Tracer & Pose Design 101 - The Animation of Overwatch

[@IBeChubbz]

Daniel, 12 minutes into the video: "I think that's enough warm up. So let's finally start talking about Tracer" Me: "Oh yeah, I forgot that's why I clicked"

[@sumsum3873]

Drop Flair Same

[@edgarschmedgar8372]

So it wasn’t just me

[@caseybouquet]

Shit, I read this then forgot about it and I got to that part and I was dumbfounded

[@Nafinafnaf]

Same

[@briansaleemberry2686]

Exactly XD

[@theentirecircuss1617]

'These poses should convey how the character reacts to success' Baptiste: *eats soup*

[@iamforeverapartofyou3529]

Big sip

[@cassidyb9786]

To be fair I would too

[@GummyDinosaursify]

I mean, Baptiste was an Orphan who stole food to survive and then was tricked into joining Talon where they probably didn't treat their recruits too well. So yeah, the boy deserves that soup.

[@TuxenHale]

This comment fucking killed me xDDD

[@AussieAlex]

Orisa: *Holds puppy*

[@sunsetsynth]

12:34 he looks like a young entrepreneur halfway through a mediocre TED talk

[@okiemokie3357]

I cant believe how accurate that is lmao

[@vessessa]

15:40 I would very much like to see mccree in that tracer pose

[@DAZED_VII]

vessessa You’d only see his cape

[@kiddo6393]

I would like to see Matt Mercer in that pose

[@majobagarcia2564]

@@DAZED_VII Poncho*

[@boudersaayman4574]

wut

[@RiggsTheFox11]

McCree has some cake though, like have you seen the ass they gave him?

[@EnriqShockwave]

My god are you ever well spoken. The way you communicate is so effective and your videos are such a pleasure to watch

[@nvrndingsmmr]

This is what happens when you meet smart people :0

[@andandampersand8202]

1:47 an expressive carpet? Dude 100% poses and animation are so interesting

[@aidanquiett668]

Ikr?

[@alatussolanum]

Andandampersand this can be done with flour or sandbags also!

[@boochieboofer]

have you never seen aladdin?

[@ilikepigeons6101]

XD

[@ChesireWaltz]

Goodness, that last Amy pose critique on the hammer not being on her actual shoulder cracked me up because I've made that mistake! I was drawing a friend's DND character and got so focused on the staff design that he had resting on his shoulder I forgot to make sure it actually well.. touched the shoulder. It floated awkwardly just like Amy's and I caught it after traditionally inking. Fun to see the pros make the same mistakes!

[@adamharris306]

I'm a programmer, but these videos kind of make me want to become an animator. Incredibly fascinating stuff.

[@ksosb]

@@ratata42 why?

[@tristankendrick2582]

@@ratata42 rude

[@den-kn7py]

@@@ratata42 that's just random and rude

[@rat7465]

-- Thats just rude.

[@jaytwentytenone2068]

There's nothing stopping you from doing just that! It sounds like that would be interesting.

[@LauraCrone]

Something I think is interesting and important is that the new pose does have a sexuality to it, but the quality of that sexuality feels like it lines up with what we know of the character. I'll admit to having minimal familiarity with this game outside of this video, but from what's included here it feels accurate to say she's got a kind of carefree flirtatious energy. While the discarded pose is brazen and confident in its sexuality, the new one is fun and flirty. There's plenty to be said for the fact that female characters are still much more likely than male to wear their sexuality on their sleeves, but at least the new pose feels like an expression of *this character's* sexuality rather than sexuality in general.

[@shingshongshamalama]

I would argue that Overwatch is significantly more sexually exploitative than people often give it credit for and that their female character designs aren't nearly as "good" as they're supposed to be. Some uncomfortable issues with their handling of cultural representation (like Pharah's weird Native American skin or Dva's stupid gothic lolita catgirl thing) really reinforce that idea that Blizzard aren't actually as forward-thinking on this as they would like people to think.

[@yanicmaurer6669]

@@shingshongshamalama The nativ american skins are because of her dad, who is probably canadian.

[@bellathelg1198]

shingshongshamalama With Pharah her Dad is confirmed of Native desent. And with D.va being a gamer / famous actress she could sometimes get into fun cute costumes. Either for fun and or work purpose. The biggest thing i think is inconsiderate is mercy’s valkyrie skin which is from Norse mytholigy while she is Swiss not Swedish as some may get confused by. But I Don’t mind it because it’s a fun thing to dress as.

[@tuna5305]

shingshongshamalama The gothic lolita catgirl thing is a thing in Korea. Deal with it.

[@jimmyjohansson5672]

@@shingshongshamalama Fareehas' (Pharah) father is native american, her mother is egyptian.

[@TheOutsider69]

This is the video that changed my mind on this subject back when this happened. Very rarely do I do a complete 180 but this was just too well argued.

[@josephtrojan2230]

What did you think before?

[@TheOutsider69]

@@josephtrojan2230 I was upset that Blizzard caved but once I saw the new animation it didn't bother me as much. Then I saw this video and it sealed the deal.

[@azrazelhananto]

@@BakinBooms Tracers pose "breaks" her character concept, and nature. Thus not representing her current ideologies and actions. Blizzard answering like they did answers both of character and diversity of representation (in this case Tracers attitude). Them saying "we dont want people to feel uncomfortable" as Tracers pose is different, not representative of "Tracer". For people who identify closely with Tracers Character.

[@BakinBooms]

"standing to sexually"? I can agree the pose was worse and less dynamic but " contradicts character", it was just her standing (with her back to the camera). the one they switched it out for was a pinup pose standing on one leg (still with her back ass to the camera). that's the less sexual, more in character pose? Also "There's a huge difference between being uncomfortable with a character being unnecessarily sexualized and being uncomfortable with a video game involving killing." sounds like your very specific (probably American) bias talking. killing is not considered that much more of a normal, healthy thing compared to sex everywhere in the world. And you can say killing "isn't focused on" all you want, because they made it aesthetically lighter (which I would argue even makes it more fucked up, myself. Like an episode of teletubbies where one shoots all the other ones with futuristic-looking rifle. except only confetti flies out, and they all show up fine again at the end). it is what the game is. at least 80% and I think I'm being extremely generous giving that low a number. PS. I'm really only responding because I ended up here again (3 years later) and it looks like my older comments are hidden somehow. I'm sure that means whoever did it feels very secure in their stance, but it makes it look like I made the choice to remove them. So *check* *check*

[@mayybird]

@@BakinBooms i hoped youve changed your views since this comment, bc not finding anything wrong with how female characters are constantly sexualized in media regardless of how it actually pertains to their character is not a good look. also it makes it seem like you didn't even watch the video lol

[@jroden06]

"Somewhere between sassy and wasted" Let's be real we've all drawn this expression without intending.

[@justabout6979]

True

[@somethingbehindyouu]

I watched ONE FRIEKING VIDEO on overwatch and now KZbins suddenly like: YESSSSS YOUVE FINALLY GIVEN IN!!! IM ONLY RECOMMENDING OVERWATCH TO YOU FROM NOW ON!!

[@simon_pender]

Same!

[@cbcat747]

EdgyKittenDraws same man, same

[@rena3703]

me with league of legends:

[@ArodoraaSFM]

Well, I learned something new today! I thought people were over reacting to the tracer pose initially, but it being OOC totally makes sense. Fantastic video

[@CheshireCad]

It didn't help that the first reaction from a Blizzard rep was along the lines of "We're so sorry if we've offended anyone." It took a while before they mentioned that the out-of-character nature was the real problem.

[@sumsum3873]

I don’t play Overwatch and I must say that seeing the fun goofy clips of Tracer was JARRING from what I had assumed of her personality based on this one pose. I would never had pinned her as such a carefree and silly spirit and I totally agree the old pose didn’t captivate her at all. New one looks good!

[@zekeoric1204]

I never saw the famous "tracer ass pose" until this video. I really thought people were overreacting...but the entire time it was on screen, my eyes kept going to her butt. I'm glad they changed it, good call.

