ARCS - The 12 Principles of Animation in Games

[@amateraceon5202]

After the video on FighterZ and Guilty Gear, it was only a matter of time until Dan talked about how the Arc system works.

[@MagikusMasalus]

💀💀

[@vdate]

Behold, the platonic ideal of a completely irony-free 'thanks I hate it'. Well played!

[@migicalmerwee9018]

How dare you

[@chriswasden3488]

Oh my gosh

[@likky1]

Carrie would approve of this joke. But i wouldn’t know unless carrie appears to confirm

[@Daeranilen]

This clarifies so much about why walk cycles are actually really, really hard for beginner animators.

[@phencer42]

I know this was only mentioned briefly but I love the point that physics objects attached to a character can help smooth over transition animations! I hadn't considered that and it's very cool to think about.

[@hoodiesticks]

It does open up an entirely different can of worms about making those physics objects look good themselves. I feel like it's a running joke now that every game character with long hair is going to have their hair clip into their clothes at some point.

[@michaelhudson3331]

I'm happy Dan has continued his arc through the 12 Principles.

[@hoodiesticks]

He has a lot more Follow-Through than I gave him credit for

[@kotor610]

Yeah kudos. I assumed this series died. Looking forward to watching this

[@derekw8039]

Totally Squashing the like button so I can Stretch his favor with the algorithm!

[@MrMarinus18]

I do think the theme going through them is that good animation doesn't ignore the laws of physics but rather exaggerates them.

[@MagNetherton]

Im really Anticipating the next video if theyre all this good and informative

[@Artista_Frustrado]

something about Sephiroth getting his cool walk interrupted by Daisy of all people somehow feels very right also yes, knowing when to break physical rules does lead to good visual comedy

[@Fralexion]

Taking revenge on him on behalf of all weird, cheerful girls everywhere

[@Desmond-Dark]

@@Fralexion 😂

[@thunderthebright8469]

Wow, it feels like it's been years since the last one of these! *checks playlist* Uhhhh

[@saint23thomas]

Well, at least, Dan is still on track to finish these videos before the return of the Great Old Ones.

[@timothymclean]

Thank goodness he didn't decide to start over from Timing again.

[@EclipsedVision]

DUDE I'M SO HYPED FOR THIS! this is still my favorite animation based series I wasn't expecting another episode until after the FF series was finished so it's an awesome surprise to see it again! This channel and especially this series has taught me so many things and it was absolutely a huge factor in helping me land my job.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

There are others?

[@comicalbanana]

​@@danieladamczyk4024yeah! he's going through all the basic principles, check the description for the rest so far.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

@@comicalbananaI meant other series on the internet.

[@comicalbanana]

@@danieladamczyk4024 oh my bad, misunderstood. either way KZbin has been a great resource for tons of animation and art tutorials of all kinds! i've been crash course-ing myself through digital art almost entirely through helpful video guides and stuff.

[@EclipsedVision]

@@danieladamczyk4024 yeah, there's the 12 principals series by alan becker, and a newer channel called doodley that's doing a lot of animation based content, I'm sure there's others I'm forgetting right now but to me those are the big 3 (including this one)

[@TheOnlyToblin]

4:25 The large, overexaggerated swings is something I often gripe with (as an actual HEMA fighter), but while they're unrealistic and would get the character killed against even a moderately skilled opponent, they do really, really help in making attacks readable and above all: counterable. If the opponents didn't telegraph and overswing, you'd need the same reflexes and knowledge to win as you would in a real swordfight. Only now you're disconnected from the body, from a different perspective, making it virtually impossible to fight in a video game. So while they're *so wrong* from a real fighter perspective, they do form an important element of making games playable at all.

[@dragonnyte1172]

It's the infamous less than 8 minutes video! I'd love to see a behind the scenes or something where you show roughly how long those first couple minutes were to make (if you're comfortable with sharing of course). Regardless, the video is amazing! This series has been very interesting and helpful for me as someone who's starting to dabble into animation for fun. Thank you for spending your free time to make them!

