Machinima

An example of Machinima, from the popular series "Red vs. Blue"

Machinima is the use of real-time 3D graphic rendering engines to generate computer animation. The term also refers to works that incorporate this animation technique. Machinima-based artists, sometimes called machinimists or machinimators, are fans who often use graphics engines from video games to create their machinima. Originally, these recordings we made to record speedruns —attempts to complete a level as quickly as possible— and multiplayer matches. The more general term machinima, a misspelled portmanteau of machine and cinema, arose when the concept spread to other games and software. After this generalization, machinima appeared in mainstream media, including television series and advertisements. Machinima has advantages and disadvantages when compared to other styles of filmmaking. While it is more simple than the traditional frame-based animation, machinima limits control and the range of expression. Since it is made of pre-rendered animation, it is fairly quick and cost saving to create. It is also less dangerous and physically restricted than live-action films. Machinima can be filmed by relying on in-game AI, or by controlling characters and cameras through digital puppetry. Technical limitations may be fixed with editing, custom software, and by the use of creative cinematography. Game companies have provided software for and have encouraged machinima, but widespread use of digital assets from copyrighted games has resulted in complex, unresolved legal issues.

Popular Genres

Like films and books, machinimas can be categorized by genre. Here are the most popular:

• Comedy: More that 50% of all machinimas are comedy, including such names as Red vs. Blue, Matchmaking, Arby 'n' the Chief, and others.

• Drama: Lots of machinima shorts or series are high action dramas or include a dramatic theme, such as the Halo 3 machinima One Life Remaining by Jon CJG, or the Halo: Reach machinima "Matchmaking: Reached" by Darkspire Films.

• Music: A small percentage of machinima are music videos, such as HMV Hell.

History of Machinima

Machinima didn't gain it's massive popularity until after Rooster Teeth Productions launched their famous Red vs. Blue series. After it's release and world-wide hits, and after Halo 2's release, machinimas were being created at phenomonal rates everywhere. The most famous include The Codex, Master Chief Sucks at Halo and predecessing series, Spriggs, and others.