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One Canvas to Rule Them All: How INK Games’ New Site Handles Complex 3D | Insights by Willow Ventures

One Canvas to Rule Them All: How INK Games’ New Site Handles Complex 3D | Insights by Willow Ventures

Exploring INK Games’ Dynamic Website: A Fusion of 3D Technology and Animation

In the ever-evolving world of digital gaming, a captivating online presence is key. INK Games has skillfully combined cutting-edge technology with a modern aesthetic to create an engaging website that reflects their innovative spirit.

The Vision Behind INK Games’ Website

INK Games aimed to build a digital landscape that captures their ambition and showcases the scaling complexity of their work. The end result is a bold, modern design that feels uniquely theirs.

Tech Stack and Tools

The development of INK Games’ website was built upon ToyBox, a Next.js starter project. Key technologies include:

  • Styled Components for CSS management
  • Featured GSAP for animations
  • Utilized Lenis for smooth scrolling
  • Implemented React Three Fiber (R3F) for 3D functionality
  • A self-hosted, headless CMS was chosen, specifically Strapi

Integrating 3D Elements

Not Quite 3D

While the site includes various 3D elements, not all utilize WebGL. Certain sections feature rotating videos and images based on cursor movement, creating a dynamic perspective effect. CSS 3D rotation techniques enhance this experience, providing depth that feels immersive.

Actual 3D Mechanics

A significant challenge arose from implementing multiple 3D sections on a single page without sacrificing performance. Instead of creating separate canvases, the team opted for a single canvas shared across 3D sections, optimizing performance and responsiveness.

Incorporating 3D Models

Bringing 3D models into the website involved efficiently importing GLTF files. A specialized command-line tool, gltfjsx, was used to optimize these models, resulting in JSX files that integrate seamlessly into the scenes.

Designing Portal Cards

The portal cards section is a standout feature, with requirements including:

  • Cursor-activated rotation
  • HTML text integration
  • Background images with perspective/parallax effects
  • Contained 3D elements within the card bounds

These cards were engineered using a blend of DOM and 3D elements, allowing for comprehensive functionality and visual appeal.

Animation Techniques

To engage users further, GSAP was utilized for a compelling animation experience. The cards rotate in response to cursor movement, and ScrollTrigger is employed to initiate animations, enhancing user engagement.

Conclusion

Creating INK Games’ website was no small feat, especially with its complex 3D setups and animations. The successful integration of tools like GSAP showcases the potential of modern web design for delivering captivating user experiences.

Related Keywords

  • 3D Web Design
  • Animation Techniques
  • React Three Fiber
  • GSAP Animation
  • Headless CMS Solutions
  • Next.js Development
  • User Engagement Strategies


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