Esoteric Software

[SilverStraw]

I tried to fake a 3D die in 2D space in Spine. I couldn't rig perspective projection into the die skeleton, only parallel projection. The die looks nearly 3D with at least two axes of rotation.
I was able to wrap a single texture attachment around the skeleton rig. Backface culling is a must.

I used texture from:
www.subpng.com/png-grb3pv/

Behind the scene in Spine, DeviantArt video:
https://www.deviantart.com/silverstraw/art/Die-Animation-Test-in-Spine-Pro-900541885

[Misaki]

Hi, @SilverStraw

Great!! Thank you for sharing your animation here. I’m glad that I can see a new fake 3D animation with Spine again Actually, there is already a topic about animating Fake 3D box here:
Scale problem
The problem of perspective projection during rotation has been solved in the topic above, so I think it will help you.

[Erika]

It's always interesting to see different approaches, thanks for sharing!

[SilverStraw]

Erika, thank you for dropping a comment. Yes, it's interesting how approach we approached the same problem differently.

Misaki, thank you for the link. It will definitely help me progress my goal.

Alright, the moment of truth. I have done the die skeleton almost a year ago but haven't shared it until recently. Since I have sparked interest in both of you, more fake 3D animations !

UV Checker Map:


Cross section video:
https://www.deviantart.com/silverstraw/art/Low-Poly-Sphere-UV-Checker-Map-in-Spine-2D-900679938

New texture:


Animated texture:

[Misaki]

Wow!!! These fake 3D animations are amazing!!
Crossing fake 3D with animated textures seems to have infinite possibilities. Great job!!

[Erika]

Hah, that's awesome
Interesting also to see the cross section approach and that it's still similar to the diamond approch, but wow about all the rotations, and nice touch with animating the texture!

[SilverStraw]

Thank you Misaki and Erika.
The fake 3D is an extension to the rotating diamond approach.
I didn't think animating the texture attachment would come out this good at first. I was surprised as well after animating.

I finally had some time this morning to do more experimentation. I have a full time job as an operator at a production plant and I have been gradually training myself into another profession like as a skeletal animator . So, I now present you twin spheres. The outer sphere revolves around the central sphere. Also, the outer sphere is a descendant bone of the central sphere. I like to think the outer sphere is an appendage to the central sphere.

Video of ghosting the twin spheres:
https://www.deviantart.com/silverstraw/art/Spine-2D-Twin-Sphere-Ghosting-Test-901019884

The outer sphere transition pretty smoothly around the central sphere in ghosting mode. I tried separating the hierarchy of the spheres but it was a x, y-coordinate translation nightmare. You would have to make sure the two spheres look like it was in contact at the same point in each frame. Also, the ghosting for it wasn't as fluid.

[Nate]

This is absolute witchcraft! It's super cool!

You've certainly maxed out your rigging skills. If you're interested in changing your profession, I would imagine you just need to study animation theory, practice a lot, and get some real world experience doing it as gig -- then you'll be set!

[Misaki]

Amazing work!! I’m surprised you are not working as an animator now. You can make and sell your training course if you make some videos to explain how to make those Fake 3D animations. In fact, I’d like to buy it!

In my case, I didn’t know much about animation theory when I started working with Spine, but I learned it through my work. Therefore, I think it's better for you to jump into the industry as soon as possible. I wish you all the best!

[SilverStraw]

Thank you Nate. I will do just that.
Thank you again Misaki. I will take your offer and make some video and project material for my next experimentation. I have more time for experimentation now that I finished my contest entry.

Here is my FF14 Endwalker contest entry on DeviantArt. Animated in (and only) Spine, of course.


Video format: https://www.deviantart.com/silverstraw/art/FF14-Endwalker-Entry-video-901630764

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More experiments

Phase 1: Rig.


Phase 2: Move Rig.


Phase 3: Apply Texture.


Phase 4: Ghosting. Just for coolness.

[Misaki]

Thank you for sharing your animations again! It's really interesting and fun to watch your magical fake 3D animations
This method could be used to create an animation of a music box with spinning dolls.

[Harald]

Very cool! Thanks for taking the time to show your setup!

Also, I can't resist but state that your ghosting GIF would be the most glorious screensaver of all time!

[SilverStraw]

Sorry for the late response. I have been busy programming a web solution with my off-work time.

Thank you, Misaki, for returning and replying. It keeps my morale up.
You can definitely create a spinning doll music box using this method, but I was aiming for a more ambitious goal. One day I am going to rig a full faux 3D model in Spine with body movements. The experimental rig was actually bending simple legs. I call it a half-success.

Thanks, Harald, for chiming in. I think my setup has ways to go but this experimental setup is progressing to my goal. I am using ghosting GIF as my DeviantArt avatar.

[mumu]

-3074d20f0f3d7446.gif

magic！！！

[SilverStraw]

https://www.deviantart.com/silverstraw/art/3-Part-Bend-Test-939740327

[Misaki]

Oh my gosh, the animation combined the fake 3D rotation and bending is really interesting

[SilverStraw]

I am planning out on how to rig a full body humanoid character for future testing. The trouble areas are going to be the pelvic region, shoulder region, neck-head region.

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Working in progress:
https://wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/v/mp4/1e351697-997f-420a-b339-55dc604511c0/dflc69s-dd8f33e8-5c8c-4b27-89ac-396730208f88.1080p.6857604ca27e44b88f5138d0709b4ce1.mp4

How Working In 2.9D Feels Like in Spine:
https://wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/v/mp4/1e351697-997f-420a-b339-55dc604511c0/dflc6u5-49f09ff4-3b9c-41a1-8e4c-8e005f8d1f81.1080p.871677e12f6945cb853c167a4119baf7.mp4

[Misaki]

Those videos are AMAZING!!! You have successfully developed Spine 3D