It seems that 3D animation has peaked and is now on the decline, at least in terms of movie making. However, if you think that the future of 3D animation is limited to its application to the world of cinema, it may be time to rethink things. Not only is 3D going nowhere, but you’re likely to start seeing it in many other places in the not-too-distant future. What do you need to know about how this technology will be applied to other areas?
3D is more than “pop-out” effects
When you think of 3D animation, the first things that most likely come to mind are blockbuster Hollywood movies that were shot in 2D and then enhanced to “jump” off the screen at the viewer. While that’s certainly one aspect of 3D technology, it’s not even close to what it can be used to achieve.
Perhaps the best illustration of the current use of 3D animation is the world of animated films: companies like Pixar and DreamWorks have created impressive films aimed at both children and adults using 3D animation. Think Toy Story, Avatar, and even Disney hits like Frozen and Tangled (to name just a couple of the plethora of 3D animated movies). In many ways, the future of 3D animation is much the same, with a greater focus on including 3D animation in increasingly subtle ways. Most blockbuster movies now use computer animation for special effects, and while they’re still maturing, they’re far superior to the results achieved just a couple of years ago.
Augment and even replace reality
3D animation is the key to both augmented reality and virtual reality. If you think those are technologies that won’t mature for decades, think again. Google Glasses is just one of many augmented reality solutions being tested and will soon roll out to consumers around the world. Augmented reality combines the physical world with a display device that renders 2D and 3D graphics and animations as an overlay, enhancing and adding to what can be seen with the naked eye.
Virtual reality is the ultimate test of 3D animation, and it’s been behind the scenes for a long time. VR has been possible for a long time, but has been hampered by lagging technology, limited mobility, heavy equipment, and other issues. Those obstacles are quickly falling behind now. The Oculus Rift is perhaps the most famous of the new VR solutions, but it’s far from the only one. Sony has its own VR headset in the works, and there are plenty of others that are building on new technology, mobile capabilities, and better technology. Virtual reality is the future of 3D animation in many ways, allowing you to don an avatar and interact with other people in a completely virtual world, whether you’re battling dragons in a fantasy RPG or learning surgical techniques. avant-garde cosmetics in a new VR-based medical course.
The future is bright for 3D animation and the possibilities are limitless.