diff --git a/Resources/animations/bubble_anim.xml b/Resources/animations/bubble_anim.xml
index d5c71bb..a2b7efd 100644
--- a/Resources/animations/bubble_anim.xml
+++ b/Resources/animations/bubble_anim.xml
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
+<!--
 <animations>
   <animation name="bubble_idle_anim" type="idle">
     <FPS>2</FPS>
     <sprite path="sprites/bubbleoAtlas64.png" frameSize="64.0"/>
   </animation>
-</animations>
\ No newline at end of file
+</animations>
+-->
diff --git a/Resources/animations/character_anims.xml b/Resources/animations/character_anims.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..98bcd3f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Resources/animations/character_anims.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+
+<!-- Player Animations -->
+<animation id="character/player/idle" directional="true" FPS="5" frameSize="64.0" atlas="sprites/player3AtlasIdle64.png"/>
+<animation id="character/player/move" directional="true" FPS="7" frameSize="64.0" atlas="sprites/player3AtlasMove64.png"/>
+
+<!-- Fallback animations -->
+<animation id="character/tmp/move" directional="false" FPS="7" frameSize="128.0" atlas="sprites/player2Atlas.png"/>
+
+
+<!--
+<animations directional="true">
+	<animation name="player_move_anim" type="move">
+		<FPS>7</FPS>
+		<sprite path="sprites/player3AtlasMove64.png" frameSize="64.0"/>
+	</animation>
+
+	<animation name="player_idle_anim" type="idle">
+		<FPS>5</FPS>
+		<sprite path="sprites/player3AtlasIdle64.png" frameSize="64.0"/>
+	</animation>
+</animations>
+-->
diff --git a/Resources/animations/machine_gun_anim.xml b/Resources/animations/machine_gun_anim.xml
index 3ce6e89..dba9320 100644
--- a/Resources/animations/machine_gun_anim.xml
+++ b/Resources/animations/machine_gun_anim.xml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+<!--
 <animations>
 	<animation name="machine_gun_idle_anim" type="idle">
 		<FPS>4</FPS>
@@ -8,3 +9,4 @@
     <sprite path="sprites/machineGunAtlasReload256.png" frameSize="256.0"/>
   </animation>
 </animations>
+-->
diff --git a/Resources/animations/object_anims.xml b/Resources/animations/object_anims.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b9b5749
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Resources/animations/object_anims.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+<!-- Bubble -->
+<animation id="obj/bubble/idle" FPS="2" frameSize="64.0" atlas="sprites/bubbleoAtlas64.png"/>
diff --git a/Resources/animations/pistol_anim.xml b/Resources/animations/pistol_anim.xml
index c0450d6..8d2c786 100644
--- a/Resources/animations/pistol_anim.xml
+++ b/Resources/animations/pistol_anim.xml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+<!--
 <animations>
 	<animation name="pistol_idle_anim" type="idle">
 		<FPS>4</FPS>
@@ -8,3 +9,4 @@
 		<sprite path="sprites/pistolAtlasReload256.png" frameSize="256.0"/>
 	</animation>
 </animations>
+-->
diff --git a/Resources/animations/player_anim.xml b/Resources/animations/player_anim.xml
deleted file mode 100644
index 0b375f9..0000000
--- a/Resources/animations/player_anim.xml
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,11 +0,0 @@
-<animations directional="true">
-	<animation name="player_move_anim" type="move">
-		<FPS>7</FPS>
-		<sprite path="sprites/player3AtlasMove64.png" frameSize="64.0"/>
-	</animation>
-
-	<animation name="player_idle_anim" type="idle">
-		<FPS>5</FPS>
-		<sprite path="sprites/player3AtlasIdle64.png" frameSize="64.0"/>
-	</animation>
-</animations>
diff --git a/Resources/animations/shot_gun_anim.xml b/Resources/animations/shotgun_anim.xml
similarity index 95%
rename from Resources/animations/shot_gun_anim.xml
rename to Resources/animations/shotgun_anim.xml
index 55c75c1..0601b58 100644
--- a/Resources/animations/shot_gun_anim.xml
+++ b/Resources/animations/shotgun_anim.xml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+<!--
 <animations>
   <animation name="shot_gun_idle_anim" type="idle">
     <FPS>4</FPS>
@@ -11,4 +12,5 @@
     <FPS>8</FPS>
     <sprite path="sprites/shotGunReload128.png" frameSize="128.0"/>
   </animation>
-</animations>
\ No newline at end of file
+</animations>
+-->
diff --git a/Resources/animations/tmp_enemy_anim.xml b/Resources/animations/tmp_enemy_anim.xml
index 68500ec..139959f 100644
--- a/Resources/animations/tmp_enemy_anim.xml
+++ b/Resources/animations/tmp_enemy_anim.xml
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
+<!--
 <animations>
 	<animation name="tmp_enemy_move_anim" type="move">
 		<FPS>7</FPS>
 		<sprite path="sprites/player2Atlas.png" frameSize="128.0"/>
 	</animation>	
 </animations>
+-->
diff --git a/Resources/animations/weapon_anims.xml b/Resources/animations/weapon_anims.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1d1ab6f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Resources/animations/weapon_anims.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+<!-- Machine Gun -->
+<animation id="gun/machine/idle" FPS="4" frameSize="256.0" atlas="sprites/machineGunAtlas256.png"/>
+<animation id="gun/machine/reload" FPS="6" frameSize="256.0" atlas="sprites/machineGunAtlasReload256.png"/>
+
+<!-- Pistol -->
+<animation id="gun/pistol/idle" FPS="4" frameSize="256.0" atlas="sprites/pistolAtlas256.png"/>
+<animation id="gun/pistol/reload" FPS="8" frameSize="256.0" atlas="sprites/pistolAtlasReload256.png"/>
+
+<!-- Shotgun -->
+<animation id="gun/shotgun/idle" FPS="4" frameSize="128.0" atlas="sprites/shotGunIdle128.png"/>
+<animation id="gun/shotgun/fire" FPS="8" frameSize="128.0" atlas="sprites/shotGunFire128.png"/>
+<animation id="gun/shotgun/reload" FPS="8" frameSize="128.0" atlas="sprites/shotGunReload128.png"/>
+
diff --git a/Resources/scenes/debugScene.xml b/Resources/scenes/debugScene.xml
index 2ba1a06..50b4ad8 100644
--- a/Resources/scenes/debugScene.xml
+++ b/Resources/scenes/debugScene.xml
@@ -3,19 +3,19 @@
 <scene type="shooter" id="000" bg="backgrounds/blue_sky.png">
   <map name="newmap"/>
   <entities>
-    <player x="7" y="5" weapon="shotGun">
-      <animation name="player_anim"/>
+    <player x="7" y="5" weapon="shotgun">
+			<animation id="character/player"/>
     </player>
-    <entity x="10" y="3" weapon="pistolGun">
-      <animation name="player_anim"/>
+    <entity x="10" y="3" weapon="pistol">
+			<animation id="character/player"/>
       <script file="scripts/ai/grunt_behaviour.lua"/>
     </entity>
-    <entity x="6" y="3" weapon="pistolGun">
-      <animation name="tmp_enemy_anim"/>
+    <entity x="6" y="3" weapon="pistol">
+			<animation id="character/tmp"/>
       <script file="scripts/ai/grunt_behaviour.lua"/>
     </entity>
-    <entity x="5" y="3" weapon="pistolGun">
-      <animation name="tmp_enemy_anim"/>
+    <entity x="5" y="3" weapon="pistol">
+			<animation id="character/tmp"/>
       <script file="scripts/ai/grunt_behaviour.lua"/>
     </entity>
   </entities>
diff --git a/Resources/soundeffects/big_boom.ogg b/Resources/sounds/gun/big_boom.ogg
similarity index 100%
rename from Resources/soundeffects/big_boom.ogg
rename to Resources/sounds/gun/big_boom.ogg
diff --git a/Resources/soundeffects/small_pew.ogg b/Resources/sounds/gun/small_pew.ogg
similarity index 100%
rename from Resources/soundeffects/small_pew.ogg
rename to Resources/sounds/gun/small_pew.ogg
diff --git a/Resources/sounds/gun_effects.xml b/Resources/sounds/gun_effects.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ce9f250
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Resources/sounds/gun_effects.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+	
+<!-- Shotgun Sounds -->
+<sound id="gun/shotgun/shoot" spatial="true" path="sounds/gun/big_boom.ogg"/>
+
+<!-- Pistol Sounds -->
+<sound id="gun/pistol/shoot" spatial="true" path="sounds/gun/small_pew.ogg"/>
+
+<!-- Generic Sounds -->
+<sound id="gun/generic/shoot" spatial="true" path="sounds/gun/small_pew.ogg"/>
diff --git a/Resources/weapons/bubblegun.xml b/Resources/weapons/bubblegun.xml
index 7ca7761..bbd670d 100644
--- a/Resources/weapons/bubblegun.xml
+++ b/Resources/weapons/bubblegun.xml
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
 
