How do you create smooth/realistic animations?

[forlight123]

So in actual games, they often use special methods (a bunch of sensors attached to live people) to get fluid, realistic-looking animations.

So in Sims 4 the animations people do, how do they get such realistic animations? It seems to me very difficult to get realistic animations just by experimentally changing frames and hoping the timing is right to make it look natural?

Thanks for any info / feedback / tips.

[maxxxest]

On 3/8/2025 at 5:57 AM, forlight123 said:

So in actual games, they often use special methods (a bunch of sensors attached to live people) to get fluid, realistic-looking animations.

So in Sims 4 the animations people do, how do they get such realistic animations? It seems to me very difficult to get realistic animations just by experimentally changing frames and hoping the timing is right to make it look natural?

Thanks for any info / feedback / tips.

Better to ask top animators directly. GreyNaya and Khlas are very talkative on discord as far as i can tell

[fouyaya]

On 3/8/2025 at 3:57 AM, forlight123 said:

So in actual games, they often use special methods (a bunch of sensors attached to live people) to get fluid, realistic-looking animations.

So in Sims 4 the animations people do, how do they get such realistic animations? It seems to me very difficult to get realistic animations just by experimentally changing frames and hoping the timing is right to make it look natural?

Thanks for any info / feedback / tips.

Motion capture is only one way to make animations for games. The Sims 4 og animations are made by hand, keyframing the whole thing.

 

The Sims 4 has a very cartoonish vibe and style so motion capture would look absolutely out of place unless you can find some great actor who can mimick and perform the crazy, wacky movements of a Sim (even then I'm sure It would look off).

 

Anyway, to answer your question: you're kind of right, experimentation and practice. At one point, you'll get the feel for the timing and spacing you need to make the movements feel realistic or whatever you want them to be. (also you can look up some books, like "The Animator's Survival Kit" by Richard Williams or tutorials on Youtube)