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The evolution of digital animation has undergone a paradigm shift with the creation of 3D video games, positioning itself as one of the main drivers of technological and artistic innovation in visual entertainment. Three-dimensional animation has not only redefined the aesthetics and narrative of video games, but has also profoundly influenced the development of techniques and tools applied in other creative industries such as film, advertising and graphic design.

3D video games have driven significant advances in key areas such as physics simulation, real-time rendering and procedural animation. As graphics engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity have been refined, developers have gained the ability to create dynamic environments, hyper-realistically detailed characters and visual effects that were previously only possible in big-budget film productions.

1. Advanced Physical Simulation: In 3D video games, interactive environments require the accurate simulation of physical phenomena such as gravity, friction and collisions. This level of realism has enhanced immersion in games and provided a technical foundation that has been adopted in other areas of digital animation, such as particle, fluid and destruction simulation in film and advertising.
2. Real-Time Rendering: One of the main contributions of 3D video games is the ability to render graphics in real time. This allows creators to see the final result of a scene as it unfolds, eliminating the need for the long rendering times characteristic of traditional animation. This breakthrough has been revolutionary not only in the field of video games, but also in sectors such as architectural visualisation and virtual production in film and television.
3. Procedural Animation and Motion Capture: Procedural animation (a technique that generates movements based on algorithms instead of being pre-animated) has allowed for greater naturalness and dynamism in video game characters. In addition, the integration of motion capture has made it possible to transfer real human movements to digital characters with impressive precision. This technique, widely used in video games, has become an essential tool in the creation of photorealistic animations in animated films and visual effects.

Artistic and Narrative Impact

The creation of video games in 3D has been a catalyst for the exploration of new forms of visual and artistic storytelling. The freedom offered by three-dimensional environments has allowed developers to build open worlds, interactive stories and complex characters, which has significantly expanded the possibilities for artistic expression in digital animation.

• Interactivity and Emerging Narrative: 3D video games allow for the construction of non-linear narratives, where the player interacts directly with the story, modifying its course and outcome. This innovation has influenced the creation of immersive experiences in other media, such as interactive cinema and virtual reality (VR) experiences, where users play an active role in the development of the plot.
• Innovative Art Styles: While many 3D video games pursue a high degree of realism, others have explored unique art styles that challenge the aesthetic conventions of traditional animation. This has allowed for the creation of visual worlds that blend the fantastic with the abstract, influencing visual trends in contemporary animation.

Master in Digital Animation

The creation of 3D video games has profoundly transformed the digital animation industry, bringing technical advances that have revolutionised the way visual content is created and consumed. This technological revolution has not only raised the standards of quality and realism in video games, but has also had a lasting impact on industries such as film, advertising and virtual reality. As these technologies continue to evolve, the convergence between video games and digital animation promises to redefine the future of visual entertainment.

Given the constant trends and innovations in this industry, the University of Salamanca proposes the Master's Degree in Digital Animation, which keeps the pre-registration period open until 22 September 2024, with a 20% discount on tuition fees. For more details about this degree, please visit the website or contact us at formacionbisite@usal.es.