Animation in the Unity Game Engine

Display Schedule

Subject guarantor:

Eric ROSENZVEIG

Name of lecturer(s):

Eric ROSENZVEIG

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

The instructor introduces potential for working with the Unity gaming engine (software for developing computer games). We focus on the preparation of 3D scenes upon which animation, objects, lighting, effects, etc. are composed. The result is exported as a „realtime“ application with animated objects and cameras. We demonstrate how effective it is to render video in this environment.

Mode of study:

Attended course

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

Students must bring the latest versions of Blender and Unity on their own PCs. If the student does not have their own laptop or if there are other questions, write an email to dokonalychaos@gmial.com (The lending of a school computer is possible. Inform ahead of time.)

Course contents:

The gaming engine Unity3D is a widespread and versatile tool (aside from the paid professional version) supporting a number of platforms and intended for creating 2D and 3D games. It is supported by an online community with instructions and support. Therefore, it is ideal for learing the basics and principles of game development.

Preparing an object takes place in the application Blender, including basic modelling, animating and subsequent export. (Other 3D modelling applications may be used.) Pre-prepared 3D objects will be available so the workshop may focus more on Unity considering the challenges.

Lectures will be before a projection where the students see the individual steps of the lecturer which then will be repeated. Each step is individualized and advised upon so that each student achieves a functional result at the end.

The gaming engine is the most basic core of the game offered by API for communication with it. This is a special tool which allows the creation of game for various platforms (PD, Mobile, gaming consoles). The tool help link gaming elements, ex: game physics, models, materials, etc. The gaming engine provides functions such as rendering graphics (2D, 3D), physical engines (simulated physics), conflict detection, sound managers, animation, working with a network, skripts and many other functions. The extent of services in individual engines varies but we can find how simple libraries take care of drawing as well as extensive engines with their own IDE.

Workshop structure and extent:

- brief presentation of UNITY, examples of the potential

- discussion with participants for ascertaining knowledge and expectations

- preparation of simple animated objects with textures in Blender (prior knowledge of the Blender environment or similar environment is advantageous)

- introduction to Unity interface

- import of animated objects into Unity and composition of one's own scene (terrain, light, material, objects, skybox, etc.)

- presentation of animation potential of Unity Timeline and Cinemachine

- animation cameras and objects in Timeline sequences

- use of Post Processing effects for a camera

- application export and video rendering

Recommended or required reading:

Unity can be downloaded here:

https://store.unity.com/download?ref=personal

During installation, at the choice „Choose Components,“ select: Unity 2017..., MonoDevelop, Standard Assets, Example projects

linux/windows/mac build support according to your operating system. Other choices as well. When initiating the application it is necessary to register your own account using your email address.

For programming and adjustments of the control scripts (codes in C++, C#, Java Script) you need the Monodevelop editor (http://www.monodevelop.com/download/), or Visual Studio (part of Windows). The lessons focus on procedures not programming skills but need to be considered.

Blender is available for download at this address:

https://www.blender.org/download/

Other parts to download:

The Unity Asset stor is part of Unity, where it is possible to download other parts of the application (free and for a fee)

Unity Essentials libraries are interesting.

Video rendering

https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/essentials/beta-projects/recorder-94079

Post Processing effects

https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/essentials/post-processing-stack-83912

Animation chamber:

https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/essential/cinemachine-79898

-> After registration you can install. The asset store is available directly in Unity.

For exporting 360 video and use of other new functions, it is best to download the beta version Unity 2018:

https://unity3d.com/unity/beta-download

Other references can be viewed on the internet or the Unity Learn webpages:

https://unity3d.com/learn

Unity:

https://unity3d.com/

https://blogs.unity3d.com/

https://blogs.unity3d.com/2017/01/11/adam-step-by-step/

Assessment methods and criteria:

100% module attendance.

Course web page:

Note:

Instructor: J.K. is a master's student at the Center of Audio-visual studies, FAMU. He is a media artist focusing on the moving image, sound and narrative. In the last few years he has been working on performance and improvisation with live electronic systems. He is currently focused on creatiions with gaming engines Unity 3D, creates Virtual Reality, video and reactive images - modular scenery, controlled by his self-created controllers.

Schedule for winter semester 2017/2018:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

Schedule for summer semester 2017/2018:

Date	Day	Time	Tutor	Location	Notes	No. of paralel
18.04.2018		10:00–17:00		Institut intermédií - Dejvice		paralelka 1

The subject is a part of the following study plans: