Author: Yolanda Ko

Games and Avatars

The lesson today primarily focused on avatars, their evolution, and the various types of games in which they appear. Different types of avatars exhibit distinct characteristics and personalities, serving diverse roles in both animation and gaming contexts.

There are also various types of games, such as Role-Playing Games (RPGs), Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOs), and Cyborg games, where players take on the role of a surgeon or mechanic working on cyborgs, bionic individuals, and augmented humans. Additionally, there is VR live chat, a platform that allows VR characters or players to interact with one another, though it sometimes includes inappropriate content.

Nonetheless, it is evident that the types of games have evolved over time, and their mechanics have adapted to reflect these changes. But how, then, are these virtual avatars created? The design of avatars involves crafting virtual identities that transcend the limitations of physical embodiment, enabling users to explore and experiment with various forms of self-expression. This process allows for the creation of diverse personas, each with unique characteristics and roles that align with the dynamics of the game or virtual environment.

Next week, we will visit Tate Modern to scan sculptures and explore additional digital opportunities available to us. This will provide an exciting chance to engage with art in new, innovative ways and deepen our understanding of how digital technology can enhance creative expression.

NHS Project Progress

Following our meeting with the client, we received feedback and made revisions to the project. The primary changes include:

1. Audio track
   • addition of an audio track between the transition from the physical to the emotional section

The following revision provides a more formal and academic tone:

“We have added an additional element, which is: ‘Or, if they are not, it provides the opportunity to step back and reflect that this is not (11:17) right.’ As a result, the transition has become smoother. This represents the revised version of the animatic.”

2. Character Design

• Develop a design that reflects the distinct characteristics of South London, incorporating a more realistic, human-like aesthetic. The character should not be portrayed with exaggerated features such as extreme slimness or an overtly cartoonish appearance, but rather with a more grounded and relatable form.

The new character design is more realistic, with more variations on ethic and the body shape of the people.

License and Copyrights

In our lesson, we discussed licenses and copyrights, particularly in the context of using AI tools. For example:

AI Use and Copyright Rules:

• Paid Users: With tools like MidJourney, paid users generally own the property they create, though the image may still be shared with others.
• Non-Paid Users: Non-paying users do not own the rights to the created content.

Tips for Collaboration: When collaborating on a project, it’s essential to ask the following questions:

• What is the purpose or goal of the project?
• Who owns the intellectual property (IP)?
• Is there a financial agreement, and if so, what are the terms?
• How long does the agreement last?
• Can others use the created content, or is it an exclusive agreement?
• How will all parties involved benefit from the collaboration?
• What are the long-term benefits of the agreement? Are there potential future opportunities?

For instance, if planning to submit work to a festival, it may be necessary to reach an agreement with your group members regarding content usage, such as signing a contract.

This lesson made me realize the significance of copyright issues in real-world situations, which I hadn’t fully considered before. Until now, my work has mainly involved collaborating with classmates, with no external stakeholders involved.

Progress of the Project

After a period of deliberation, I ultimately decided to join the NHS group, as the project aligned more closely with my interests and complemented both my previous and upcoming work.

We formed a group and began brainstorming ideas, which led to the development of the following components:

• Storyline

• Storyboard

• Audio tracks

• Animatic

• Mood board

Although there were some disagreements regarding the style and VFX effects to be used in the animation, we were able to resolve them by seeking advice and feedback from the client. Ultimately, the client’s preferences were the priority, and this experience reflected a common practice in the industry.

In the first week, we initially formed groups based on our chosen topics and generated ideas. However, after receiving the briefs, I found myself reconsidering my options and contemplating which group to join. I was torn between the NHS brief, which involved creating an animation for breast cancer awareness, and my original group, which was considering the Departure Lounge project, focused on developing a VR game.

Several factors influenced my decision-making process:

NHS Brief:

• The project appeared less complex and more straightforward, as it involved animation, a field I was familiar with, but not one in which I had extensive experience.
• It offered an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful and impactful cause.
• However, the scope of the project seemed less dynamic, with fewer opportunities for collaboration and learning from teammates with diverse skills.
• Working with a real client would provide valuable professional experience.

Departure Lounge/Other Festivals:

• This project was more complex, requiring skills in areas such as coding, gaming, VR, and using Unity—none of which I had much experience with.
• Given that the client had already been developing the concept for two years, there was a risk the project might be difficult to complete.
• On the other hand, this project would offer greater opportunities for collaboration and learning from teammates with varied expertise.
• Many groups were selecting this brief, which raised the possibility of not being chosen by the client.

Ultimately, I had to weigh the potential for personal growth and skill development against the challenges and uncertainties of each option.