CGI in Games: Until Dawn

Thursday, January 14, 2016

6:00pm-7:50pm


The availability of CGI effects in film and game design has increased and improved significantly over just five decades. In a quick review of the history of computer generated images I read that the first use of CGI dates back to 1968. Russian mathematics and physicists created a mathematical model that moved the image of a cat across a screen. The code was used in the BESM-4 computer to print frames for use in film material.
The variety and use of CGI was expanded upon for entertainment purposes in the 1970s. Since then, it has grown to become a popular form of film and game graphics, which competes with the general use of 2D animation as well as using real actors on screen (motion capture could lead the way out of traditional live-action filming). Though, the more realistic CGI becomes, it begins to cross over into an uncomfortable level of reality; the Uncanny Valley.

I have looked into some popular use of CGI in more recent developments that I grow fond of. In August of last year (2015), SupermassiveGames developed the interactive survival/horror game, Until Dawn, for PS4. Upon watching a LetsPlay of the game, I was immediately drawn in to the variety of choices leading to a "Butterfly Effect" style gameplay that results in numerous endings, a realistic environment and uncanny characters.

Though, in my opinion, the plot and script could have been more creative and less chock full of cliches, but the homage to well known horror elements almost makes up for it. I find the animation within the gameplay to be the most interesting. Motion Capture aids in creating more naturalistic movement in the characters, both in expression, joint rotation, and clothing interaction with light and action. The environment is intriguing and real, with excellent use of light and volumetric effect in the dust and snow as it interacts with itself, light, and movement of characters.

I agree with Ravi Sinha's analysis on the visual effects of Until Dawn, discussed on the site GamingBolt. I hope to someday understand the majority of his CGI, gaming, developer vocabulary, but what I do understand is that the game Until Dawn has a lot to offer in the gaming industry.
http://gamingbolt.com/does-until-dawn-push-ps4-technology-to-the-next-level


Also, Until Dawn visual effects:

and Motion Capture:

This topic fascinates me. I will probably look into CGI in other films/games I like.

~Jennah A