halfstroking

Halfstroking is a term used in various contexts, most commonly in animation and video game development, to describe a specific technique of animation. It refers to the practice of drawing or animating only half of the frames that would typically be used for a given movement. For example, in traditional animation, if a character's arm moves from one position to another, and a full animation would involve ten drawings to depict this motion smoothly, halfstroking would involve using only five drawings. This results in a more staccato or choppy movement, but can be used intentionally to achieve a particular aesthetic or to save on production time and resources.

In video games, halfstroking can be seen in character animations or environmental effects. It's a method to create movement that is less fluid than full frame animation but can still be effective, especially in older games or in styles that favor a more simplified or stylized look. The term can also be applied metaphorically outside of animation. For instance, in discussions about progress or effort, "halfstroking" might describe an incomplete or half-hearted attempt at a task, as opposed to fully committing to it. The core idea remains consistent: performing only a portion of what a complete action would entail.