Machinima

According to Wikipedia:

Machinima (pronounced /məˈʃiːnɨmə/ or /məˈʃɪnɨmə/) is the use of real-time three-dimensional (3-D) graphics rendering engines to generate computer animation. The term also refers to works that incorporate this animation technique. Machinima-based artists, sometimes called machinimists or machinimators, often use graphics engines from video games.

I'm a big World of Warcraft fan. For anyone who is unfamiliar with this hugely popular MMO, it has developed its own culture. As a result, machinima using WoW is extremely popular and prevalent. Many are extremely high quality works that incorporate visuals, music, theme, mood, tone, and emotion to create engrossing and interesting stories.

I've decided to list a few of my favourites:


This is probably my all-time favorite. It's really well done and conveys a great sense of emotion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb5LIo6HE6Y

This one is just lighthearted and fun.
http://myndflame.gameriot.com/videos/Cloud-9-WoW-Music-Video-1

Machinima can also be darker more ominous. This one uses WoW characters and places them in the gritter environment of another game.
http://myndflame.gameriot.com/videos/ESC4PE

This example uses scenes from multiple games and they are seamlessly incorporated to form an interesting composition.
http://www.wow.com/2007/03/30/wow-moviewatch-unlimited-escapism/

And in this last example, the animation goes perfectly with the music and even matches the tempo and pace.
http://www.wow.com/2008/12/15/wow-moviewatch-the-bells-of-northrend/