 <weapons>
-  <weapon name="bubbleGun" fireSpeed="100.0" maxAmmo="40000" clipSize="1000">
-    <bullet anim="bubble_anim">
+  <weapon name="bubblegun" fireSpeed="100.0" maxAmmo="40000" clipSize="1000">
+		<bullet anim="obj/bubble">
       <spread>60</spread>
       <speed>20.0</speed>
       <drop>250.0</drop>
@@ -11,9 +11,9 @@
     </bullet>
   </weapon>
 
-  <weapon name="shotGun" fireSpeed="1750.0" maxAmmo="64" clipSize="4">
+  <weapon name="shotgun" fireSpeed="1750.0" maxAmmo="64" clipSize="4">
     <script file="scripts/weapons/shotgun_script.lua"/>
-    <animation name="shot_gun_anim">
+		<animation id="gun/shotgun">
       <size x="55.0" y="55.0"/>
       <offset x="-30.0" y="0.0"/>
     </animation>
@@ -26,8 +26,8 @@
     </bullet>
   </weapon>
 
-  <weapon name="machineGun" fireSpeed="50.0" maxAmmo="512" clipSize="64">
-    <animation name="machine_gun_anim">
+  <weapon name="machine_gun" fireSpeed="50.0" maxAmmo="512" clipSize="64">
+		<animation id="gun/machine">
       <size x="55.0" y="55.0"/>
       <offset x="-30.0" y="0.0"/>
     </animation>
@@ -40,8 +40,8 @@
     </bullet>
   </weapon>
 
