Old-fashioned cel animation has now become more costly than 3D for America, as any current 2D animation sends its grunt work to Asian countries to produce (or import).
2D animation is extensive work, making dozens of drawings to draw, ink, paint, and film for mere seconds of footage. 3D, on one hand, can be highly extensive initially (for modelling), but can be lesser intensive man labor-wise as the animation queues are made and the computer renders it. A few talented CGI animators and some computer systems are more affordable than a mass of people to haul the workforce for 2D animation.
Secondly, it's the popular mentality. More students are working towards 3D animation than ol' 2D; and to the casual audience, 3D looks more impressive than 2D, and may see 2D as being "cheap".
Overall, 3D won out due to costs and marketing. |