Improving Character Interaction Animations

Faimith

I watched the Bard livestream and enjoyed it overall, but I think adding more interaction animations could greatly enhance immersion.

For example, an idle animation while talking to an NPC or reading through the quest log would make the experience feel more dynamic. It would also be nice to see animations for discovering special items or interacting with events, like summoning monsters.

At the end of the showcase, the three-star elite mob summoning felt a bit abrupt. Seeing the summoning process and the mobs emerging from the well would be much more immersive.

I understand these features might not be implemented in Alpha 2, but I would love to see them by release. Is this something Intrepid plans to include?

Solmyr

Definitely, that layer of polish is what really makes games come to life. It's all stuff that can be added later once the core systems are finished, but there are a bunch of character animations I'd love to see when it comes to interaction:

• Looking at the map window - Your character actually pulls out and consults a paper map.
• Looking at your inventory - Your character rummages through a bag.
• Typing - Your character gestures as if thinking, then gestures as if speaking when you send the message.
• Looting - Your character stoops down and grabs something shiny, then puts it away. Could have unique animations for rare loot, too.
• Low health - Your character hunches over and has more labored breathing, maybe a slight limp that doesn't affect speed. This would also be useful as a visual cue for healers.
• Low stamina - Your character stumbles slightly as they run, again not affecting speed.
• Talking to an NPC - Your character gestures as if speaking, could just reuse the typing animation for this.
• Crafting - You character actually uses the crafting station.
• Opening chests - Your character opens the chest and leans over to see what's inside.

Ayeveegaming1

I think polish will come with the betas. Alpha's are just fleshing out everything.

Xeph

Solmyr wrote: »

Definitely, that layer of polish is what really makes games come to life. It's all stuff that can be added later once the core systems are finished, but there are a bunch of character animations I'd love to see when it comes to interaction:

• Looking at the map window - Your character actually pulls out and consults a paper map.
• Looking at your inventory - Your character rummages through a bag.
• Typing - Your character gestures as if thinking, then gestures as if speaking when you send the message.
• Looting - Your character stoops down and grabs something shiny, then puts it away. Could have unique animations for rare loot, too.
• Low health - Your character hunches over and has more labored breathing, maybe a slight limp that doesn't affect speed. This would also be useful as a visual cue for healers.
• Low stamina - Your character stumbles slightly as they run, again not affecting speed.
• Talking to an NPC - Your character gestures as if speaking, could just reuse the typing animation for this.
• Crafting - You character actually uses the crafting station.
• Opening chests - Your character opens the chest and leans over to see what's inside.

Those are all fantastic ideas! I would also add a pure idle animation where the character would do some stretching, looking at their weapon, fixing their armor, etc.

Aszkalon

Ravicus wrote: »

I think polish will come with the betas. Alpha's are just fleshing out everything.

Confident over here it will come during the Alpha Two AND the Beta.

Faimith

Solmyr wrote: »

Definitely, that layer of polish is what really makes games come to life. It's all stuff that can be added later once the core systems are finished, but there are a bunch of character animations I'd love to see when it comes to interaction:

• Looking at the map window - Your character actually pulls out and consults a paper map.
• Looking at your inventory - Your character rummages through a bag.
• Typing - Your character gestures as if thinking, then gestures as if speaking when you send the message.
• Looting - Your character stoops down and grabs something shiny, then puts it away. Could have unique animations for rare loot, too.
• Low health - Your character hunches over and has more labored breathing, maybe a slight limp that doesn't affect speed. This would also be useful as a visual cue for healers.
• Low stamina - Your character stumbles slightly as they run, again not affecting speed.
• Talking to an NPC - Your character gestures as if speaking, could just reuse the typing animation for this.
• Crafting - You character actually uses the crafting station.
• Opening chests - Your character opens the chest and leans over to see what's inside.

Really good ideas, love it.

Maybe we gather some more ideas?

For example:

- Animal Interactions:
Petting or feeding mounts and pets, or calming wild animals.

- Weather Reactions:
Characters could show different animations depending on the weather, like shivering in the cold or shielding their eyes from the sun.

- Inspecting Items:
Examining artifacts or loot closely, possibly discovering hidden details or lore.

- Trading:
Detailed animations for trading with other players, including inspecting and handing over items.

- Repairing Gear:
Polishing armor, cleaning weapons, or repairing equipment after battles.

Additionally, it might be helpful to have the option to activate or deactivate these detailed animations, giving players control over their experience. What do you think?

ReLamas

I completely agree with your observations! Adding more interactive and idle animations, like those you mentioned, would certainly enhance the immersion and make the world feel more alive. Small details, like characters reacting to special items or engaging more dynamically with NPCs, contribute significantly to the overall experience.

The idea of having a more immersive summoning process, especially for significant events like a three-star elite mob appearing, is excellent. Watching the mobs emerge in a dramatic way, rather than simply appearing, would add a lot to the narrative and atmospheric depth.

While these enhancements may not be feasible for Alpha 2, I hope the developers at Intrepid Studios consider incorporating them into the final release. It would definitely make for a more polished and engaging experience. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they prioritize these immersive details as development progresses!

Taleof2Cities

Aszkalon wrote: »

Ravicus wrote: »

I think polish will come with the betas. Alpha's are just fleshing out everything.

Confident over here it will come during the Alpha Two AND the Beta.

Pretty sure Steven has given the disclaimer many times that animations / effects / UI are a work in progress.

I like your enthusiasm though.

Chicago

Ravicus wrote: »

I think polish will come with the betas. Alpha's are just fleshing out everything.

betas are usually not very long, polish should be done pre beta

AidanKD

I'd love for certain animations to be unlockable through the game via achievements or quests. A bit like Runescape actually...

You could even have factions in the game. Lets say you earn "reputation" with the religious sector of a Religious node, maybe you could purchase with earned reputation (perhaps blocked by reputation tiers) - you could have something that makes your "rest" a prayer pose instead of sitting down.

We could have a section in our "spellbook" for non combat skills and slots. You could then have slots for sitting/standing idle/dancing. And of course just general emotes for fun/RP.

kanwesmuzzy

I hope intrepid sees this! Love the ideas listed.

Faimith

AidanKD wrote: »

I'd love for certain animations to be unlockable through the game via achievements or quests. A bit like Runescape actually...

You could even have factions in the game. Lets say you earn "reputation" with the religious sector of a Religious node, maybe you could purchase with earned reputation (perhaps blocked by reputation tiers) - you could have something that makes your "rest" a prayer pose instead of sitting down.

We could have a section in our "spellbook" for non combat skills and slots. You could then have slots for sitting/standing idle/dancing. And of course just general emotes for fun/RP.

I love your idea about unlocking certain animations through achievements or quests, similar to Runescape. It adds a layer of progression and personalization.

I think most of the interactions with the world itself should be available from the beginning to ensure basic immersion.

However, having NPCs react differently based on your reputation is fantastic. It reminds me of a forum post discussing this: https://forums.ashesofcreation.com/discussion/56760/different-dialogue-from-vendors-npcs-for-citizens-vs-visitors#latest

The more reputation you have, the more unique interactions you could unlock. This would add depth to the game's social dynamics and make the world feel more responsive and alive.

What does everyone else think?