SFX vs VFX: Who Really Runs the Show?

The visual effects market is showing steady growth. The VFX impact goes well beyond film, games, and advertising. According to 2024 data, the global animation and visual effects market reached $179.78 billion. Experts predict it will grow by an average of 9.43% annually through 2029.

This can be explained by producers’ and directors’ growing openness to scripts that call for bold VFX. However, using VFX isn’t just about impressing the audience. It’s also driven by the ambition to earn recognition from the professional community. One of the most prestigious honors remains the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, which in 2025 went to Dune: Part Two.

But should films rely entirely on VFX? Let’s take a closer look.

What’s the difference between VFX and SFX?

Special Effects (SFX) refer to techniques and technologies used on set during live filming. Typically, these include real explosions, crashes, physical stunts, or weather effects. Tools like pyrotechnics, prosthetics, makeup, props, and animatronics are often used to create them. SFX enable real-time interaction between actors and their environment, making scenes feel more natural and believable.

Visual Effects (VFX) are created using computer software during post-production. They can enhance or replace SFX and bring to life things that are impossible to film practically. Thanks to CGI, filmmakers can design fantastical worlds and simulate natural phenomena. Raging fires, tornadoes, ocean waves, thickening clouds — when done well, they’re virtually indistinguishable from reality.

Moreover, VFX is widely used for the digital transformation of characters. They can be used to de-age or age an actor, create realistic makeup. Moreover, VFX can completely alter a character’s appearance and add missing costume details. This makes CGI tools indispensable in modern filmmaking.

When is it better to use SFX?

Special effects (SFX) add realism and emotional impact to a scene, making the on-screen action more thrilling and convincing. They are best used in the following situations.

When physical realism is crucial.

Some effects are quicker and more cost-effective to recreate on set. Explosions, weather conditions, and lighting often look more natural when filmed practically. For example, in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), nearly all the explosions and car stunts were achieved using pyrotechnics and stunt performers.

When tangible interaction is essential.

Physical props and effects allow actors to react authentically to what’s happening around them. This results in more natural emotions and believable performances. For example, in Jaws (1975), a mechanical shark was present on set, enabling the actors to realistically respond to its presence.

When a scene involves complex stunts or stunt performers.

SFX bring energy and intensity to action scenes. Sometimes it’s easier to film a fall from a height, simulate a car crash, or stage an explosion using real stunts than to create VFX. In The Dark Knight (2008), the iconic truck flip was done without CGI. The team used a custom rig to physically flip the vehicle.

When realistic makeup and physical transformations are needed.

Prosthetics and practical makeup can create more believable characters. In Hellboy (2004), David Harbour was transformed into a demon superhero using full-body makeup and prosthetics, which captured the audience’s attention with its tangible detail.

When the goal is to reduce post-production time and costs.

Using SFX can cut down on the need for extensive CGI work and speed up the film’s release. For instance, in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), most destruction scenes were filmed using miniatures and pyrotechnics instead of digital effects.

When is it better to use VFX?

Visual effects in film allow creators to push the boundaries of what’s possible. VFX becomes an essential tool when SFX are too complex or dangerous to execute. While VFX may not always appear entirely realistic, they offer high artistic value and often deeply resonate with audiences.

VFX are best used in the following cases.

When you need to create a complex fantasy world.

VFX can bring to life alien landscapes, magical kingdoms, and post-apocalyptic cities. For example, in Avatar (2009), the entire planet of Pandora was created entirely through CGI.

When SFX are impossible to create.

Plane crashes, large-scale battles, and natural disasters are often safer and more cost-effective to simulate using VFX. For instance, in Interstellar (2014), black holes and massive waves were created with CGI.

When digital makeup is needed.

VFX can be used to digitally age or de-age actors, as well as create digital versions of humans, animals, or creatures. In Avengers: Endgame (2019), the character Thanos was fully created using CGI. Thanks to motion capture technology, the character preserved the facial expressions and emotions of actor Josh Brolin.

When recreating historical events or lost locations.

VFX helps bring to life past eras that no longer exist. In Gladiator (2000), computer effects were used to digitally reconstruct the Colosseum.

When a crowd of thousands is needed.

Filming large scenes with thousands of extras can be costly and logistically challenging. VFX makes it possible to generate digital crowds. In The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003), entire armies of Orcs and humans were created with CGI for epic battle scenes.

Why Use VFX in Game Development?

Visual effects in games not only define their quality but also boost user engagement by creating a compelling atmosphere. Additionally, VFX:

1. Enhance immersion in the game world. Effects like smoke, dust, magic, explosions, or weather make virtual environments feel more realistic and alive. Thanks to VFX, players feel like they’re inside the action, not just controlling a character.
2. Give the game a unique identity. VFX helps establish a distinctive visual style. Even games within the same genre can have completely different vibes—realistic, comic book-inspired, futuristic, neon-lit, etc., all made possible through effects.
3. Convey important information visually. VFX guide the player—for example, by showing an enemy’s activated shield or hinting at an incoming attack.
4. Increase the value and competitiveness of the game. Players are drawn to visually impressive titles. High-quality VFX make a game more attractive and help it stand out in a crowded market.

VFX at Acquisition.mobi

At Acquisition.mobi, we create VFX effects that not only enhance the visuals but also become an integral part of the story, amplifying their impact on the audience. Our team works at the intersection of technology and art, developing visual effects for commercials, films, and video games.

Interested in collaborating with us? Check out our portfolio and send your request to cgi@acquisition.mobi.