[@sumsum3873]

ZekeOric I thought it was an overreaction too, though I admit I don’t play Overwatch. But seeing the clips of her being silly and energetic quickly changed that. I never would have thought that she was so fun and goofy from that one pose and it’s very clear to see the criticisms weren’t baseless. New one looks good!

[@Athalwolf13]

Really doesnt help that she wears a jumpsuit and that bright orange / yellow radiant just..pulls even more attention to it.

[@putridmoldyman306]

Bad call Theres literally nothing wrong with it

[@AngelVocal]

@@putridmoldyman306 says the non artist dude. Be quiet, horny man

[@putridmoldyman306]

@@AngelVocal A. You cant assume Im not an artist B. You don't need to be a professional at something to talk about it. Im noy a chef, so I guess if someone gives me raw steak I cant complain

[@SnaKeMuHo]

I'd say that middle Dante's pose is as in character as the other two. The entire situation in DMC4 could've been solved by him in a few minutes, but he wanted Nero to do it instead. It was just another Tuesday for Dante except he also had to babysit his nephew. DMC4 is Nero's game, hence bored "Hey I'm Dante I'm also here what are we doing".

[@Styxintheriver]

“She couldn’t put on a straight face if she has to” **gay snickering**

[@turnerIott]

Persephone Hana lol

[@notcloroxbleach1387]

This had me cackling

[@ratboygirl]

LMAO

[@gferrol118]

Mood

[@Cookie-ei6jf]

This is far more interesting than I ever thought it would be.

[@princembat]

as an artist and someone who might become an animator, or at the least maybe a comic artist, this is a great video. i have such an issue with posing and all that but this reminded me that i really do need to remember and put more effort into it more, and i just. AUGH idk how to describe it, i just love it. thank you for creating this video!!

[@stuntmonkey00]

This was an amazing vid the first time around, so cool to hear it again in Dan's natural voice.

[@LordKnoppers]

First off, I love this style of video it reminds me of Mark Brown's. Actually, a German video games magazine called hooked raised attention to your channel and wholeheartedly recommended your work. As for me I'm into anything art related and gave your content a shot, it was super worth it. I'm a self taught photographer participating in a photography masterclass and just now I realize that this very video solidified my eye for posing and gave some simple but powerful pointers I can put to use now. Lastly, I learned to love learning and channels like yours kinda make me anxious to start my own KZbin series about photography. Ok, this would be my long winded thank you. Keep on going 🙌

[@NewFramePlus]

Much appreciated! And glad you're enjoying it!

[@samara6508]

I seriously need to stop rewatching this video

[@derrinerrow4369]

it's the butt isnt it

[@samara6508]

Brandon Gregory obviously No it’s just cause character posing is hard

[@iantkach6640]

15:22 Ah yes, the three sexiest pieces of clothing in existence: grey cargo pants, brown cowboy pants... and bright orange leggings.

[@Whiteythereaper]

The second pose is definitely a clear improvement. It has a much more flirtatious energy rather than just overt excessive out-of-character eye candy, and the pin-up girl inspiration is immediately apparent which feels way more in line with Tracer's character, even just on a surface level without knowing more about her than "she's British, she's chipper". It _feels_ like Overwatch would use posters of that pose for propaganda in the lore, and that's great world-building. I can't fully explain but it feels like the character is more comfortable and natural with the new pose than the old, like the first one was trying too hard to be something they're not. To reference the Widowmaker design, she looks comfortable and completely natural in all of the example poses, like she naturally has that posture all of the time and it's no effort to slip into.

[@bolicob]

I'd love an episode on top-down, isometric, pixel-art animations, like old-school Zelda

[@infobirdstudios9870]

Me too

[@Torakosama]

14:47 Something I never thought about - the pose reminds me of Sailor Moon's pose when she transforms. That pose is iconic, and I feel like this pose is supposed to capture the same energy of being the cavalry that arrives to save the day, but it doesn't work as Tracer's personality is a different kind of bombastic compared to Sailor Moon. It reads like the pose is supposed to be cutesy and falls flat, because Tracer's cuteness is more from her goofiness and not her femininity. And yes, her butt. 17:47 Here, it's still cutesy, but it's goofy and fun. It's like her own Sailor Moon pose to announce her arrival. It's a better, more unique silhouette, and while I still feel the whole "look at this butt" thing, it's less derivative.

