machinima

The term concerns the rendering of computer-generated imagery (CGI) using real-time, interactive 3D (game) engines, as opposed to high-end and complex 3D animation software used by the major studios. Consequently, the rendering can be done in real-time using PCs, rather than huge render farms which can take a day or more to produce a single frame for a feature like "Shrek".

The real-time nature of machinima means that established techniques from traditional film-making can be reapplied in a virtual environment. As a result, production tends to be cheaper and more rapid than in keyframed CGI animation. It can also produce more professional appearing production than is possible with traditional at-home techniques.