Our in-game cinematic for Forza Motorsport 6

Just like online play and live streaming, downloadable content (DLC) is a mainstay of modern video gaming. But how do you convince players that your latest release offers another unmissable gaming opportunity?

For the NASCAR Expansion of Forza Motorsport 6, it was to create a fast-paced cinematic showcasing how these colourful yet highly-capable cars would fare at racetracks around the world.

Working alongside Axis Animation once again, Jumbla produced a primary 60-second cinematic as well as five ‘stage’ sequences within a 12-week timeline.

Captivating colour and consistency

As opposed to Jumbla’s previous Forza project, which was stylistically diverse, this cinematic needed to achieve consistency with the artwork.

It was accomplished by working on a plain white background, helping to accentuate the bursts of colour that many people associate with NASCAR. 

Free-flowing cameras and quick transitions not only showcase the highly-detailed vehicles; they also replicate the kind of gameplay this expansion pack provides.

“It was a privilege for all of us to actively seek our own individual stamps in interpreting this brief, knowing it would end up forming such a critical aspect of a popular video game,” said Jumbla Creative Director Callan Woolcock.

After a glimpse into what cars and tracks are available with this expansion, the viewer has little choice than to download and enjoy many more happy hours of gameplay.

Considered choice of techniques

While the true-to-life models alone give most players ample amounts of excitement, other aspects of the animation were carefully thought through for added impact.

For example, text elements were designed in 2.5D (2D assets placed in a 3D setting), while expressive tyre tracks echo abstract art.

“To be honest, we were so surprised at the extent to which they embraced some of our less-than-conventional ideas,” said Callan. 

The final project was pieced together using Element 3D in After Effects, which offers freedom to work without the constraints of rendering.

This translated into a high-quality animation for the client, without additional cost, in less time than other techniques would have required.