I would like to see created some sort of skeleton system. So certain animations can be reused (for example, most humonoids will have similar walk cycles. Most quadripeds will fall into one a faw walk cycles: "pace", "not paced", lumber (like an ape), and bunny hop. ) and having a way to share animations the way we would other assets.
In gal civ, I wish we had certain basic animated parts existed (like a rotating axel or fanning fits) upon which other parts could be attached. I'd want such an idea to exist in this as well, so we could create an axel for the blades of a wind-mill. I would also like to possibly attach invisable parts to create what appears to be floating pieces of buildings. (attaching these to a rotating axel could create spinning crystals and other mystical looking structures).
the "fanning fits" animation I imagine to look something like how rows move on the sides of a ship, or how some sails appear on some some sci-fi sailing ships. (some of the pirate ships in "skies of arcadia" have them, I want to say the ship in "rogue galaxy" does too)
anyway, I'm just brainstorming. I'd like to see pre-generated animations as well. That way those who are not skilled at rigging, can still create models in Maya or 3D max or whatever, where those who are good at creating extensive and elaborate animations can pass skeleton riggings. I'm sure it will be a lot of work on the dev's part, but it seems the whole mod-system they've got underway is a lot of work anyway, adding a means to share animation riggings may not be that much further from where they have already told us they intend to go.
( I fear I can't find much information on "paced" animal walk movements, but the "paced walk" and other is something I learned by hanging around animal trainers while at a zoo. I was told as a kid that most 4 legged mammals are either paced or not paced based on how their feer move in relation to each other. Paced animals walk with two in the same direction at a time, rather than mixing it up. I know cats and elephants are paced animals. I want to say dogs are not. if you don't know what I'm talking about I fear I only sorta know myself, so if you DO know what I'm talking about. please feel free to pass along links to sources on such animations. I know I'd be interested.)