[@Senumunu]

i was honestly so impressed with how appealing just the running animation looked in Nier Automata. Its a combination of smooth and robotic bcs of that straight, unmoving spine.

[@brandonyohn]

As a non animator (like most people) I'm learning so much from this series! I'm glad to see another one uploaded!

[@vdate]

It's here! (I seriously responded to the notification with asnap-to-attention motion that probably should have merited an MGS-style '!' popup in a sillier world.) Nonsense notwithstanding - thank you kindly! I adore this series, and I'm delighted to see it return.

[@jonathancoit]

As always, these are fantastic tools for explaining the principles. A really master class on what the principles are and how they work. Looking forward to the rest!

[@imtonysopro]

That Eureka Seven reboot looks sick 5:25

[@Gazlives-ue7ci]

This channel REALLY deserves more views than it has. I'm not an animator, but the editing keeps me involved (so many games were shown, it is incredible).

[@AVdE10000]

Yessss, the 12 principles of animation are BACK!

[@peggyliepmann5248]

I'm reminded of a video I saw recently, of a dance instructor going through a routine twice, to demonstrate the importance of "flow". It was basically what you describe here: without flow, each movement was stiff and disconnected from each other, going through the motions without much personality. While with flow, her movements were more seamless and natural. It also looked like it was easier to do, since she wasn't losing momentum and the energy from one move went into the next.

[@Imperial_Squid]

Yay more 12 principles! I swear I've seen half a dozen squash and stretch videos but rarely others, it's great to learn more about them!

[@pedroscoponi4905]

The idea that naturalistic motion has arcs and mechanical motions are stiffer and straighter is so ingrained into our heads at this point, I figure subverting it can be very useful for visual storytelling. I thought a lot of Evangelion EVAs during that section - the way they move helps sell the vibe of a mech that was built on top of what was ( is? 😨) an organic creature. Even when they're unambiguously heroic, it still feels raw and violent and _off._ It's impossible to forget that these machines these children are piloting aren't machines at all. Obviously it's more than just the arcs but I still think it contributes!

[@lunarazure9969]

Mecha in general is interesting when it comes to using arcs in narration because there's such a wide range of information it can help portray. Like you said, using arcs can help sell the more organic side like with Evangelion or AoT (AoT is a mecha show and nobody can convince me otherwise). In similar fashion, a mech with very fluid human-like movement can feel technologically advanced, shows with high-tech alien mechs often tend to have very acrobatic and agile movements that don't feel robotic. Or maybe that fluid motion is a way to help portray a pilot's skill, showing they're talented enough to overcome the machine aspect and make it move like an extension of their body. On the opposite side of the spectrum, stiffer and more mechanical motions work well in portraying mechs as tools or weapons. Without that human-like motion, you get a lot more of a vehicle vibe like a tank that just happens to be shaped like a person. There's a surprising amount of depth in how much story you can tell just by how the mechs move.

[@FearlessSon]

I think it's also worth pointing out that mecha animation was appealing to studios back in the day because they could save money by cutting out some of the in-between animation frames on the mechs' animation themselves, because making a robot look stiffer and more artificial by reducing in-between frames didn't look as visually unappealing as it did reducing those in-between frames on an organic character.

[@jaydenliberty9536]

I rise from the dead to finally add a new video to my “principles of animation” playlist

[@jarg6985]

Another banger! Nothing makes me appreciate the hard work animators do more than videos like these breaking it all down!

[@AspenShadow]

Super love the videos you put out. While I have experience doing my own work -- just personal little things and tiny fan-animated collaborative vids, no game stuff -- I eventually picked up a job doing cleanup for an upcoming 2D game. It's felt like a new experience, and I'm glad to have it. All the skill and effort my colleagues put in, what all game animators put in just to get that feel.. it's really inspiring to see all that passion and thought put into every little detail.

[@lukemorris2221]

Oh man every time you have something new to teach I'm so hyped. This was great. Thank you Dan!

