2D Animation

2D animation is a so-called cartoon-style animation where objects are two-dimensional (there are only width and height), as you may guess from the name. This means they exist as flat images created by an artist. 

In a high-quality 2D animation characters do not look frozen or stiff – their movements are fast and realistic. The illusion of movements is reached by sequencing individual drawings together over a defined period of time.

2D animation provides vibrant and vivid colors mixed up with stunning visuals and characters which draw players’ attention.

The answer is yes, definitely! It is impossible to say that 2D is “dead” or worse than 3D just because it is simpler and older. In fact, each animation type has its target, admirers, and games it is used in. 2D isn’t left in the shadows. It exists simultaneously with 3D. 

2D animation is still in high demand for different game development: RPG, PvP, P2E, battles, shooters, idle games, card games, and so on.

The process of 2D animation creation is quite complex. It requires specialists to complete the following stages:  

1. Planning – this is the moment where the project starts. At this level, all details are carefully planned after the team has understood the client’s wishes and requirements. The first phase involves discussing references and mood boards, sketching, designing, rigging, and other animation techniques. It takes communicating with the client a lot to get the purpose clearly and approve the plan.
2. Development – here comes the core stage of the 2D animation development cycle. This is the most time- and effort-consuming level. The team will cover backgrounds, layouts, frames, view perspectives, and other crucial details. 
3. Production – the final stage of the 2D animation development process! Here the team usually polishes the product to make sure it is perfect. All the corrections are controlled by the customer. 
4. Post-production – during this stage the animation is enhanced with composition, lighting, and color correction. 

No stage can be skipped. Following this instruction with proper accuracy leads to a great final product.

Choosing a 2D animation studio saves you time to a considerable extent – it will allow you to relive the workflow so you can free your time for other important tasks. At the same time, the process will run quickly and smoothly. 

2D animation outsourcing helps to reduce expenses. How? This gives you the flexibility of availing the services when required only. In contrast, having an in-house team needs a fixed overhead cost. Turning to outsource professionals when there is a necessity is more cost-effective.

Last but not least – experience and expertise. You can hire a team of high-skilled 2D artists and designers who have been creating animation for years and know every slightest detail of the process. They know how to avoid common mistakes and reach the goal faster. If animation is not your specialization, it is better to choose an outsource 2D animation studio and focus on your core functions.

If you are looking for a 2D animation company to work with for the first time, you may be at loss. 

There may be a lot of questions on your mind and the most important is how to make the right decision. First, outline the demands and requirements of your project. It is important to give clear tasks so no misunderstandings come up. We strongly recommend you pay special attention to a company’s skillset, testimonials, core services, and portfolio. Verifying the level of experience is a MUST before the process starts. 

In TEAM500 we guarantee you will be satisfied with the professionalism, expertise, and passion we have for your game!

In TEAM500, we apply top-notch technologies in terms of 2D animation creation. We use Spine, TVPaint, ToonBoom Animation, Adobe Animate, and other software to design advanced 2D animation for your game!