Lunark is set to be released on March 30, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X|S, and PC! Learn more about rotoscoping, how it was incorporated to make Lunark, and why it works right for the game.
Lunark Trailer
What Is Rotoscoping?
Creating Life-like Animation
If you're a fan of classic platformers like Prince of Persia or Flashback, you know they are all about realistic animations that capture the laws of physics and create a sense of immersion. And one way they achieved this realism was through rotoscoping, a technique used to create lifelike animations before motion capture came along.
This technique involved tracing film footage frame by frame. With the help of modern technology and a touch of creativity, Creator Johan Vinet produced Lunark.
How Does It Work?
Johan Vinet's creative process involves creating storyboards for cutscenes, which helps determine the overall look and feel, including character design, camera angles, and critical actions. This approach helps ensure consistency and cohesiveness in visual storytelling.
To optimize the visual impact of the cutscenes, Vinet would choose filming locations or props and even re-enact the scenes himself to depict realistic movements for the characters. This attention to detail is essential in creating compelling and engaging cutscenes.
After creating the storyboard and planning the shoot, Vinet would use software such as Photoshop or After Effects to select the best shots, crop the video, and manually perform colorimetric retouching, all done frame by frame. This process can be time-consuming and challenging, but modern technology has enabled him to reduce the number of frames, saving him significant work.
Finally, Vinet would create the background or scenery in pixel art, add audio, and integrate everything into the GameMaker engine.
Why Does It Work For Lunark?
Cost-Effective Way Of Enhancing Player Immersion
Rotoscoping is a valuable technique for creating cutscenes in Lunark because it provides precise control over the animation process, resulting in realistic and fluid movements for the characters and objects in the scene. This, in turn, enhances the immersion of the players.
Using rotoscoping also gives Lunark a unique hand-drawn look, which is visually appealing and further enhances immersion for the players. Additionally, it is a cost-effective alternative to traditional animation, reducing the need for complex 3D models or large teams of animators.
During the storyboarding phase, Johan Vinet re-enacted the scenes to capture realistic movements, further enhancing the effectiveness of rotoscoping in the final cutscene. The combination of rotoscoping and Vinet's attention to detail in character movement and actions can create an even more immersive experience for players, making the cutscenes an integral part of the game's narrative.
While rotoscoping can be time-consuming and less flexible than other animation techniques, its use in Lunark can make the cutscenes stand out and contribute to the game's overall success.
Lunark is set to be released on March 30, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X|S, and PC!
