Gaming engine technology, with its suite of functional advantages such as real-time rendering and real-time editing, is used in 3D animation to dramatically reduce rendering cycles, increase production efficiency, and facilitate the production of highquality 3D animation. This paper discusses on the connotation of game engine, analyzes the main functions of game engine, and explores on the three-dimensional animation production based on game engine technology. The purpose of this article is to provide some ideas on how to promote the smooth production of 3D animation.