[@mate5171]

Best pose design video I've ever watched. I hope it pays off in my drawings.

[@rottencatterpillar]

“Sora’s feet feel nice and planted” sounds like something out of a fanfic

[@elihodges5593]

From watching extra credits growing up, to checking back in with Dan when I'm making my first indie game out of college. Thanks for all the help man

[@doublemaycare7171]

I'm glad Dan's Sonic Boom opinions haven't changed in two and three-quarters years.

[@KiwitheEngineer]

I didn't hate the old pose, but the new one is so much better! Great video by the way.

[@GluttonyBiscuits]

This actually helps *spectacularly* coming from a traditional/digital artist that only touched one animation program, and that was SFM. Even though this was supposed to help animators, it has helped me draw out different expressive poses for my fanart

[@fitzhugh7463]

As a young animator myself, Ive always had problems with the line of action. I always felt it limited the diversity of a pose to have such a simple line. like they have to be going in a clear direction rather than being unclear and varying in direction. but when you're animating and characters rarely hold these poses for more than a few frames it makes sense to have the poses be readable.

[@5inque_wu]

This is like another every frame a painting but talks about video games. Beautifully edited, great voice, well-researched content, informative, educational and pretty funny in the same time. Subed!

[@subtopewdiepie888]

13:41 “maybe they just stand all cool” *shows zenyatta*

[@Pootis-Spencer]

What do you mean Zennyatta is not cool?

[@crikeybaguette4564]

@@Pootis-Spencer He doesn't stand.

[@jamespilgrim3774]

@@crikeybaguette4564 *GASP* REALLY!?!?!

[@PurpleMoon799]

​@@crikeybaguette4564 well he does in that one emote 😂

[@NeptuneMation]

I can’t thank you enough for teaching me these things. As an upcoming animator, I’m grateful for the information you share!

[@milddiffuse]

Am I the only one who didn't notice that the tracer pose wasn't just an image? 🤣 Was kind of confused when she suddenly blinked... (...probably because I was watching it on my phone and not even fullscreen)

[@kitsunesden8085]

U felt like in a Twilight Zone episode?

[@ZenoDLC]

All of them are not images

[@bucktootha]

2:55 Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: I am aware the council has made a decision. But seeing as it's a stupid-ass decision, I have elected to ignore it.

[@brotherofAnubus]

JoCat sent me, and I’m loving your vids!

[@zelenpixel]

the general pose analyzing part was super interesting actually, id love to see more of that

[@sebasrtrd]

I was so into the video that I forgot I was watching an overwatch video for a second, amazing video btw

[@ExpanderDJ]

Great, in-depth, and profesionally made videos. I really enjoyed this one, keep up the good work!

[@llamas_attack]

I will 1000% percent be coming back to this video whenever I go to make character/creature renders from now on, and what a beautifully succinct sum-up of sexuality as a pronounced character trait vs shoehorned fanservice -- so often I know it when I see it but it's such a difficult point to get across and you've hit the nail square on the head

[@muraalia]

I've watched this episode at least five times since it first came out, and I'll probably rewatch it several more times, it's just so good.

[@AJ5TAR]

Your analysis is top notch!

[@chromosomefactory2879]

dang, I thought this whole topic was a done deal, but this video opened up a different perspective for me. Well done seriously

[@rhyla5719]

*Listens for three seconds* Wait a second. I recognize that voice even when it's not pitched! Hi best Dan!

[@NewFramePlus]

Hi!

[@tikki2340]

I just love this series and its analysis. I never knew how much can be put into such little animations!

[@Angel-bz5jm]

Therapist: non piched up dan isn't real he cant hurt you Non pitched up dan:

[@klickys]

Discovering your channel is a great joy for a student of 3d animation like me, amazing work and good luck!

[@marekpietkiewicz4887]

By the time you started to talk about Tracer I already forgot that the video was about her.