-  <weapon name="pistolGun" fireSpeed="750.0" maxAmmo="512" clipSize="21">
-    <animation name="pistol_anim">
+  <weapon name="pistol" fireSpeed="750.0" maxAmmo="512" clipSize="21">
+		<animation id="gun/pistol">
       <size x="55.0" y="55.0"/>
       <offset x="-30.0" y="0.0"/>
     </animation>
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/map.h b/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/map.h
index 88a1ba4..4fdfb2b 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/map.h
+++ b/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/map.h
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ struct TileSetData;
 class Map : public Drawable
 {
 public:
-	Map(std::shared_ptr<MapData> mapData, const unsigned shaderID, std::shared_ptr<ResourceManager> resourceManager);
+	Map(const MapData* mapData, const unsigned shaderID, std::shared_ptr<ResourceManager> resourceManager);
 
 	const std::vector<std::vector<int>> getCollisionMap() const { return collisionMap; }
 
@@ -28,8 +28,8 @@ private:
 
 	size_t getTileSetIndex(int id) const;
 
-	std::shared_ptr<MapData> mapData;
-	std::vector<std::shared_ptr<TileSetData>> tileSetData;
+	const MapData* mapData;
+	std::vector<const TileSetData*> tileSetData;
 
 	std::vector<std::shared_ptr<TileTextureInstance>> instanceHandles;
 	std::vector<std::vector<std::vector<int>>> tileIds;
@@ -37,4 +37,4 @@ private:
 	std::vector<std::vector<InstanceData>> tileData;
 };
 
-#endif
\ No newline at end of file
+#endif
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/scene.h b/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/scene.h
index 45d0a59..33ebd23 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/scene.h
+++ b/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/scene.h
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ private:
 	std::shared_ptr<ResourceManager> resourceManager;
 	std::weak_ptr<EventManager> globalEventManager;
 	std::shared_ptr<EventManager> eventManager;
-	std::shared_ptr<SceneData> sceneData;
+	const SceneData* sceneData;
 };
 
 #endif //_H_SCENE_H
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/weapons/weapon.h b/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/weapons/weapon.h
index 3dfa1ac..381b256 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/weapons/weapon.h
+++ b/YuppleMayham/include/gameplay/weapons/weapon.h
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ struct WeaponData;
 class Weapon : public Entity, public std::enable_shared_from_this<Weapon>
 {
 public:
-	Weapon(std::shared_ptr<WeaponData> data, const unsigned weaponShaderID, const unsigned bulletShaderID, ResourceManager* resourceManager);
+	Weapon(const WeaponData* data, const unsigned weaponShaderID, const unsigned bulletShaderID, ResourceManager* resourceManager);
 
 	void setWielder(GameActor* wielder) { this->wielder = wielder; }
 	void toggleInfiniteAmmo() { infiniteAmmo = !infiniteAmmo; }
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/include/graphics/animation.h b/YuppleMayham/include/graphics/animation.h
index 8f3fb04..707ee0a 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/include/graphics/animation.h
+++ b/YuppleMayham/include/graphics/animation.h
@@ -23,10 +23,11 @@ struct AnimationData;
 class Animation
 {
 public:
-	Animation(const std::shared_ptr<AnimationData>& animData, ResourceManager* resourceManager);
+	Animation(const AnimationData* animData, ResourceManager* resourceManager);
 
-	std::string getName() const { return animName; }
-	std::string getType() const { return animType; }
+	std::string getPrefix() const { return prefix; }
+	std::string getType() const { return type; }
+	std::string getID() const { return prefix + "/" + type; }
 
 	void bind();
 	void draw();
@@ -34,7 +35,7 @@ public:
 
 	void play() { isPlaying = true; }
 	void stop() { isPlaying = false; }
-	void reset() { currentFrame = 0; }
+	void reset() { currentFrame = 0; lastFrameTick = 0; elapsedTime = 0; }
 
 	const bool getPlaying() const		{ return isPlaying; }
 	const bool getDirectional() const	{ return isDirectional; }
@@ -43,8 +44,8 @@ public:
 	void setFPS(const float fps) { FPS = fps; }
 
 private:
-	std::string animName;
-	std::string animType;
+	std::string prefix;
+	std::string type;
 
 	SpriteAtlas* spriteAtlas;
 
@@ -70,7 +71,7 @@ class AnimationSet : public std::enable_shared_from_this<AnimationSet>
 {
 public:
 	AnimationSet(const int& entityid);
-	AnimationSet(const int& entityid, ResourceManager* resourceManager, std::vector<std::shared_ptr<AnimationData>> animSet);
+	AnimationSet(const int& entityid, ResourceManager* resourceManager, std::vector<AnimationData*> animSet);
 	AnimationSet(const int& entityid, std::unordered_map<std::string, std::unique_ptr<Animation>> animations);
 
 	Animation* operator [](std::string animType) { return anims[animType].get(); }
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/include/sound/soundeffect.h b/YuppleMayham/include/sound/soundeffect.h
index fe54781..8c4b4fa 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/include/sound/soundeffect.h
+++ b/YuppleMayham/include/sound/soundeffect.h
@@ -26,13 +26,15 @@ class SoundEffect
 public:
 	SoundEffect(const std::string& filename);
 
