Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Game animation is where technology, design, and emotions meet. In Episode 26 of AnsweRED Podcast, Dominika Staniaszek and Maciej Pietras share their perspective on gameplay vs cinematic animation, open-world challenges, and the skills every great animator needs.
AnsweRED Podcast is CD PROJEKT RED’s format dedicated to individuals interested in game development, providing a unique platform for them to gain knowledge from our team representatives’ insights, experiences, and cutting-edge expertise. We also invite game dev experts from around the world to foster inspiring discussions and diverse viewpoints.
The podcast is out now, and is also available on major streaming platforms: cdpred.ly/AnsweREDpodcast1
The full transcript of the episode is now available on Beyond the Game Blog:
cdpred.ly/podcast_26_article
TIME STAMPS
0:00-1:40 Intro
1:41-8:54 Why realism starts with animation
8:55-14:34 Defining a great animator
14:35-19:09 When does animation start in the game production process?
19:10-34:58 Gameplay vs cinematic animation & why open worlds change everything
34:59-40:58 Production challenges in animation teams
40:59-44:15 Core animation skills
44:16-48:50 Why observing people makes for better animators
48:51-54:19 How to imitate life when animating something that doesn’t exist
54:20-58:06 Animating boss fights
58:07-1:00:45 How to feedback animation
1:00:46-1:06:41 What do animators have in common with acting
1:06:42-1:09:25 The ultimate animating tool
1:09:26-1:16:24 Designing Animation for first- and third-person perspectives
1:16:25-1:20:20 Every animator must have their little obsessions
1:20:21-1:24:50 Tips for future animators
1:24:51-1:25:52 Outro
Game animation is where technology, design, and emotions meet. In Episode 26 of AnsweRED Podcast, Dominika Staniaszek and Maciej Pietras share their perspective on gameplay vs cinematic animation, open-world challenges, and the skills every great animator needs.
AnsweRED Podcast is CD PROJEKT RED’s format dedicated to individuals interested in game development, providing a unique platform for them to gain knowledge from our team representatives’ insights, experiences, and cutting-edge expertise. We also invite game dev experts from around the world to foster inspiring discussions and diverse viewpoints.
The podcast is out now, and is also available on major streaming platforms: cdpred.ly/AnsweREDpodcast1
The full transcript of the episode is now available on Beyond the Game Blog:
cdpred.ly/podcast_26_article
TIME STAMPS
0:00-1:40 Intro
1:41-8:54 Why realism starts with animation
8:55-14:34 Defining a great animator
14:35-19:09 When does animation start in the game production process?
19:10-34:58 Gameplay vs cinematic animation & why open worlds change everything
34:59-40:58 Production challenges in animation teams
40:59-44:15 Core animation skills
44:16-48:50 Why observing people makes for better animators
48:51-54:19 How to imitate life when animating something that doesn’t exist
54:20-58:06 Animating boss fights
58:07-1:00:45 How to feedback animation
1:00:46-1:06:41 What do animators have in common with acting
1:06:42-1:09:25 The ultimate animating tool
1:09:26-1:16:24 Designing Animation for first- and third-person perspectives
1:16:25-1:20:20 Every animator must have their little obsessions
1:20:21-1:24:50 Tips for future animators
1:24:51-1:25:52 Outro