[@renanissler6081]

seen two videos of yours. this one being the second. I'm subscribing, and happily. it's amazing the way you convey information on your thoughts, also drawing and using the right clips to visualize it all. script is on point, and tackles a whole diverse subject while grabbing others to the table. knowing me, yours will probably become of my favorite channels. keep rocking. ♥

[@ocean_booi]

I like how Daniel tried to avoid talking about her butt. He basically says "look, I was avoiding talkingabout this, but let's talk butt."

[@VenseyNess]

Sorta disappointed the comments from the old video are gone. I can't remember if I commented it with this account or my other, but I had a comment about how I had improved my drawing with this and senpai Dan replied to me. It was a treasured reply. It was a treasured comment too, even the spelling mistake I had that made me cringe every time I read it. Ah well, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, Dan's back from the ether so I'm in no rush.

[@NewFramePlus]

It really is an honor knowing that this video helped someone's skills in a practical sense. Thanks again, and may your skills continue to improve even further!

[@VenseyNess]

I wouldn't be where I am today without you and the extra credits team, and I couldn't be happier to see this in my notifications. It really is an honor, even if it feels like I baited it a little bit. Can't wait to see what this channel brings from what you've learned. Can't wait to see what I'll learn, too. Here's to a bright future for New Frame Plus and Play Frame. And thank you.

[@Flowtail]

Here I was just gonna comment about youtube being bad, but y’all did way better than that! It’s really awesome this helped you so much :)

[@tiexiaowang7939]

I think a lot of the advice that you give here translates well towards posing people for photos as well

[@llama6394]

The peach pose on the left looks like the head was taken from a different image some reason. Probably because you can't see the neck.

[@n0tl4nc38]

Tracer constantly has a Wedgy It’s just IN THERE.

[@cromanticheer]

I legit use her Graffiti skin because her long hoodie hides her constant wedgie so I don't have to think about it.

[@KMM-kx2yn]

5:39 It does imo, her left arm and hand is placed in a delicate regal manner emphasizing her persona as a princess more than if it was for instance curled to her side in a fist.

[@spongebobpopsicle3963]

kinda off topic, but the ad I got before this was literally a rickroll. I got Rick rolled, by a LAYS AD.

[@caroswolf286]

Two years later and I failed the Amy poses part, yet again

[@worldofeeebus3675]

I think a video on the animation in the fire emblem games on the gba would be interesting

[@MrElementronHimself]

YES

[@rubyredlotus]

If you feel like it's interesting enough I'd love to see a video on some of the new characters. A lot of people feel as if the new characters are a downgrade in all respects so I'd love to see a video on if the evidence supports that, if Blizzard is still putting as much care into the characters and animation as before.

[@MorreKorb]

Cool drinking game idea, take a shot whenever he says butt. (Or but)

[@caitcadieux]

this is an extremely good channel!!

[@duncan2by4]

Dammit. Another channel I'm gonna binge for a few days.

[@hamster_explorer9642]

12:12 the way it overlaps makes it look like he's facing away from us with a gun behind his head.

[@eternalmemoire4137]

I recall this being my first episode from this channel. It was around the time when I dropped out of college, but seeing this made me understand how animations and design poses works for games and animation altogether. Near two years later, I re-watch this episode with more experience, and slowly regaining interest and confidence in going back to college to study either gaming (mostly visual) or animation. Thanks for making videos to analyze and to educate how visual communicates characters.

[@jarrettcamp4364]

"she couldn't put on a straight face if she wanted to" cough* Emily *cough *

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

I don't get it...

[@TheSydneyLad]

Thanks for making this video, Dan. I'm learning to make pixel art as a hobby and while I've subconsciously known why different characters make certain poses to covey different things, this is a great 'explanation' video for myself, especially for the 'line of action', which is something that I still need to grasp.

[@areyouraidy5967]

This video is soooo good! Love the great work!

[@axe-a-lotta-questions]

10:43 No fucking way a segment about Dante comes up while I'm playing DMC 1

[@KooriGraywolf]

I appreciated the "sex is a huge part of the human experience" quote so much that I think that is what I still remember the most from this video to this day

[@skeletor4436]

Thank you for explaining this when people usually say they like the old pose better because "it shows her butt more clearly so I like it better" but you clearly explain it as out of character and how the new pose is much better

[@ericmartinelli278]

Wow... your videos are amazing! Interesting topic, incredible presentation, very good writing! Made me want to become an animator.