-
+	ALuint getBuffer() const { return buffer; }
+	bool isValid() const { return valid; }
 
 	~SoundEffect();
 private:
 	bool loadFile(const std::string &filename);
 
 	ALuint buffer;
+	bool valid;
 };
 
 #endif // _H_SOUNDEFFECT_H
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/include/util.h b/YuppleMayham/include/util.h
index 28f8db7..21d9d9f 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/include/util.h
+++ b/YuppleMayham/include/util.h
@@ -12,8 +12,26 @@ namespace UTIL
 	}
 
 	constexpr float INF_TIME = -99.6875f;
+	constexpr auto split = [](const std::string& s, size_t *left, size_t *right, std::string *out) { 
+		if ((*right = s.find("/", *left)) != std::string::npos) {
+			if (out) {
+				*out = s.substr(*left, *right - *left);
+			}
+			*left = *right + 1;
+		} else {
+			if (out) {
+				out->append(s.substr(*left));
+			}
+		}
+	};
+
+	constexpr auto get_type = [](const std::string& id) {
+		auto pos = id.find_last_of("/");
+		return (pos != std::string::npos) ? id.substr(pos + 1) : id;
+	};
 
 	void flip_surface(SDL_Surface* surface);
+	std::string parsePrefix(const std::string& id);
 
 	class RandomGenerator
 	{
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/include/utility/resourcemanager.h b/YuppleMayham/include/utility/resourcemanager.h
index 2d9c480..9dae31b 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/include/utility/resourcemanager.h
+++ b/YuppleMayham/include/utility/resourcemanager.h
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 #include <memory>
 #include <string>
 
+#include "sound/soundeffect.h"
 #include "utility/xmlloader.h"
 #include "graphics/shader.h"
 #include "graphics/sprite.h"
@@ -40,12 +41,12 @@ public:
 	Background*										loadBackground			(const std::string& path);
 	std::shared_ptr<AIScript>			loadAIScript				(const std::string& path);
 	std::shared_ptr<WeaponScript>	loadWeaponScript		(const std::string& path);
+	std::shared_ptr<Weapon>				loadWeapon					(const std::string& name, const unsigned weaponShaderID, const unsigned bulletShaderID);
+	std::shared_ptr<AnimationSet>	loadAnimationSet		(const std::string& name, int entityid = 0);
 
 	const unsigned								loadShader					(const std::string& name, const std::string& vertexPath, const std::string& fragPath);
-	std::shared_ptr<Weapon>				loadWeapon					(const std::string& name, const unsigned weaponShaderID, const unsigned bulletShaderID);
-	std::shared_ptr<SceneData>		loadScene						(const std::string& id);
-	std::shared_ptr<AnimationSet>	loadAnimationSet		(const std::string& name, int entityid = 0);
-	std::shared_ptr<TileSetData>	loadTileSet					(const std::string& name);
+	const SceneData*							loadScene						(const std::string& id);
+	const TileSetData*						loadTileSet					(const std::string& name);
 
 	// Returns a NON-OWNING pointer to a shader by ID
 	Shader*					 		getShaderByID(unsigned int ID);
@@ -57,6 +58,7 @@ public:
 private:
 	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::unique_ptr<Shader>>			shaders;
 	std::unordered_map<unsigned, Shader*>													shaderIDs;
+	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::unique_ptr<SoundEffect>> sounds;
 	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::unique_ptr<Sprite>>			sprites;
 	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::shared_ptr<Weapon>>			weapons;
 	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::shared_ptr<Script>>			scripts;
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/include/utility/xmlloader.h b/YuppleMayham/include/utility/xmlloader.h
index 06c7650..7016d72 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/include/utility/xmlloader.h
+++ b/YuppleMayham/include/utility/xmlloader.h
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ struct EntityData {
 	bool animated;
 	int x = 0, y = 0;
 	std::string graphic;
-	std::string weapon = "pistolGun";
+	std::string weapon = "pistol";
 	std::string script;
 };
 
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ struct SceneData {
 	std::string type;
 	std::string bgFile;
 
-	std::shared_ptr<MapData> map;
+	const MapData* map;
 	std::vector<EntityData> entities;
 };
 
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ struct WeaponData {
 	int maxAmmo = 512;
 	std::string script = "";
 	std::string graphic;
-	std::string animSet;
+	std::string animPrefix;
 	bool animated = false;
 	float sizeX = 50.f, sizeY = 50.f;
 	float offsetX = 0.f, offsetY = 0.f;
@@ -89,22 +89,26 @@ struct WeaponData {
 	float modMin = 0.5f, modMax = 1.0f;
 };
 
+// ID is the new tactic I've decided on.
+// Each animationable object will be given a prefix
+// denoting their type and object so <type>/<object>
+// This prefix will be used to look up the animation on
+// the animation map
 struct AnimationData {
-	std::string name;
-	std::string type;
+	std::string id;
 	std::string spriteAtlas;
-	// Each entity will have a set of animations, 
-	// this animation set is meant to keep each group
-	// of animations within their set.
-	// The actual set name is based on the file the animation
-	// is held in.
-	std::string animSet;
 	bool directional = false;
 	bool oneShot;
 	float FPS = 1.f;
 	float frameSize;
 };
 
