To rig face 3D models for games, use blend shapes (morph targets) or bone-driven rigs to create animatable facial controls, then export to game engines for real-time interaction.
Blend shapes are static facial poses (e.g., smile, blink) that engines blend for smooth expressions—ideal for basic emotions. Bone rigs use small joints under the mesh to deform features dynamically, great for subtle movements like eyebrow raises. Map both to intuitive controls (e.g., sliders) so animators or game systems can trigger expressions easily. Tools like Blender, Maya, or ZBrush help build rigs; export as FBX/USD to engines like Unity or Unreal.
For beginners, start with blend shapes in Blender—they’re simpler—and test exporting to Unity to see how controls work in-game.