[@rcookie5128]

I remember when this was posted the first time, the backlash even to this video was noticeable (so quite some dislikes, if I remember correctly). But now with everything seems to be forgotten at least :)

[@Nintendude.]

13:56 that Super Metroid Brinstar Red Soil Swampy Area Remix is so good.

[@DBDH003]

Wait, this video is amazing and reenforced my knowledge on character design/composition ❤️ I even learned something new along the way!

[@McCaroni_Sup]

10:33 featuring dante from the devil may cry series!

[@Emily-yq4bl]

This video is actually really cool

[@linked7835]

I almost forgot this vid about tarcer

[@salgen1319]

That Lookin' Fresh remix was AWESOME!

[@danielkwah1326]

New frame plus:pose should be affected by gravity Jojo:No,I don’t think i will

[@Balloonbot]

There are two GDC talks covering both topics for free on KZbin about Overwatch aswell. Thanks for this though, im practising animation after almost a decade as a 2D/UI artist, and finding this all very inspiring.

[@OdisraFlyrunner]

This has been awesomely educational, thanks!

[@donovanbechi41]

14:12 visually interesting hmmmmmm

[@tntcake6327]

6:08 i think the left poses head was added onto the body with photo shop. Like the shadows arent on the same side and the hair is moving while the body isnt.

[@GcorpCoPrez]

12:30 the same q i ask when dante shows up in dmc4. XD

[@simplemagik]

maan, give me a link to your patreon. Your content is really great, completed with a awesome montage and nice voiceover. Think about it. Quality is a king nowadays and you got it all.

[@Saf1ouane]

very informative and useful, thanks for the lesson and for sharing your views with us.

[@psinjo]

With overwatch 2 being on the horizon, would you be willing to do some comparisons between the old designs and the new ones? IMO, may of the new designs are not as good compared to the original ones, and I don't mean just on a lore standpoint, but on a character. Genji just wearing a sweatshirt and pants doesn't say 'cool cyborg assassin' it says "i couldn't be bothered to even get dressed this morning" along with many others

[@ratboygirl]

"being on the horizon" hahahahhahahahahahhahahahhahaha

[@cutecommie]

You know, so many male gamers suffer from rule-34-mentality. "All fictional characters should be sexually available to me, because I can't get a real woman." I overcame it by realizing that loneliness is no excuse for misogyny, as tempting as it may be. Let's hope more women get into the gaming/comic/film/whatever industry and create empowering rather than objectifying depictions.

[@scissorman44]

Well, if women hate you, chances are women aren't the problem.

[@noirnit.]

16:44 shouldve put the mistletoe highlighted animation.

[@Number9Robotic]

This video was originally made months before the first Overwatch winter event that animation was released in was out.

[@MichelePandini]

I really wish to watch this video when the tracer's pose was a problem. It was very educative and you brought the problem to "watch my back" in a female character really well. Thank you.

[@coldjolteon5799]

Thank you for using Chie and Agis as examples

[@ZeroKami86]

idk I feel like the old pose was fine, I do like the new pose - but the old one feels like she's looking back at you, lying on the ground in defeat, like she left you in the dust (she even has a voiceline "eat my dust")

[@williamsledge3151]

Who else can't believe this is Dan?

[@yoannalo7702]

This is really cool. I love it. I always want to learn animations, especially game character. I learnt so many things through out this video, so thank you. 😃Please make more content like this. I will definitely watch it all.

[@actisclass]

Very insightful, and put well into words and with a good intention to showcase what goes behind all of the animation and posing here (makes me kinda wanna go into animation 😅)

[@TheOneTrueErica]

I love this video so much, I plugged it to my friend a year after seeing it the first time. It's still so wonderful and in-depth. As an artist, I adore it on so many levels. I would add that the revised pose for Tracer conveys her funloving personality far better than the previous one as well. Is there any chance you'll do another video like this?

[@ravioli8158]

This music in background is great and of course video i ve learnt a lot.

[@LoFiGentleman]

This is gonna be a great channel