Aristocrat Baron
Uncover Explanimate's creative project for Aristocrat's new machine the Baron. Experience our unique 3D animation and motion graphics design. Visit our website today.
About the
project
Aristocrat make world-renowned gambling machines. So the launch of a new one is a big deal. They wanted it to be special. To be sleek. To be spectacular.
We don’t know a lot about gambling… there used to be an office flutter at Melbourne Cup time… but the less said about National Horse Execution Day the better and so when Aristocrat approached us about making them a video that showcased their brand new digital slot machine we, like 4 out of 5 drunk guys and fights, were up for it.
“you’ve got to know when to hold ’em”
We were pretty upfront about our lack of specific experience with the products they made but also that we were, as always, up for a challenge. They loved that we were able to bring a novices’ eye to the project. That allowed us to see elements and aspects of the new machine that may not have seemed that exciting to a more cynical eye. We spent time going over the plans they sent us, the specs and design docs.
“know when to fold ’em”
Luckily, what we lacked in experience with gambling we more than made up for in 3D modelling and animation. The sleek, polished, pretty light aesthetic of the machine really leant itself to a kind of sexed up approach. Black backgrounds, moving camera, close ups and showing the machine slowly spinning. We wanted it to look incredible. Too often pokie machines are seen as cheap and nasty and in brightly lit RSLs. We wanted it to feel futuristic. So we cracked our knuckles and began modelling the machine in the 3D.
“know when to walk away”
The first renders that came out looked like we’d hit 3 cherries in a row, they were freaking gorgeous! We couldn’t have been happier. Showing them to the client was (as always) a little nerve wracking), sometimes you’re convinced you’ve nailed it only to be shot down, sometimes you’re sure they suck but the client is in love. Luckily, this time around we were all on the same page. Once the stills were approved we dived in and began work on the wireframe.
“and know when to run”
A wireframe turned into a finished render and the job was done. Bursting with colour and attitude the client was knocked out. The launch was incredibly successful and we added another video to our portfolio that we’re not only proud of but thrilled to watch over and over again.
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When Aristocrat, one of the biggest names in the gaming industry, launches a new slot machine, it’s not just another product release. It’s an event. A spectacle. And they wanted a video to match. Something sleek, polished, and downright spectacular. We don’t claim to be experts in gambling (there used to be an office flutter at Melbourne Cup time), but when Aristocrat approached us, we were, like four out of five drunk guys at a fight, up for it.
From the start, we were upfront about our lack of experience with gaming machines, but that turned out to be an advantage. Coming in with fresh eyes, we were able to see what made this new machine truly special. We poured over design specs, product plans, and technical documents, finding the details that deserved the spotlight.
Luckily, what we lacked in gambling expertise, we more than made up for in 3D modelling and animation. Aristocrat’s new machine had a sleek, high end aesthetic, so we wanted to create a video that felt just as premium. Think black backgrounds, smooth camera movements, and dramatic close ups. We weren’t making a video for some neon lit RSL - this needed to feel futuristic, luxurious, and premium.
The first renders rolled in, and jackpot! They looked stunning. It’s always a bit nerve wracking showing that first round to the client. Sometimes you think you’ve nailed it, and they hate it; sometimes you’re unsure, and they love it. But this time? We were all on the same page. The sleek 3D visuals, dynamic lighting, and smooth animations made the machine look every bit as cutting edge as Aristocrat had envisioned.
With the stills approved, we moved on to wireframing, refining each detail to hit that perfect balance of realism and visual punch. Every light, every angle, every spin of the reels had to feel effortless while still commanding attention.
By the time the final render was complete, it was bursting with colour, attitude, and style. The client was thrilled, the launch was a massive success, and we had another show-stopping piece in our portfolio. This was a project we were proud of, one that we’d happily watch over and over again.