+struct SoundData {
+	std::string id; // <type>/<object>/<state>
+	std::string path;
+	bool spatial;
+};
+
 class XMLLoader
 {
 public:
@@ -115,45 +119,45 @@ public:
 	bool loadTileSets(const char* tileSetFolder);
 	bool loadMaps(const char* mapFolder);
 
-	const std::shared_ptr<SceneData> getSceneData(const std::string& id) const { 
+	const SceneData* getSceneData(const std::string& id) const { 
 		try {
-			return scenes.at(id);
+			return scenes.at(id).get();
 		}
 		catch (std::exception&) {
 			return nullptr;
 		}
 	}
 
-	const std::shared_ptr<MapData> getMapData(const std::string& name) const {
+	const MapData* getMapData(const std::string& name) const {
 		try {
-			return maps.at(name);
+			return maps.at(name).get();
 		}
 		catch (std::exception&) {
 			return nullptr;
 		}
 	}
 
-	const std::shared_ptr<WeaponData> getWeaponData(const std::string& name) const {
+	const WeaponData* getWeaponData(const std::string& name) const {
 		try {
-			return weapons.at(name);
+			return weapons.at(name).get();
 		}
 		catch (std::exception&) {
 			return nullptr;
 		}
 	}
 
-	const std::shared_ptr<AnimationData> getAnimationData(const std::string& name) const {
+	const AnimationData* getAnimationData(const std::string& id) const {
 		try {
-			return animations.at(name);
+			return animations.at(id).get();
 		}
 		catch (std::exception&) {
 			return nullptr;
 		}
 	}
 
-	const std::shared_ptr<TileSetData> getTileSetData(const std::string& name) const {
+	const TileSetData* getTileSetData(const std::string& name) const {
 		try {
-			return tileSets.at(name);
+			return tileSets.at(name).get();
 		}
 		catch (std::exception&) {
 			return nullptr;
@@ -163,11 +167,11 @@ public:
 	// return a full set of animations, may need further optimization.
 	// one idea is when loading animations we create a seperate map that holds each set by their reference, so we can just do a simple,
 	// hash table lookup.
-	std::vector<std::shared_ptr<AnimationData>> getAnimationSet(const std::string& set) const {
-		std::vector<std::shared_ptr<AnimationData>> animSet;
+	std::vector<AnimationData*> getAnimationSet(const std::string& prefix) const {
+		std::vector<AnimationData*> animSet;
 		animSet.reserve(animations.size());
-		for (const auto& [name, anim] : animations) {
-			if (anim->animSet == set) animSet.push_back(anim);
+		for (const auto& [id, anim] : animations) {
+			if (id.starts_with(prefix)) animSet.push_back(anim.get());
 		}
 		animSet.shrink_to_fit();
 		return animSet;
@@ -180,11 +184,11 @@ protected:
 	bool loadTile(tinyxml2::XMLElement* tileElement, TileSetData::TileData* out);
 	bool loadObject(tinyxml2::XMLElement* objectElement, TileSetData::TileData::ObjectData* out);
 private:
-	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::shared_ptr<SceneData>> scenes;
-	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::shared_ptr<WeaponData>> weapons;
-	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::shared_ptr<AnimationData>> animations;
-	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::shared_ptr<MapData>> maps;
-	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::shared_ptr<TileSetData>> tileSets;
+	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::unique_ptr<SceneData>> scenes;
+	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::unique_ptr<WeaponData>> weapons;
+	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::unique_ptr<AnimationData>> animations;
+	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::unique_ptr<MapData>> maps;
+	std::unordered_map<std::string, std::unique_ptr<TileSetData>> tileSets;
 };
 
-#endif // _H_XMLLOADER_H
\ No newline at end of file
+#endif // _H_XMLLOADER_H
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/map.cpp b/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/map.cpp
index bf93af7..10c5844 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/map.cpp
+++ b/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/map.cpp
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 #include <glm/gtc/matrix_transform.hpp>
 
-Map::Map(std::shared_ptr<MapData> mapData, const unsigned shaderID, std::shared_ptr<ResourceManager> resourceManager) :
+Map::Map(const MapData* mapData, const unsigned shaderID, std::shared_ptr<ResourceManager> resourceManager) :
 	mapData(mapData),
 	tileIds(mapData->tiles)
 {
@@ -122,4 +122,4 @@ size_t Map::getTileSetIndex(int id) const
 			break;
 	}
 	return (tileSetIndex >= mapData->tileSets.size()) ? -1 : tileSetIndex;
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/scene.cpp b/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/scene.cpp
index 4bd84d3..6a2379e 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/scene.cpp
+++ b/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/scene.cpp
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ void Scene::loadDebugShooterScene()
 			auto entitySprite = resourceManager->loadSpriteStatic(entityData.graphic);
 			entity->addComponent(std::make_unique<SpriteComponent>(entitySprite));
 		}
-		auto defaultWeapon = resourceManager->loadWeapon("pistolGun", weaponShader, bubbleShader);
+		auto defaultWeapon = resourceManager->loadWeapon("pistol", weaponShader, bubbleShader);
 		auto entityWeapon = resourceManager->loadWeapon(entityData.weapon, weaponShader, bubbleShader);
 
 		entity->pickupWeapon(defaultWeapon);
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/weapons/weapon.cpp b/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/weapons/weapon.cpp
index dab683f..6301573 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/weapons/weapon.cpp
+++ b/YuppleMayham/src/gameplay/weapons/weapon.cpp
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 
 // TODO: Regular clean up, make this mess readable!
 
