Stepped Animation in SGX: A High-Tech Approach to a Beloved Old Style

In character animation, the way a face transitions between expressions can dramatically shape the tone and style of a performance. From the smooth, lifelike flow of a cinematic close-up to the snappy, exaggerated cuts seen in anime, the timing and dynamics of motion are core tools in an animator’s kit. To give creators more control over these stylistic choices, Speech Graphics is introducing a new Animation Styles feature in SGX – adding two new options alongside our existing default of smooth, natural movement.

Speech Graphics' SGX is a widely used automatic speech-to-facial animation system capable of producing accurate, consistent, and natural lip sync, along with expressive full-face animation – all generated from audio alone. With the new Animation Styles feature, SGX users can now tailor how motion is interpolated between poses, expanding both creative range and stylistic precision.

Ease, the existing default, delivers fluid motion with acceleration and deceleration - ideal for realistic performances. The newly added Linear style removes that smoothing, creating robotic transitions with a uniform rate of movement. And for artists looking to capture the sharp, stylized timing seen in anime or stop-motion, the new Stepped option eliminates in-betweening almost entirely – cutting straight from one pose to the next for a bold, punchy effect.

In this article, we are going to take a closer look at our most requested new style – stepped animation.

Why Stepped Animation?

Stepped animation emulates the distinctive, pose-by-pose feel of stop-motion animation – the kind seen in Wallace and Gromit or Chicken Run, usually using clay, cutouts, or puppets. However, stepped animation recreates this effect using computer animation.

The Lego Movie and the classic 2D animation, South Park, are both famous examples of stepped animation in action. It skips the smooth transitions between frames, instead holding each pose for a certain duration, resulting in a stylized, punchy rhythm that audiences immediately recognize and love. The style also lends itself well to anime and has been requested by our clients in Japan.

This new feature is a direct response to user feedback. Even with the highly scalable solution SGX provides, our clients want a high degree of artistic control, especially for projects with a stylized aesthetic. We listened. And now, with Stepped Animation in SGX, users can achieve that iconic look for any character using audio alone. It's great for:

• Unique Art Styles: Easily replicate nostalgic, handcrafted animation aesthetics within your game universe.
• Expressive Character Animation: Highlight key emotional or comedic moments with the precision and clarity of stepped movements.
• Creative Flexibility: Seamlessly switch between Stepped animation, Linear, and Ease within SGX, giving your creative teams unparalleled flexibility without compromising production timelines.

Audio-Driven Precision Meets Handcrafted Style

Stepped Animation in SGX retains all the benefits of the SGX audio-driven facial animation technology used in Hogwarts Legacy, The Last of Us Part 2, and many other AAA games. This includes precise lip-sync matching the pronunciation, intensity, and rhythm of the speaker's voice and believable emotional expressions, even within stylized animations. This is because all three Animation Styles are built on the same SGX muscle-dynamic simulation, the difference being that the underlying muscle movements are processed into animation differently in each case. All three styles can be used for any language and on any character, and they are rig-agnostic, making them flexible and compatible with your needs.

Applications Across the Animation Spectrum

The versatility of the stepped animation style in SGX makes it an invaluable tool for various sectors:

• Video Games: Developers can design characters with a unique, stylized motion, setting their games apart in a competitive market.
• Film and Television: Producers can evoke nostalgia by incorporating the classic feel of stop-motion into modern productions, offering viewers a refreshing visual experience.
• Advertising and Marketing: Brands can create memorable advertisements that capture attention through the distinct and engaging stepped animation style.

Built With and For Game Creators

This new feature underscores our ongoing commitment to user-driven development. Throughout the history of Speech Graphics, customers have directly inspired our innovation through suggestions, requests, and conversations, ensuring SGX continues to meet the evolving needs of game studios everywhere. Stepped Animation is just the latest example of how your projects shape the future of our products.

Reach out to our team to explore the power and creative potential of Stepped Animation in SGX today, and give your games a distinctive edge.