us or submit a request—the Arionis Games team has effective solutions for your project.

What is 3D animation in games?

3D modeling and animation for games is the process of creating moving, three-dimensional objects in an interactive 3D space using specialized software. This technology is used to bring characters, environments, and UI elements to life. It is also used to create visual effects and cutscenes (non-game sequences). Unlike 2D animation, 3D motion content has depth, allowing for realistic physics with simulated volume and mass.

What functions can animated 3D graphics perform in games?

Bringing characters to life. Animating 3D characters allows us to show their movements and facial expressions, making their participation in battles and displays of emotion more expressive. These details add realism to the images.
Plot development and cutscenes. 3D motion content helps reveal backstories and character motivations, as well as create vivid transitions between events in the title's universe. All this immerses gamers in the atmosphere of the virtual world. Modern technology makes it possible to make such inserts truly cinematic. They are often used in trailers to generate excitement for a product before its release.
Gameplay dynamics. By animating 3D objects, combat scenes, interactions, and overlaying volumetric special effects, the developers achieve greater visual impact and richness in the gameplay, making the title more engaging.
Interface interactivity and visual cues. Animated 3D graphics are widely used in UX/UI design. They are used to design buttons, menus, and pop-up notifications. This helps make gamers' interactions with the product more engaging, direct attention to relevant elements, and improve the overall user experience.

The primary function of 3D graphics and animation in games is to achieve immersion—that is, to make the virtual world as realistic and convincing as possible, ensuring complete immersion in its atmosphere. Three-dimensional models, characters, animals, vehicles, and natural phenomena make the title's universe practically tangible.

Creating 3D animation for games from scratch is one of Arionis Games' core competencies. You can see how we bring characters and worlds to life in our portfolio of completed projects.

The benefits of using 3D animation in game development

Users and publishers are placing ever-higher demands on entertainment apps. Volumetric animation has become an integral part of the development of such products, enabling the creation of detailed, emotionally rich, and technically superior projects.

The main advantages of ordering 3D animation services for games:

increasing realism and visual appeal (working with perspective, volume, movement, angles, viewpoints, as well as particles, light and shadow, and physics);
improving interaction with the product (information content, intuitiveness of the menu and the interface as a whole);
expansion of gameplay capabilities (including the implementation of complex mechanics – combat elements, acrobatics, stealth movements, etc.);
effective and spectacular presentation of the plot (drama, dynamics, spectacle);
Flexibility – the same animated element can be used in different scenes from different angles;
Versatility – 3D motion content easily adapts to various operating systems and game engines, suitable for cartoon platformers, action games, and can be configured for mobile devices, consoles, online solutions, and PCs;
Extensibility – 3D materials can be easily scaled for future updates without the need for rework (this eliminates the need to create separate sprites and images, saving resources and reducing development time).

Thus, 3D visualization and animation for games provides a competitive advantage, ensures positive product and brand perception, and, ultimately, commercial success. In the AAA, VR/AR, and esports segments, this technology has long been a quality standard. Its proper application is the key to an emotional response from the audience and effective market promotion.

What types of 3D motion graphics can be ordered from Arionis Games?

Our studio offers a wide range of services related to bringing 3D models into motion. We create motion content such as:

3D character animation – running, attacks/dodges/combat techniques, emotions, interactions with objects, magical gestures;
revitalization of the environment – weather phenomena, mechanisms, destruction, transport, manipulation of objects, transformations, etc.;
implementation of cutscenes and cinematics – story clips, intros, dialogues, key events (pre-rendered or in-engine);
creation of motion content for the interface and HUD – smooth appearances/disappearances, responses to user actions, visual frames, transitions;
VFX (particle-based effects) – manifestations of magic, explosions, fire, sparks, post-processing of moving objects with texturing, etc.

Pricing for 3D animation services for games largely depends on the type of dynamic graphics required, including the complexity, scope of the task, and technology stack.

Stages of 3D animation development

Creating the visual movement of characters and objects is a painstaking process that requires precise planning and technical expertise. Each stage of production is aimed at achieving maximum expressiveness, persuasiveness, and consistency with the original concept.

How 3D animation is created in games – the main stages:

Script development and storyboarding. We define the animation goals and script, and construct the sequence of episodes. Using data and references received from the client or collected by our specialists, our artists create a storyboard. This is a storyboard of key scenes that ensures the concept and style are executed accurately.
Rendering individual objects. Before moving on to volumetric work, we create sketches of characters, backgrounds, and other key objects—interiors, vehicles, etc. We always coordinate these with the client.
Modeling. We transform all approved elements and concept art into 3D, adding textures and other details. For character development, we also perform rigging and skinning, which we've covered in more detail here.
Online 3D model animation. This is the key stage where characters and environments begin to move. This can be done manually or using motion capture. We work strictly according to the specifications, respecting physics, emotions, kinetics, and facial expressions when it comes to characters.
Post-processing. We add secondary gestures and poses, adjust timing, and achieve smoothness, maximum anatomical accuracy, and realism—so that characters and objects move logically, believably, and in accordance with the laws of the game world.
Testing and optimization. We verify the correct display of model actions and the product's performance in the engine. If any bugs or inaccuracies are found, we fix them.
Integration. After the client approves, we integrate the finished, 3D motion content into the engine, add triggers, and fine-tune its operation within the game's context.