-Weapon::Weapon(std::shared_ptr<WeaponData> data, const unsigned weaponShaderID, const unsigned bulletShaderID, ResourceManager* resourceManager)
+Weapon::Weapon(const WeaponData* data, const unsigned weaponShaderID, const unsigned bulletShaderID, ResourceManager* resourceManager)
 	: 
 	Entity			(weaponShaderID),
 	weaponType		(data->name),
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ void Weapon::reload()
 {
 	if (auto event = eventManager.lock())
 	{
-		event->notify<EntityReloadEvent>((EntityReloadEvent){ entityid, wielder->getPosition(), weaponType });
+		event->notify<EntityReloadEvent>({ entityid, wielder->getPosition(), weaponType });
 		reloading = true;
 		if (weaponAmmo < weaponMagSize) {
 			weaponMag = weaponAmmo;
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ void Weapon::update(double deltaTime)
 		{
 			wasReloading = false;
 			if (auto event = eventManager.lock()) {
-				event->notify<EntityFinishReloadEvent>((EntityFinishReloadEvent){entityid});
+				event->notify<EntityFinishReloadEvent>({entityid});
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@ void Weapon::createBullet(const Weapon::BulletData& data)
 	bullet->getPhysicsComponent()->rigidBody.velocity += bulletSpeed * data.direction / data.mass;
 
 	if (auto event = eventManager.lock())
-		event->notify<BulletFiredEvent>((BulletFiredEvent){bullet});
+		event->notify<BulletFiredEvent>({bullet});
 	bulletManager->addBullet(bullet);
 }
 
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/src/graphics/animation.cpp b/YuppleMayham/src/graphics/animation.cpp
index ad54cb6..9826fe0 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/src/graphics/animation.cpp
+++ b/YuppleMayham/src/graphics/animation.cpp
@@ -3,17 +3,19 @@
 #include "utility/xmlloader.h"
 #include "utility/resourcemanager.h"
 #include "utility/events.h"
+#include "util.h"
 
-Animation::Animation(const std::shared_ptr<AnimationData>& animData, ResourceManager* resourceManager) :
-	animName(animData->name),
-	animType(animData->type),
+Animation::Animation(const AnimationData* animData, ResourceManager* resourceManager) :
 	spriteAtlas(resourceManager->loadSpriteAtlas(animData->spriteAtlas, animData->frameSize, animData->directional)),
 	FPS(animData->FPS),
 	currentFrame(0),
 	cycles(0),
 	isDirectional(animData->directional),
 	isPlaying(isDirectional)
-{}
+{
+	prefix = UTIL::parsePrefix(animData->id);
+	type = UTIL::get_type(animData->id);
+}
 
 void Animation::bind()
 {
@@ -74,24 +76,25 @@ void Animation::frameTick()
 }
 
 AnimationSet::AnimationSet(const int& entityid) : entityid(entityid), isDirectional(false) {};
-AnimationSet::AnimationSet(const int& entityid, ResourceManager* resourceManager, std::vector<std::shared_ptr<AnimationData>> animSet) : entityid(entityid)
+AnimationSet::AnimationSet(const int& entityid, ResourceManager* resourceManager, std::vector<AnimationData*> animSet) : entityid(entityid)
 {
 	curAnim = nullptr;
 	for (const auto& anim : animSet)
 	{
-		anims.try_emplace(anim->type, std::make_unique<Animation>(anim, resourceManager));
-		if (anim->type == "idle")
-			curAnim = anims[anim->type].get();
+		std::string type = UTIL::get_type(anim->id);
+		anims.try_emplace(type, std::make_unique<Animation>(anim, resourceManager));
+		if (type == "idle")
+			curAnim = anims[type].get();
 	}
 	// if we don't have an idle animation, we are just gonna set the current animation to the top of the set
 	if (curAnim == nullptr)
-		curAnim = anims[animSet[0]->type].get();
+		curAnim = anims[UTIL::get_type(animSet[0]->id)].get();
 	isDirectional = curAnim->getDirectional();
 }
 AnimationSet::AnimationSet(const int& entityid, std::unordered_map<std::string, std::unique_ptr<Animation>> animations) 
 : entityid(entityid), anims(std::move(animations))
 {
-	for (auto& [type, anim] : animations)
+	for (auto& [type, anim] : anims)
 	{
 		curAnim = anim.get();
 		if (type == "idle")
@@ -165,8 +168,10 @@ void AnimationSet::attachEventManager(std::weak_ptr<EventManager> e)
 			if (auto self = weakSelf.lock()) {
 				if (e.entityid == self->entityid)
 				{
-					if (self->anims["idle"] != NULL)
+					if (self->anims["idle"] != NULL) {
+						self->curAnim->reset();
 						self->curAnim = self->anims["idle"].get();
+					}
 				}
 			}
 		});
@@ -215,7 +220,7 @@ void AnimationSet::draw()
 	// If the animation has cycled, we send this event after every cycle
 	if ((curAnim->getCycles() - lastCycle) > 0) {
 		if (auto event = eventManager.lock()) {
-			event->notify((AnimationFinishedEvent){entityid, curAnim->getType()});
+			event->notify<AnimationFinishedEvent>({entityid, curAnim->getType()});
 		}
 	}
 }
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/src/sound/soundeffect.cpp b/YuppleMayham/src/sound/soundeffect.cpp
index b119531..8be32e6 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/src/sound/soundeffect.cpp
+++ b/YuppleMayham/src/sound/soundeffect.cpp
@@ -4,9 +4,7 @@
 
