After counting, there is somewhere between a Crap-ton and an Ass-load of large and small details that go into making video games.

These are some development phases for a human character. Animated in Maya, and used in the Unreal Engine.

Character’s idle state showing the extreme pose points. Very stiff and unnatural, but it establishes the character’s energy.

Here is the same idle with some finessing. Added some drag and delay to the breathing. Much smoother feel to it.

*Note – The stuttering is my computer, not yours ;-). I was still figuring out the video capture software. Looks better in-game below.

Finally, this is me having replaced the stock idle with the new animation running as smooth as butter in game. Character is all pissed off and ready to beat the crap out of somebody.

For reference and contrast, this is the stock idle animation the Unreal Engine provides. This is interactive, in-game footage.