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Fatwa CenterMaking 3D Animations or Realistic Characters for Video Games
Question
Are you allowed to make 3d human characters for video games in Islam? If so, then realistic characters or cartoonish characters? Realistic characters are those which we can easily identify as human and Hyper realistic characters are those who look almost real-like humans. What if I make a human character based on a real-life person and it looks exactly the same as the real person.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
In a previous Fatawa, we have clarified that taking photos of animate objects is of two kinds:
First, filming such objects with devices, such as video clips, TV, and cameras; if these movies are void of any acts prohibited by the Shareeʿah, then there is no harm.
Second, painting such objects with hands or tools; this is originally prohibited. This includes children’s cartoons, children’s series, hand games or e-games (Play Station) since they include photos of living creatures. This is based on the evidence of the prohibitions of photos. However, some scholars have declared this act of taking photos of living creatures permissible for the sake of children, especially in case they are meaningful and free from music, gambling, and any other prohibitions. This is the opinion that we adopt here in Islamweb. As far as this very Fatwa is concerned, we rely on the dire need to find meaningful alternatives for children with the intention of saving them from this world in which family members, particularly children, have become fully busy with TVs, video movies, and the internet websites. As such, the preparation of these programs is considered a very urgent need and a beneficial interest for the sake of which minor sins may be pardoned. It is known that most of the existing programs, if not all, are not compatible with the teachings and etiquette of Islam. In other words, they contradict the Islamic instructions and guidelines, either totally or partially. As such, wisdom requires that we not leave the family to fall prey to these destructive movies under the pretext that filming is prohibited, especially if we consider that some exemptions are made from this prohibition, including filming for documentation, education, etc. In truth, we are speaking about a more dangerous topic, meaning that exempting it from prohibition should be seriously considered more than the previously mentioned topics.
As it became clear that it is permissible to take photos / films of these animate objects, we have in previous Fatawa clarified the conditions of this permissibility, as follows:
(1) These photos or drawings should not be similar to the creation of Allah, the Exalted, so that children would not think that some people could make like the creation of Allah, the Almighty;
(2) It is impermissible to portray the Prophets or the Companions since this degrades them;
(3) It is impermissible to portray leaders and commanders of battles in a manner that degrades them, or report about them what they did not say;
(4) It is impermissible to feature or present the ‘Awrah of men and women or acts of disbelief such as carrying the cross and idol worshipping, and other prohibitions.
For more benefit on the photography which is done with a camera or a video, please refer to Fatawa 83249 and 83020.
For more benefit on watching videos with background music as part of course materials, please refer to Fatwa 360949.
For more benefit on playing computer and video games, please refer to Fatawa 414601, 375331, 312397, 243997, 83778, 95009, 379243, 384559 and 86146.
For more benefit on making 3D animations as part of one's study, please refer to Fatawa 310936 and 351178.
Allah knows best.
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