Machinima

Machinima is a cinematic art form that uses real-time computer graphics engines to create animated films. Often (but not always) relying on modified video game environments and assets, machinima films are created by manipulating characters, cameras, and environments within the game engine to tell a story or create a visual narrative. The process typically involves recording footage within the game engine and then editing it together, often adding voiceovers, music, and other sound effects, to produce the final product.

While machinima frequently utilizes existing game assets, it is distinct from gameplay footage or walkthroughs. Machinima creators act as directors, actors, cinematographers, and editors, using the game engine as their virtual set and tools. This allows for the creation of narratives and performances that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional animation techniques due to cost or technical limitations.

The term "machinima" is a portmanteau of "machine" and "cinema," reflecting the use of computers and video game technology to produce cinematic content. The art form gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the increasing availability of accessible 3D game engines and has since evolved to encompass a wide range of genres, styles, and levels of production value.

Machinima can be used for a variety of purposes, including storytelling, comedic skits, music videos, advertisements, and educational content. It is a relatively low-cost method of animation, which makes it accessible to independent creators and allows for experimentation and innovation in filmmaking.

Notable elements that distinguish machinima include its reliance on in-game assets, real-time rendering, and often the constraints of the game engine itself, which can create a unique aesthetic. The use of player characters as actors, manipulated through keyboard and mouse controls or custom scripts, is also a defining characteristic.