Making of “Unrecord”: Hyperrealistic Promo for a First-Person Shooter

Zenzy lab, our premier animation studio, was approached to create an impactful and hyperrealistic promotional video for a forthcoming RPG first-person shooter game. The technical brief was to do something that looks exactly like the “Unrecord” gameplay trailer (see below).

Applying our high level of technical expertise and profound understanding of the assignment, we deconstructed the brief meticulously. The task involved generating a realistic gameplay environment, emulating an abandoned factory setting, while limiting unpredictable movements, thus demanding a methodical and technically complex approach. Zenzy lab’s team was uniquely equipped to handle the challenges presented by the game’s unique premise. Our ability to decipher intricate assignments and break them down into manageable ‘jobs to be done’ was crucial in formulating an action plan, exhibiting our technical prowess and deep-seated knowledge in animation and gaming.

Initial analysis

Hyperrealistic Elements (things that make it look like live footage)

1. Extreme level of detail, including reflections.
2. Realistic camera movement (seemingly done with motion capture or virtual production).
3. Exposure mimicking the light sensitivity of a low-cost camera.
4. Frame Vignette (corners of the camera).
5. Absence of unpredictable moving creatures and people in a sterile environment.
6. Hyperrealistic sound effects.
7. Dynamics that command attention.

Reflections

Game-Like Elements (things that make it look like cgi)

1. The character’s hands and weapon.
2. The antagonist characters.
3. Some assets that appear intentionally crafted.
4. The presence of smoke.
5. Visual effects related to shooting.
6. The camera blur effect during shooting.

Vignette effect, Blur, Hands, Legs, Weapon

Given the nature of the project, Zenzy lab proposed multiple technical methods for the video production.

1. Live Action Filming: With this approach, a hyperrealistic promo is produced by filming in a real-life location that mirrors the environment of the game — such as an abandoned factory. This process involves three major steps: pre-production where a similar set is created and prepared, the filming itself, and then post-production which includes tracking, virtual production, sound effects, video effects, and so on. This method could achieve a high level of detail and realism as it leverages real-world elements.
2. Virtual Production: If the game already exists and the game’s assets, environments, characters, and their animations are available, you can opt for virtual production. This involves filming just to capture the camera movement from the actor’s helmet (camera capture), introducing the real camera into the virtual space, and then rendering the footage with a film engine (different from Unreal Engine 5). This method can efficiently utilize existing game assets while adding the natural movements and dynamics of real-life camera capture.
3. Gameplay-Based Promo: If the game already exists and assets, environments, characters, and their animations can be captured, you can make a promo based on actual gameplay. Here, sequences from the game that offer a cinematic experience and can produce a maximum “wow” effect are selected. The captured sequences are then rendered using a film engine, and color grading is applied to achieve a more film-like effect rather than a game-like look. This method showcases the actual game experience in a cinematic and engaging manner.
4. Building from Scratch in Unreal Engine 5: This method involves creating a promo right from scratch using Unreal Engine 5. This can be a challenging and complex approach as it requires developing everything — from environments and characters to animations and effects — from the ground up. This method is typically considered when there isn’t a game prototype yet. While it may be a complex approach, it provides maximum control over every aspect of the promo.

For each method, we provided detailed timelines and cost estimates, underscoring our proficiency in planning and executing complex projects efficiently. Here is an overview:

Method 1: 15 workdays (preproduction), 2 workdays (production), 20 days (postproduction) = 37 workdays for the entire assignment;

Method 2: 30 workdays (only virtual production) for the entire assignment;

Method 3: 20 workdays (only virtual production) for the entire assignment;

Method 4: 100 workdays, or more (depending on the complexity);

After a comprehensive exploration of solutions and detailed planning, Zenzy lab was contracted to deliver the hyperrealistic video promo (using method 2), showcasing our broad technical skills, profound industry knowledge, and dedication to meeting our clients’ needs.

We are now excitedly awaiting the video’s publication (few screenshots below). The project was an exemplar of Zenzy lab’s expertise in the industry, confirming our capability to handle complex tasks, adapt to varying circumstances, and deliver exceptional outcomes.

Virtual Production Screenshot 1

Virtual Production Screenshot 2 (They wanted it to give some serious Stalker vibes …)

We are looking forward to future collaborations that allow us to push boundaries and exceed client expectations.

Here are a few extra videos for the people that are really into hyperrealistic video making using a mix of live-footage and virtual production. We used them as basis for our production planning.

1. Source video (Promo of Unrecord)

2. Motion capture in real set + Virtual Production method

3. How it was made

4. Real gameplay that is not as hyperrealistic as promo

Disclaimer: We are not the authors of the “Unrecord” trailer. We’re just hardworking creatives that understand how video-production works and how to make it look like magic 🪄.

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