[@redtutel]

3:17 maybe the bulky mo-cap suits are a factor in that

[@ARGssszzz]

Can't wait to see the 2nd arc of this series

[@StepBaum]

Thank you again, your videos are always to the point, nice to listen to and a pleasure to watch :)

[@justember794]

Videos like these sometimes make me wonder where the assets come from. Like the giant at 2:02. Is that animation just publicly available at some point or did Dan make that himself?

[@jedith123456789]

For someone who actually has an associate's in graphic design with animation emphasis, my professor never taught me about Arcs, which now I find rather odd. Glad I could learn something new today!

[@JoyceW-Art]

These videos are always so helpful! I love that you not only explain the principle, but also how they apply in video game animations!

[@Gekster55]

YESSSS DAN. Love this series.

[@laurenzhacker5742]

can anybody tell me, what the game at 6:11 is? thanks! fantastic video as always

[@UpstreamKaraoke]

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

[@nevillesolomon6522]

Yaaaay he resumed the series

[@gabrote42]

Good that you came back! 3:16 Honestly I can't tell the difference. Maybe the other one is 0.05 times slower? Maybe she bounces a bit more? I can't tell the difference

[@UpstreamKaraoke]

It feels a little more bouncy. It goes by quickly so it's hard to grasp it well.

[@gheleorm8894]

2B 's animations : Such Style 😇 I guess it requiers a fair chunck of time and effort to make it up!

[@cyberrb25]

Thank you for remembering me of the best animation (or best-looking) on Next Level Games: Daisy's Supershot.

[@miinintapple]

I THOUGHT THE SERIES WAS DEAD!! ITS BACK

[@tauanecohen9250]

I'm so happy whenever I see a notification from this channel, Dan This is pretty much the one reason for KZbin's Bell icon to exist.

[@andrewhallock2548]

Another great video! Thank you for crafting another thought-provoking video!

[@annbe1l]

Woo! 6/12 I always enjoy these videos and seeing game animation broken down.

[@Winter_hatt]

Glad to know what that's called! Its strange how arcs of motion are so important to selling the idea if reality. I once saw a documentary where Jim Hansen was talking about making the Dark Crystal. He had a bit where he talked about how they had to let the characters bob as they walked or they felt too fake.

[@noiJadisCailleach]

This video deserves a like before the 1st minute even finishes.

[@36inc]

now that rebirth is out and im sweeping through it- i cant wait till you get your final fantasy series out. youre videos are so informative and easy to listen to.

[@shawnheatherly]

Ah, been wondering when we'd get the next part of this.

[@JeanQPublique]

3:35 DKC Water theme!

[@YusiDJordan]

More in the Final Fantasy series! ❤❤❤❤❤❤ you’re one of my top 3 channels

[@lu6754]

This is such a neat series!

[@Jordanimate]

One thing I think in a lot of things with Animation, is people rely on Arcs way too much, to the point where they sacrifice Character and the Texture of the animation for the Smoothness of an Arc.

[@ChesireWaltz]

I mean this is always the case but this was SUCH a good explication of something I had a bit of trouble getting my head around. I think I need to pay more attention to the movement of joints and not just hinging of them back and forth.

[@Hoookstar]

I finally get why from softs enemies feel so much better to fight than any other souls title. All enemy attacks have more pronounced arcs and readability

[@johnnykyr3403]

beautifully made video, well done

[@Sochsun]

This was a great video. But do you know what i need more of? More New Frame Plus in 2024. Seriously, checked my watched videos on your channel and I've seen everything, i need more.

[@kineyatore9798]

I couldn't click on the video faster lol, great as always, look forward to the next one.

[@kaffykathy8729]

The funny thing about when I was Learning HEMA (Historial Long Swords mostly) is that a lot of sword fighting should be easy because it's mostly using the mechanics of your body. At the same time, you are also fighting against swinging your arms like one would swing a baseball bat. Instead your like more holding your sword out while it's the core of your body, the hips and torso, doing all the work and swinging in an arc motion to the next position. Your loose grip and looser arms are very important.

