A practical animation handoff note for 2D game teams

By Liangqi Zhao for MotifDeck. Prepared with AI assistance.

A folder of animation frames is only part of a game-art handoff. A concise note preserves ordering, timing and context so the next person can reproduce the sequence. This checklist is independent of the art tool used.

Describe the sequence

Name the action, for example walk_right, and record whether it loops, the file order and timing. Specify whether each duration applies to an individual frame or the whole sequence. If a character is mirrored, check whether asymmetric accessories still look correct.

An illustrative manifest

This JSON is an example team note, not a MotifDeck export format or an engine import specification. Replace the values with your own files.

{
  "action": "walk_right",
  "loop": true,
  "frames": [
    { "file": "walk_001.png", "duration_ms": 100 },
    { "file": "walk_002.png", "duration_ms": 150 },
    { "file": "walk_003.png", "duration_ms": 100 }
  ],
  "pivot_note": "Align the planted foot; review in engine"
}

One loop takes 350 milliseconds: 100 + 150 + 100. It is not a fixed 10-frames-per-second sequence because the middle frame lasts longer. Verify that each file exists and that its dimensions and transparency meet the project requirements.

Record what the engine cannot infer

  • Alignment: document the intended pivot and any canvas offsets. Identical canvas sizes alone do not guarantee stable feet.
  • Transparency: inspect against light and dark backgrounds for stray pixels, halos and clipping.
  • Details: check scarves, feathers and equipment at the actual game display size.
  • Playback: review the last-to-first transition at intended speed; a good individual frame can still make a loop jump.
  • Ownership: record the accepted source version, approver and applicable license. A preview alone does not grant download or commercial-use rights.

Run a handoff check

Import the frames into a test scene, apply the stated durations and pivot, and watch at actual size. Ask a teammate to recreate the sequence using only the note. If they must ask which file comes first or how long to hold it, add the answer. Keep revisions with the assets so the note cannot silently describe an older set.

Disclosure: I am affiliated with MotifDeck, an AI game art workspace. It can generate character motion video, extract frames and let users review frame selection and timing. Its free plan offers limited previews; generated-file downloads require a paid unlock. This example is a general handoff note and does not describe its export format.

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