3D Animated User Acquisition Video: Merge Mansion Raccoon Riddle

Welcome to the thrilling world of 3D animated user acquisition video! Our first collaboration with Metacore combined it all: 3D animated characters, engaging gameplay, and a mischievous raccoon named Patches. Get ready to step into Raccoon Riddle!

3D Animated User Acquisition Video: PROJECT OVERVIEW

Trouble is brewing in Metacore’s Merge Mansion!

We brought the fun to life with a brand-new 3D animated user acquisition video, centered around the latest Raccoon Riddle event. Featuring Patches—the town’s most clever trickster—the animation captures the game’s playful spirit. Ursula hosts a thrilling wheel of fortune, but just as Maddie gets excited about her prize, a twist reveals Patches’ sneaky plan. And, of course, clever raccoons don’t work for free—Ursula must pay up!

We produced the full animation and gameplay edit based on Metacore’s materials, including script, storyboards, character, and background assets. Huge thanks to the Metacore team for the smooth collaboration!

Client

Metacore Games

DESIGN PROCESS: 3D ANIMATED USER ACQUISITION VIDEO

The starting point was well established, with a rich universe of existing characters and background assets. Because the client provided a script and storyboard, our task was to integrate all materials into our production pipeline, design missing elements, and produce final polished animations.

We created additional assets, such as background fair tents and a key prop: the Wheel of Fortune. Afterward, we developed concept images and adjusted them based on client feedback.

STORYBOARDS IN 3D ANIMATED USER ACQUISITION VIDEO

Storyboards are crucial tools for visually planning the animation. Therefore, they provide a fast, clear framework for both the client and production team. Once approved, storyboards pave the way for animatic creation and asset production.

COLOR SCRIPT

Color scripts map the emotional and visual arc of an animation. As a result, we developed a color palette for each shot, adjusting quickly through an iterative process. This ensured the mood perfectly matched the playful yet mysterious tone of Raccoon Riddle.

ANIMATIC

The animatic stage allowed us to test shot timing, pacing, and transitions. Built from storyboard images, the animatic gave a rough sense of the final animation’s flow. Importantly, a good rule of thumb is: if the animatic feels slightly slow, the final version will hit the pacing perfectly after details are added.

ANIMATION BLOCKING

Blocking lays the foundation for animation. First, we arranged shots in 3D space, starting with static elements. Gradually, we added key poses and adjusted timing, refining the character movements until they felt natural and expressive. This stage is also called a previz. Consequently, animation blocking sets the stage for high-quality character animation and storytelling.

STYLEFRAMES AND LOOK DEVELOPMENT

Before committing to final renders, we created styleframes—detailed still images showcasing the final lighting, shading, and look, including color grading. This approach allowed quick iterations and provided the client a clear vision of the animation’s ultimate style. Once approved, we moved into final rendering.

Above is a set of styleframes for the production. As you can tell, we developed the look of the grass and environment between the images to fine-tune the overall visual style.

COMPOSITING

In the compositing phase, we combined rendered elements into polished final shots. This stage involved fine-tuning background, middleground, and foreground layers. Moreover, we applied depth-of-field effects, distance fog, and other cinematic polish. Consequently, compositing ensures that every frame feels rich, cohesive, and full of life.

GAMEPLAY ELEMENTS IN 3D ANIMATED USER ACQUISITION VIDEO

Great user acquisition videos seamlessly integrate gameplay. In this project, we edited gameplay sequences alongside the animation, ensuring they conveyed the marketing message: the launch of the new Raccoon Riddle season. By highlighting key features and characters, the video attracted new players and excited the existing fanbase.

FINAL ANIMATION - STILL FRAMES

Below is a collection of screengrabs from the final 3D animated user acquisition video. Every frame captures the vibrant, mischievous spirit of Merge Mansion!

CONCLUSION

Detailed, iconic characters, compelling stories, and smartly integrated gameplay form the blueprint for a successful 3D animated user acquisition video. Thank you, Metacore, for trusting us with this exciting production! We’re thrilled to have helped bring Merge Mansion’s world of mystery and mischief to new audiences.

If you are hungry for more user acquisition cases, see more work for the same campaign for Merge Mansion! Also check out our work for Rovio’s Small Town Murders and Futureplay’s Merge Gardens! If you are into high end 3D rendered mobile game assets, take a look at our work for Supercell’s mo.co!