Consistent implementation of these stages ensures high-quality results and effective product integration. Most importantly, our iterative workflow optimizes the timeframe and cost of 3D game animation, significantly reducing the likelihood and scope of rework.

Technologies and tools for volumetric animation

To create 3D motion graphics, we use professional software, rigging solutions, simulations, and various services for procedural generation, motion capture, and more. The main ones are:

Programs for 3D modeling, animation of characters and objects for games – Blender, 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, Houdini.
Rigging and skinning plugins and services – Advanced Skeleton, Mixamo, Rigify
Game engines – we perform 3D animation in Unity and Unreal Engine.
Machine learning and procedural generation technologies – Cascadeur, RADiCAL
Motion capture – Vicon, OptiTrack, Rokoko.
Additional software (for texturing, sculpting, etc.) – Substance Painter / Designer, ZBrush, Adobe After Effects / Premiere Pro.

These and other tools are selected based on the specifics of the project, budget, and technical requirements. We customize the stack to suit the specific tasks, capabilities of the target platforms, deadlines, and client expectations.

Where can I order 3D animation for a game?

The Arionis studio team includes professional developers, 3D modelers, game designers, animators, and other specialists with years of experience in the gaming industry and 3D motion content creation in particular.

Benefits of working with us:

a strong team with specialized expertise and practical experience;
iterative work with regular demo versions, flexibility in editing;
a variety of game production formats (creation of 3D animation for full-cycle games, outsourcing, outstaffing, project collaboration, services of a dedicated team of IT specialists);
strict adherence to deadlines and transparent communication.

We utilize a wide range of modern tools and understand how to make a title's world engaging and attractive to its target audience, while successfully realizing its commercial potential. We've been creating high-quality motion content for game development products for many years. We'll bring your gaming universe to life and volume.

Portfolio

Galactic Slice

FAQ

How much does 3D animation for a game cost?

The budget depends on the video's length, the complexity of the movements, the number of characters, and the scope of technical requirements. The price of 3D animation for games is also influenced by factors such as the type and style (realism, stylization, cartoony, etc.), the use of mo-cap or hand-drawn animation, the level of detail, the use of texturing, and the specifics of the target platform for which the title is being developed.
What are the differences between 2D and 3D animation for games?

The main difference between 2D and 3D animation is the spatial dimension. They are created in different environments: 2D animation is a two-dimensional plane with only height and width.
Working with 3D models also adds depth—a third dimension. This allows them to be rotated, lit from different angles, adapted to various perspectives, and more. This freedom elevates game production to a new level of interactivity, engagement, and immersion.
These two types of motion graphics also differ in technology and process: 2D often uses frame-by-frame rendering and sprites, while 3D utilizes skeletal animation, modeling, rigging, and rendering. You can read more about how we work with dynamic graphics in 2D on the page Creating 2D Animation for Games.
How does interaction and transfer of finished files take place?

Our team works using secure platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Git, Asana, Notion, and others. We deliver final animation versions to the client in the required formats, with instructions on importing them into the engine. We can also integrate the prepared assets ourselves. Throughout the process, the client receives regular reports, updates, and demo visualizations—we're always in touch.
Do you animate existing models or create characters from scratch?

We do both – we'll develop a 3D character, from concept to sculpting and rigging to animation. We'll also bring your existing model into motion. We approach each task individually. You can read more about how we develop 3D characters on our 3D Character Design page.
How long does it take to create 3D animation for a game?

The timeframe depends on the scope and complexity of the task, the level of detail, and the chosen style. For example, a basic character movement package (walking, jumping, attacking, etc.) can be completed in 1-3 weeks.
A large-scale project with cinematics, cutscenes, complex combat systems, and a large number of objects that need to be set in motion will take up to several months to complete.
The more characters, special effects, and the higher the level of detail required, the longer the production will take.
What formats and engines do you support?

We primarily perform 3D animation in Unity and Unreal Engine, but the choice of tools depends on the technical requirements of the final product. We typically use formats compatible with these engines, such as FBX, OBJ, glTF, and others. By agreement, we can adapt the final product to the specifics of your project and deliver the finished assets in a format convenient for you. Detailed information about the specifics and capabilities of the engines we work with can be found on the pages Game Development with Unity and Game Development with Unreal Engine.
Is it possible to make changes during the work process?

Of course. We coordinate all key stages with the client (sketches, animatics, rigs, rough cuts, etc.) and, if necessary, refine the final result of each stage as much as needed.
The main advantage of iterative collaboration is the process's controllability. Any discrepancies can be quickly resolved at the stage where they arise, rather than having to rework the entire finished product.

Animation for 3D games