 SoundEffect::SoundEffect(const std::string& filename)
 {
-	if (!loadFile(filename)) {
-		return;
-	}
+	valid = loadFile(filename);
 }
 
 // load the whole file into a buffer, this should only be used for small sound effects. Never with music or sounds exceeding 10MB!
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/src/util.cpp b/YuppleMayham/src/util.cpp
index 15f9d74..02a58d0 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/src/util.cpp
+++ b/YuppleMayham/src/util.cpp
@@ -22,4 +22,16 @@ namespace UTIL
 		delete[] temp;
 		SDL_UnlockSurface(surface);
 	}
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+
+	std::string parsePrefix(const std::string& id)
+	{
+		std::string prefix;
+		size_t left = 0;
+		size_t right = 0;
+		UTIL::split(id, &left, &right, &prefix);
+		prefix += "/";
+		UTIL::split(id, &left, &right, &prefix);
+
+		return prefix;
+	}
+}
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/src/utility/resourcemanager.cpp b/YuppleMayham/src/utility/resourcemanager.cpp
index b1af38e..54744fa 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/src/utility/resourcemanager.cpp
+++ b/YuppleMayham/src/utility/resourcemanager.cpp
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ std::shared_ptr<WeaponScript> ResourceManager::loadWeaponScript(const std::strin
 	return std::make_shared<WeaponScript>(path.c_str());
 }
 
-std::shared_ptr<TileSetData> ResourceManager::loadTileSet(const std::string& name)
+const TileSetData* ResourceManager::loadTileSet(const std::string& name)
 {
 	return xmlLoader->getTileSetData(name);
 }
@@ -79,21 +79,21 @@ Background*	ResourceManager::loadBackground(const std::string& path)
 // incomplete reference to our script.
 std::shared_ptr<Weapon> ResourceManager::loadWeapon(const std::string& name, const unsigned weaponShaderID, const unsigned bulletShaderID)
 {
-	std::shared_ptr<WeaponData> data = xmlLoader->getWeaponData(name);
+	const WeaponData* data = xmlLoader->getWeaponData(name);
 	auto weapon = std::make_shared<Weapon>(data, weaponShaderID, bulletShaderID, this);
 	if (!data->script.empty())
 		weapon->attachScript(loadWeaponScript(data->script));
 	return weapon;
 }
 
-std::shared_ptr<SceneData> ResourceManager::loadScene(const std::string& id)
+const SceneData* ResourceManager::loadScene(const std::string& id)
 {
 	return xmlLoader->getSceneData(id);
 }
 
-std::shared_ptr<AnimationSet> ResourceManager::loadAnimationSet(const std::string& name, int entityid)
+std::shared_ptr<AnimationSet> ResourceManager::loadAnimationSet(const std::string& prefix, int entityid)
 {
-	auto animSetData = xmlLoader->getAnimationSet(name);
+	auto animSetData = xmlLoader->getAnimationSet(prefix);
 
 	return std::make_shared<AnimationSet>(entityid, this, animSetData);
 }
diff --git a/YuppleMayham/src/utility/xmlloader.cpp b/YuppleMayham/src/utility/xmlloader.cpp
index 3b16cfd..86e71ed 100644
--- a/YuppleMayham/src/utility/xmlloader.cpp
+++ b/YuppleMayham/src/utility/xmlloader.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 #include "utility/xmlloader.h"
 
 #include "utility/logger.h"
+#include <tinyxml2.h>
 
 /*
 	Loading every scene in the scene folder and storing in hashmap scenes
@@ -18,7 +19,7 @@ bool XMLLoader::loadScenes(const char* sceneFolder)
 		SceneData scene;
 		if (!loadXmlScene((const char*)file.path().string().c_str(), &scene))
 			continue;
-		scenes.try_emplace(scene.id, std::make_shared<SceneData>(scene));
+		scenes.try_emplace(scene.id, std::make_unique<SceneData>(scene));
 	}
 	return true;
 }
@@ -76,7 +77,7 @@ bool XMLLoader::loadEntityData(const char* xmlFile, SceneData* out)
 		ERROR_LOG("Player element not found in scene! File: {}", xmlFile);
 
