From Canvas to Console: In conversation with Rajat Raj Gupta
For Rajat Raj Gupta, working as a 3D animator at Rockstar Games is a dream realized. Growing up inspired by GTA and Red Dead Redemption, he never imagined his name would one day appear in the credits of legendary titles like Red Red Redemption and GTA. Rajat’s journey from a young artist to working in the AAA gaming industry, is a story filled with relentless passion and pursuit of storytelling through animation.
I was just a curious kid who loved to paint and sketch a lot of portraits.
Rajat’s journey began during his school years at Birla Vidya Mandir, Nainital, where he nurtured a love for painting and sketching portraits. Regular participation in inter-school art competitions strengthened his resolve to pursue art seriously, with his elder brother, Shubham Gupta, playing a key role in encouraging him.
Personal character animation project by Rajat
“My animation journey was shaped by a combination of my love for games and the strong support from my family”, he shares, recalling how his love for games like GTA, Max Payne, Far Cry, and FIFA inspired his fascination towards animation and immersive storytelling.
One of the early character animation work by Rajat with Paper folks creative studios, Kochi for their IP ‘Playfloo Café’
Rajat’s time at Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID) was formative. The experience introduced him to valuable friendships and collaborative projects, broadening his horizon. Rajat credits his achievements to individuals who supported him along the way, mentioning the impact of Tirtha Banerjee, a multifaceted artist; Vivek Ram, a filmmaker and founder of Vaanar Sena Studios; and Mrinal Soni, a 3D animator and rigger. “They were the main pillars behind whatever I have achieved till now,” he says with gratitude.
Rajat was a part of the character animation team for the show "Morphle and the Magic Pets", which is of The Walt Disney Company, & Moonbug Entertainment, in collaboration with Guru Studio & Assemblage Entertainment
While in college, he picked up a knack for collaboration- a skill that he later developed working at Rockstar Games.
Receiving my first AAA game credit for Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto was truly a dream come true
Being recognized with these iconic games marked a major milestone in Rajat’s career. It traced the journey from a video game fan to a contributing 3D Animator. He describes the experience as incredibly humbling” adding, “It’s surreal to think that the same experiences I cherished as a kid are now intertwined with my professional journey.”
“All this was possible with the help of the talented folks at Rockstar Games. Teamwork is essential within an animation team,” Rajat explains.
To ensure collective effort and consistency with the game’s style, a detailed understanding of animation greatly refined the quality of work across departments- improving the experience of an AAA game.
Subtle movements can elevate the experience
For new 3D animators, Rajat underscores the importance of storytelling alongside technical skills. “Focus not only on animation skills but also on overall storytelling,” he advises, encouraging a creator mindset that extends beyond technical proficiency.
“Never put a tag of skill on yourself; do whatever it takes to make your dream project”
Clips from Rajat’s newest personal project E.C.L.I.P.S.E
He is currently working on his personal project E.C.L.I.P.S.E., a first-person shooter set in a futuristic world, in collaboration with 3D artist Jwalin Adhyaru, game developer Abhimanyu, and coordinator Shruti Bhat. “Our goal with E.C.L.I.P.S.E. is to create a truly immersive and memorable experience that challenges players both mentally and emotionally,” he says, describing the game’s exploration of themes like cyberpsychosis and the blurring the lines between humanity and technology.
Early stage development of the game ECLIPSE
The team aims to deliver a game that balances fast-paced, intense gameplay with a thought-provoking psychological narrative, targeting sci-fi enthusiasts and psychological horror fans who enjoy unraveling complex plots and mastering intricate combat systems. Currently, they are on the lookout for a platform to showcase and market the game.
Rajat sees the future of animation evolving rapidly, especially as stylization and technical expertise become even more essential. The rise of AI technology, he believes, will bring new possibilities and challenges. “Animators also need to adapt and grow to stay at the forefront of the industry,” he notes, explaining that AI’s advancement requires a willingness to integrate new tools without sacrificing human creativity.
On that note, we come to the end of this feature. We thank Rajat for his time and wish him all the very best for the future. You can find his latest work updates and reach out to him through the channels below.
Rajat Raj Gupat