[@acecat2798]

Speaking of lack of motion being funny, I've been really enjoying all the animation by Flying Bark Productions (they're the ones behind Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, and a personal favorite, Lego Monkie Kid-- highly recommend). They're great with sight gags in general, but I've noticed one of their signatures is characters or objects moving like they're being click and dragged in photoshop. For example, instead of a broken pinball machine in Lego Monkie Kid collapsing into a heap of parts, they have it split cleanly down the middle and float weightlessly apart like it's a puppet made of paper and popsicle sticks. The gag is so funny in part because when they want to make action scenes or character drama look cool, they go all out. Check out the fights between Sun Wukong and Ne Zha for an example of what I mean. And then check out the rest of the show because it's really good and not enough people are watching it. P.S. The best animation in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is the fish and ladders fight, which basically answers the question "what if Jackie Chan movies were animated and had a bit of a Lupin III tone to the action?"

[@arcflashhazard_]

Sorry, fellas. I have to stop for a bit and watch a new Principles of Animation video. Oh, are you learning how to animate? ...no. This is just excellent content. Why?

[@kneau]

I managed to mistakenly think this title meant story arcs. This... This makes much more sense!

[@nate567987]

welcome back dan

[@flamecarpet7770]

Dude your videos are awesome

[@levilukeskytrekker]

New Frame Plus let's gooo!

[@PaladinGaymer]

Another principles video at last!!! 🥳🥳🥳

[@Painted_Owl]

It took me waaaay too long to realize you are the same Dan from the early days of Extra Credits.

[@TheDonutDevil]

I'd love to see an episode of this show about APPEAL, i've always felt that was the vaguest principle of animation

[@ИванСнежков-з9й]

Arcs are also another reason why increasing frame rate of video by interpolation (motion smoothing) might look worse. The interpolation is done linearly. If the frame rate is already high enough(>60Hz), it might not matter, but if the source is anime/animation that has motion at 2's and 3's then the choppiness becomes obvious. (2's is 24/2 fps, 3's is 24/3 fps)

[@Thunder-Sky]

well that slow mo of Anna connecting with the horse just informed me that Frozen apparently had jiggle physics

[@jpanboi_]

It's been 3 thousand years....

[@Kalernor]

He's back!

[@JHawke1]

For thousands of years I have slumbered, who dares distur- New Animation Principle video? So the prophecies were true!

[@tuckerrouse4850]

The difference in how weapons are animated in Dark Souls 2 versus every other Soulsborne game is very interesting to me. There's a lot of motion that is obscured by the player character's body in DS2, but overall I often found myself understanding the motion of different attacks a lot better than in any of the other games. I'm curious why that may be.

[@biggrayalien4791]

I never realized that they made Anna's dress bounce with her bosom. I'm not the biggest fan of Frozen but that's the kind of attention to detail I think is really admirable. To clarify, I like when clothing or objects on a person following the character's movement, not boob physics. I mean I like those too but that's besides the point. Y'know what? Forget I said anything.

[@prostajkb]

Please continue the animation series

[@Jibash]

Love ya Dan. You're the best

[@GeneralLuigiTBC]

Princess Daisy of Sarasaland: sending villains flying since 2000.

[@EfrainMan]

3:58 Unnatural motion can look funny...or creepy. Depending on what you want lol

[@mohammadtaha1465]

great informative content ... plz keep going

[@Falclone]

Hearing "inverse kinematics" gave me ptsd flashback to my robotics class.

[@baronobeefdip8075]

Ninja Gaiden 2 clip! Hell yeah! I played that game way too much.

[@TimSkovblleHolst]

One animation principle per year? Ill take it!

[@Rocksteady72a]

People seem to be comparing Nier to Stellar Blade, but I realized it might largely comes down to Nier Automata being "old" to modern audiences (7 years ago!). For me, the biggest thing that impressed me when I first played NieR was how fluid the animations are, seamlessly & responsively linking to any action the player does. This is not something Stellar Blade even comes close to

[@eos_aurora]

Ooo ay! This is one of the ones I never understood how it works

[@Guydude777]

Made my day

[@TheCompleteMental]

Hey NewFramePlus, could you do a video on Sekiro? They do an absolutely astounding thing where you can tell where each character you fight learned swordfighting from the shared attacks. Spoilers: Such as Genichiro's use of floating passage, since he learned from Tomoe who was an Okami warrior.

