Think machine and cinema; and you get Machinima (muh-sheen-eh-mah).

Simply put, Machinima is a new filmmaking technique that uses computer games to shoot "virtual" film.

How is it done? Using various game engines, a Machinima creator can use existing game characters and environments (or make their own), as the actors and sets a traditional movie would have. After filming the characters in these environments, the clips are compiled, edited and manipulated into a virtual film.

With machinima you have the visual freedom of animation, but without conventional animation's laborious (and expensive) production process. You have the speed and flexibility of live action film making, but without the practical limitations incurred by real sets, cameras, lights and actors.