Chapter     8

Virtual Cameras

Cameras are an obvious tool for photographers and filmmakers. They enable the artist to capture the living world around them by using position and settings which control the capture of light to create a representation of their chosen scene. Video games are no different.

Until now, our scene has remained essentially static, but this wouldn’t make for a particularly fun game. Most of you will have played 3D games before, and I’m sure you would agree that the ability to move through the world is a key aspect of what makes a game compelling. This would not be possible without defining a camera.

In the fields of photography and filmmaking, cameras are a relatively easy-to-understand concept. To capture a different point ...

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