[@Magic__7]

half way whoo I do much enjoy these

[@B_Skizzle]

What’s the anime shown around 2:28? That’s some absolutely gorgeous animation.

[@sanachanto]

This is from the film Your Name.

[@B_Skizzle]

@@sanachanto Thank you! Your Name was already on my watch list, and knowing that it has such beautiful animation just bumped it up to the top of that list.

[@sanachanto]

@@B_Skizzle that sort of dreamy hyper-realism is definitely Makoto Shinkai’s signature style. If you enjoy Your Name, I’d highly recommend checking out some of his other works!

[@alanmcmillian]

In 2D animation, are there any rules of thumb for creating in-betweens that avoid a jarring snap to the next movement when animation cancelling? I'm finding the smoothness of an arc can get lost in combo systems where you want to have versatility in the way you structure your combat options but still want each movement to look natural?

[@Troixix]

Surprised you didn't mention the Kirby and the Forgotten Land thing during the section you used Nier: Automata clips for. The little trick in that game where, if it looks like Kirby hit an enemy to the player, that enemy got hit even if, in 3D space, the enemy was definitely out of the way of the attack; seems applicable to Arcs, and in fact, I'm 100% certain it's been used in 3D game animation, because I've seen it. Games will cheat the arc to appear more clear to the camera, or slightly change the camera's position before and after screenshake, or move the attack animation to hit the enemy even when the actual position of the character's body in 3D space wouldn't hit. Player attacks will also just hit further to the background than to the foreground. It's really noticeable when games don't do this, because you constantly feel like you've got to be RIGHT next to an enemy to hit it, even though it looks like you should already be slicing or punching them. I always think about how, in Punch Out for the Wii, Mac's glove never actually intersects or connects with the model of the boxer he's fighting. That's the game using arcs to sell an impact that never actually happened, every time you throw a punch.

[@Leron...]

Everybody SHUT UP! There's a new New Frame Plus video!

[@e3.14c4]

3:08 the altered version just looks muted to me

[@bl33kselderij]

I would have loved to see some examples of 'wrong' animation, i.e. where it should have been an arc but was (too) linear, just as examples. Would you happen to know of any?

[@parallelself]

what's that Lupin III clip from?

[@gregoirejeanneau2765]

Anyone knows what the games at 6:10 and 6:50 are?

[@RSorei]

Yay, another :D

[@Roadhouse-h1v]

Thanks Deep Voice Dan

[@themothreborn]

cant wait til on playframe we get to the part of ff7 rebirth where Princess Daisy of Sarasaland smacks sephiroth into next week with a golf club wonder y more 3d video game heroes arent described as having super-agility, play a little effect every time they have to "Pop" to another pose and just turn the weakness into a strength. of course being super speedy isnt gonna be right for every playable game character im just surprised its not a more common excuse, I mean, it looks cool enough when Hit does it in dragon ball games

[@serpant333]

hey im pretty late to the party but i really want to see you break down gear 5 in one piece, this is the first time japan has taken a western style and went haywire and i really want your opinions on it

[@l-_-lnzrd]

2:37 what is the show here?

[@thaumagraphist]

Arcane

[@chadjones1266]

Thx agn

[@LOVER_LINK]

im guilty of cleaning my arcs too much in the graph editor. my ocd wants me to have clean arcs or ill go crazy

[@Thraim.]

2:55 Ah yes, reality just isn't real enough sometimes

[@ToriTheChicken]

Yay! 😄

[@pooyataleb2514]

what's the film at 5:26?

[@oscarmotions5630]

t's from arcane. a series set in the league of legends universe

[@Codraroll]

Arcane: League of Legends. A rather excellent animated series on Netflix.