 	EntityData playData;
-	const char *graphic, *weaponName = "pistolGun";
+	const char *graphic, *weaponName = "pistol";
 
 	if (playerElement->QueryIntAttribute("x", &playData.x) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS ||
 		playerElement->QueryIntAttribute("y", &playData.y) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
@@ -95,7 +96,7 @@ bool XMLLoader::loadEntityData(const char* xmlFile, SceneData* out)
 	else
 	{
 		playData.animated = true;
-		if (anim->QueryStringAttribute("name", &graphic) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
+		if (anim->QueryStringAttribute("id", &graphic) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
 			ERROR_LOG("Could not find 'name' attribute in 'animation' tag. File: {}", xmlFile);
 	}
 	playData.isPlayer = true;
@@ -111,7 +112,7 @@ bool XMLLoader::loadEntityData(const char* xmlFile, SceneData* out)
 	for (tinyxml2::XMLElement* e = entities->FirstChildElement("entity"); e != NULL; e = e->NextSiblingElement("entity"))
 	{
 		EntityData data;
-		const char *graphic, *weaponName = "pistolGun", *scriptPath;
+		const char *graphic, *weaponName = "pistol", *scriptPath;
 		if (e->QueryIntAttribute("x", &data.x) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS ||
 			e->QueryIntAttribute("y", &data.y) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
 			ERROR_LOG("Could not load position coordinates for entity. File: {}", xmlFile);
@@ -129,7 +130,7 @@ bool XMLLoader::loadEntityData(const char* xmlFile, SceneData* out)
 		else
 		{
 			data.animated = true;
-			if (anim->QueryStringAttribute("name", &graphic) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
+			if (anim->QueryStringAttribute("id", &graphic) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
 				continue;
 		}
 		tinyxml2::XMLElement* script = e->FirstChildElement("script");
@@ -198,7 +199,7 @@ bool XMLLoader::loadWeapons(const char* weaponFolder)
 			if (anim)
 			{
 				data.animated = true;
-				if (anim->QueryStringAttribute("name", &graphic) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
+				if (anim->QueryStringAttribute("id", &graphic) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
 					continue;
 
 				if (anim->ChildElementCount() != 0)
@@ -272,14 +273,15 @@ bool XMLLoader::loadWeapons(const char* weaponFolder)
 			}
 
 			LOG(DEBUG, "Loaded {} from {}", data.name, file.path().filename().generic_string());
-			weapons.try_emplace(data.name, std::make_shared<WeaponData>(data));
+			weapons.try_emplace(data.name, std::make_unique<WeaponData>(data));
 		}
 	}
 	return (!weapons.empty());
 }
 
 /*
-	Load every animation file and store inside of hashmap -> animations, filename is the hash key
+* Load each animation node and store inside a hashmap by their id. Each object that needs an animation will be given a prefix <type>/<object>. 
+* Which will be used to look up the corresponding animation
 */
 bool XMLLoader::loadAnimations(const char* animationFolder)
 {
@@ -295,35 +297,24 @@ bool XMLLoader::loadAnimations(const char* animationFolder)
 		if (doc.LoadFile(file.path().generic_string().c_str()) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
 			continue;
 
-		tinyxml2::XMLElement* anims = doc.FirstChildElement("animations");
-		bool directional = false;
-		anims->QueryBoolAttribute("directional", &directional);
-		if (anims == NULL)
-			continue;
-
-		for (tinyxml2::XMLElement* e = anims->FirstChildElement("animation"); e != NULL; e = e->NextSiblingElement("animation"))
+		for (tinyxml2::XMLElement* e = doc.FirstChildElement("animation"); e != NULL; e = e->NextSiblingElement("animation"))
 		{
 			AnimationData animData;
-			const char *name, *type, *spriteAtlas;
+			const char *id, *spriteAtlas;
 
-			if (e->QueryStringAttribute("name", &name) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS ||
-				e->QueryStringAttribute("type", &type) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
+			if (e->QueryStringAttribute("id", &id) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
 				continue;
 
-			tinyxml2::XMLElement* fps = e->FirstChildElement("FPS");
-			fps->QueryFloatText(&animData.FPS);
-
-			tinyxml2::XMLElement* sprite = e->FirstChildElement("sprite");
-			if (sprite->QueryStringAttribute("path", &spriteAtlas) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS ||
-				sprite->QueryFloatAttribute("frameSize", &animData.frameSize) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
+			if (e->QueryStringAttribute("atlas", &spriteAtlas) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS ||
+					e->QueryFloatAttribute("frameSize", &animData.frameSize) != tinyxml2::XML_SUCCESS)
 				continue;
 
-			animData.name = name;
-			animData.type = type;
+			e->QueryFloatAttribute("FPS", &animData.FPS);
+			e->QueryBoolAttribute("directional", &animData.directional);
+
+			animData.id = id;
 			animData.spriteAtlas = spriteAtlas;
-			animData.animSet = file.path().stem().string();
-			animData.directional = directional;
-			animations.try_emplace(animData.name, std::make_shared<AnimationData>(animData));
+			animations.try_emplace(animData.id, std::make_unique<AnimationData>(animData));
 		}
 	}
 	return true;
@@ -395,7 +386,7 @@ bool XMLLoader::loadTileSets(const char* tileSetFolder)
 		tileSetData.file = file.path().parent_path().string() + "/" + std::string(setFile);
 		std::string key = folder.filename().string() + "/" + file.path().filename().string();
 
-		tileSets.try_emplace(key, std::make_shared<TileSetData>(tileSetData));
+		tileSets.try_emplace(key, std::make_unique<TileSetData>(tileSetData));
 	}
 	return true;
 }
@@ -589,7 +580,7 @@ bool XMLLoader::loadMaps(const char* mapFolder)
 
 		mapData.name = file.path().stem().string();
 
-		maps.try_emplace(mapData.name, std::make_shared<MapData>(mapData));
+		maps.try_emplace(mapData.name, std::make_unique<MapData>(mapData));
 	}
 	return true;
 }