VFX, film and game animation are three very different fields in the industry, it is important to be aware of it and understand it because they work with different rules and methods, the roles are different.
VFX Animation
This is where things such as props animation, particle systems, over body simulation and CFX (creature animation). It is the most common use nowadays as they are responsible for adding features to the shot that didn’t really happen when recording the footage, it is composited to the film and it leans on realism as it is used in real world footage. It must be real to a point where the audience feels like those things are actually happening.
Film Animation
Film animation is about animated features like movies from pixar that are fully made in CGI and the animation is more cartoony and stylized, exagerated and less real. But that doesn’t make it any less harder, although it is considered easier due to the fact that it doesn’t have to be so real and accurate to reality. On the other hand it needs to be stylized, the characters need to do things that no human being would be capable of, with no reference of those changes. Animators need reference like everyone in the industry, but our references can only be pushed to a certain point, the stylized look is made through creativity and that, in my opinion, is what makes animated movies so good.
Game Animation
The line between game,vfx and film animation is becoming more and more blured, as games are becoming more realistic and loyal to reality, but it differs a bit as the animation doesn’t have to be as perfect as a film or vfx work. In matters of contracts it is also different as contracts in game industry can last much longer while in film and vfx the contracts never exceed 9 months, so it gives a bit more stability and things don’t have to be so rushed.