The collision system in video games is realistic and immersive due to advancements in SSD, GPU, and CPU technology. To be more specific, all the computer parts we mentioned have gotten more powerful and faster. So, rendering dozens of faces at any time is a far easier ordeal than in previous console generations. However, despite the advancements made in those important areas, game characters still can’t realistically touch in-game elements.
![Blame the Collision System Why Video Game Characters Float (1)](https://player.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Blame-the-Collision-System-Why-Video-Game-Characters-Float-1-1024x648.jpg)
Next time you’re playing Call of Duty: Warzone, head to a staircase and walk on it. Position the camera at an angle below your character’s feet and you’ll see it floating. Instead, a character’s feet shouldn’t be fixed on a particular plane.
Also Read: The Unseen: Top 5 Rockstar Games Besides the GTA and Red Dead Redemption Series
Why Do They Float?
Even AAA games suffer from this issue. Aloy from Forbidden Horizon West is a prime example because her feet are always fixed to a point. The simplest explanation for this is that developers continue using pre-fixed animations. However, any programmer worth his or her salt would know that the world of coding is much more unpredictable than that. On the other hand, Disco Elysium is perfect because it’s an isometric game, so you don’t need to control the camera. So, we’ve broken down two reasons why characters in certain games seemingly float just a few inches off the ground.
![Blame the Collision System Why Video Game Characters Float (2)](https://player.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Blame-the-Collision-System-Why-Video-Game-Characters-Float-2-1024x683.jpg)
It’s Expensive to Pull Off
Characters float off the ground because developers don’t have the necessary funding to iron out the bugs in their codes. For one, whenever a character’s feet are floating in Unity’s Mecanim animation system, there are obvious reasons, including:
- Animations’ root motion is turned on but the character’s “Apply Root Motion” setting is turned off.
- The Foot IK isn’t turned on in the settings menu for animations.
These errors are as technical as they sound. So, they require effort to solve, so developers will burn a lot of hours debugging them. At Player.com, we concluded that the problem starts with the studio’s sponsors. They might not be looking forward to funding those extra hours. At least not for every character in the game, so only the protagonists and companions get this treatment.
Ground Deformation and Lack of Space
In most AAA games, the characters don’t float when they’re walking in open fields or levelled ground where space isn’t an issue. However, when they stand on deformed surfaces with no space, the collision system misbehaves. Collision systems are made up of many calculations and they occur in real time. It also involves tons of animation interpolation, which are the movements in between key poses of your character.
Benefits of First-Person View in Video Games
Funnily enough, first-person games don’t suffer from this problem. You only see what your character sees, just like how we view the world. We don’t see ourselves through an off-shoulder camera. Instead, that view is only for our guardian angels. In most cases, you won’t even see your character’s feet. So, there’s no reason to spend ridiculous amounts of money trying to get your character to stay rooted to the floor.
![Blame the Collision System Why Video Game Characters Float (3)](https://player.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Blame-the-Collision-System-Why-Video-Game-Characters-Float-3-1024x682.jpg)
In some first-person games, you’ll see the characters’ feet though you won’t be able to look at the grenades attached to your vest. So, it’s not an intimate affair; Albeit it’s a faster way of making quality games. Nevertheless, it still makes developers look lazy.
Top 3 Games Where the Characters Don’t Float
Some games are so meticulously designed and programmed that there are no errors in-game. Characters won’t float when they’re walking up the stairs or when they’re walking around. We also included other reasons why the games are so successful, including combat features. Have a look below.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End | Supported Platforms: PlayStation
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is a 2016 action-adventure title that follows the final tales of Drake, an explorer. It was developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony, so you know it’s an AAA title. Besides the compelling narrative, the game’s visuals are phenomenal and critically acclaimed by many developers and reviewers to be ahead of its time.
Besides that, the collision system is a class above others, especially as Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is a third-person video game. Drake realistically parkours, hangs off ledges, and walks while exploring ancient ruins. In fact, if you’re colliding with in-game objects like safes or weapon caches, you’ll notice that he reflexively pushes himself away from any blockades. Those are all thanks to 3D modelling. Other reasons why the game is so good are:
- The facial animations are realistic.
- The grappling hook is great for exploration.
- Guns feel great to shoot with accurate bullet sounds.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Supported Platforms: Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild follows the adventures of Link as he rescues Princess Zelda from the forces of darkness. It’s a great game with a tight storyline and plenty of weapons to try out. Also, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has one of the best collision systems in the history of video games. Unlike games where characters’ hands float just a few inches off the wall, Link is firmly attached to all climbables. Sure, the collision system might not be perfect, but for the most part, Link rarely floats.
Besides that, the animations for Link when he’s walking on stairs are precise, more so because of his petite features. Nevertheless, this game is incredible because of other features, which include:
- Great visuals, even though the PS4 is more powerful than the Nintendo Switch.
- The soundtrack encourages gamers to play daringly and explore the huge sandbox.
- Characters have deep backgrounds and can offer you fun side quests.
Red Dead Redemption 2 | Supported Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, and PC
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece that was so cleanly executed, we hope that Rockstar Games will break their already-impressive record. You play as Arthur, a cowboy in the Wild West that belonged to a crime gang. He answered only to Dutch, the gang’s leader, so you know he played an important role in the game. Throughout all of Arthur’s adventures, we never faced any issue with the collision system. In fact, the system in place was so realistic, that Arthur’s story felt like it was inspired by a real person after a while.
The ragdoll animations for all the in-game characters were excellent. Likewise, you can ride a horse right into a train and you’ll see them collide without any gap. Arthur also walked with a swagger, so his steps were firm. Graphically, he’s a fine specimen that shows off programming at its best. Hopefully, the animations in GTA VI will be even more realistic than in Red Dead Redemption 2.
Our Final Say
Collisions don’t break away from the experience but they do remind gamers that the world is fake. For a more intimate experience, studios should look towards modern games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. In games like Red Dead Redemption 2, you’ll almost feel like hugging Arthur once his life starts going downhill. Throughout the whole game, we never felt for once that Arthur wasn’t real because the animations were exemplary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Video Game Characters Modelled After Real People?
Yes, some video game characters are modelled after real people. In most cases, there are engines and artists for creating immensely convincing characters. However, 3D modelling of a real-life person’s physical attributes leads to more realistic characters. So, developers usually focus on the face, skin tone, walking style and speed, and behaviour.
Who Is the Most Famous Video Game Character?
The most iconic game character ever is Mario and to date, Nintendo is still milking it. For one, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the latest iteration of the character. Kratos from the God of War games, Drake from the Uncharted games, or Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider series can’t stand up to Mario’s popularity.
What Are the Best Game Engines for Facial Animations
The best game engine in the world is Unreal Engine 5, which boasts an impressive data set of facial animations, movements, lighting, and many more. Decima is also an impressive game engine with many realistic facial animations. If you’re chanced, play Horizon Forbidden West and experience Aloy’s journey across an open world of ice, sand, and everything in between.
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