what do third person camera mean

In the context of video games and film, a "third-person camera" refers to a perspective from which the action is viewed. The camera is positioned in such a way that it looks at the character from outside, usually from behind or at an angle, allowing you to see the character and their immediate surroundings. Here are some key points about third-person cameras:

1. Character Visibility: The most distinctive feature of the third-person camera is that it allows the viewer to see the character they're controlling. This can provide useful spatial information about the character's position, movements, and actions.

2. Environmental Awareness: Since the camera is not directly attached to the character's perspective, players can get a better sense of the environment around them. This can be beneficial for navigation, combat, and exploration.

3. Over-the-Shoulder View: In some games, the third-person camera adopts an over-the-shoulder view, similar to what you might see from behind your own shoulder, giving a more immersive experience close to the first-person view but with the ability to see your character.

4. Action and Adventure Games: Third-person cameras are commonly used in action-adventure, role-playing, and open-world games. They are particularly suited to games where the character's physical abilities and interactions with the environment are key elements.

5. Character Customization: In games with a third-person camera, players often have the opportunity to customize their characters' appearance, and these customizations can be seen directly within gameplay.

6. Narrative Storytelling: Third-person perspectives can be advantageous for storytelling, as they can include environmental cues and other characters' reactions that might not be as visible in a first-person view.

7. Controlled Perspective: Unlike first-person views, which place the camera directly into the character's eyes, third-person views allow the game developers to control the camera's position, which can enhance the gameplay experience.

8. Differentiation from First-Person: Third-person cameras contrast with first-person cameras, where the view is strictly from the character's eye line, limiting the player's field of view to what the character would see.

9. Applications in Cinema: In film, third-person shots are sometimes used to establish context or to display actions that the main character cannot see.

10. Versatility: Third-person cameras can be adapted to various gameplay styles and genres, from action-packed shooters to slow-paced strategy games.

The choice between using a third-person or first-person camera often depends on the type of experience the developers want to create, as well as the specific needs and preferences of the game's mechanics and narrative.