conceptart

Ian Smith, CG Supervisor at SideFX walks us through Project Pegasus (learning tech demo showcasing Houdini workflows with Unreal Engine 5). Explore non-destructive, procedural content generation in gamedev and how different tools can be used to create detailed open-world environments. Ian talks about software strengths and emphasizes how indie developers can leverage Houdini for fast and dynamic world-building that doesn't require lots of manpower.

Check out Project Pegasus and improve your Houdini skills: https://www.sidefx.com/pegasus/ 

Read the article on 80.lv: https://80.lv/articles/ian-smith-on-becoming-an-artist-houdini-s-new-project-pegasus/ 

Ian’s socials:
https://www.artstation.com/iansmithartist
https://www.youtube.com/@iansmithartist/videos
https://twitter.com/iansmithartist 

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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent 
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

Designated digital chef Patrick Foley (PATRICK_4D) takes us to his kitchen. He shares interesting facts about a unique niche in digital art - photorealistic food renders, and delves into the importance of lighting, texture, and why choosing a specialty can supercharge your career. Patrick also discusses how he builds his brand with social media and its impact on attracting big clients. You better not watch it hungry cause this guy cooks! 

More from Patrick:
https://www.instagram.com/patrick_4d/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@patrick_4d?lang=en
https://www.patrick4d.com/ 

Get industry-ready 3D assets designed by Patrick 4D:
https://p4d.store/

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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent 
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

Trent Claus, VFX supervisor from Lola Visual Effects joined our podcast. Learn about the complex process of creating realistic aging effects for characters in major films: from the challenges of preserving actors' unique features to the intricacies of the facial anatomy. Trent shares fascinating insights into the evolution of VFX and how AI is shaping its future, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from top-tier movie projects, including Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Check out Lola Visual Effects projects: https://lolavfx.com/ 

The episode was recorded at VIEW Conference 2023: https://www.viewconference.it/ 

Episode cover image copyright: © 2019 Marvel

Other images used in the episode:
 © The Walt Disney Company
 © Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
 © Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

Scott Eaton, multi-disciplinary artist & creative technologist, joins 80 Level Podcast. We discuss machine learning, its impact on human creativity, and the limitations & potentials of AI-generated content in gamedev. Scott shares his thoughts on future changes and possibilities for artists in the gaming world and tries to find a balance between art and technology.

The episode was recorded at the VIEW Conference 2023: https://www.viewconference.it/ 

Scott’s website:https://www.scott-eaton.com/
Scott’s Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/_ScottEaton_ 
Check out Scott's online courses (Winter session starts in January): https://www.scott-eaton.com/courses 

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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

Join 80 Level Podcast for a deep dive into game design with Jamie Smith, Principal Game Designer at People Can Fly. We discuss the core principles that make open world games stand out. Jamie shares how to design captivating gameplay mechanics, maintain player engagement, and balance form and function. If you're a game developer or simply fascinated by the world of video games, this episode uncovers the creative and technical aspects that drive the industry forward.

More about Jamie: https://linktr.ee/smithstock 

Some examples in the video used by Jamie
Yakuza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKiFfCE949s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k71rZSh0ipM 

Fallout: New Vegas Map
http://www.gamemapscout.com/falloutnewvegas_interactive.html
The player starts at Goodsprings (to the left of the map), meaning they can only go up, right, or down

Elden Ring
https://mapgenie.io/elden-ring/maps/the-lands-between 

Super Mario
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLl7lbbpjig 

Destiny 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLpD4KH6kwI 

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We are looking for digital artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

Join us for another episode of 80 Level Podcast. Anna Kozlova, CEO at Room 8 Group, shares her expertise on why outsourcing can be a game-changer, how to retain top talent, and the potential impact of AI on game development. Find out how studios handle workloads and strike a balance between creativity and efficiency.

Room 8 website: https://room8studio.com/ 

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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https://www.instagram.com/eighty_level/
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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent 
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

MARCO IOZZI

• https://www.marcoiozzi.com
• https://twitter.com/marco_iozzi
• https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1647930

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

• "Mastery", Robert Greene
• "Mastery", George Leonard
• "The Art of Learning", Josh Waitzkin
• "Meditations", Marcus Aurelius
• "The Shining", Stephen King
• "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft", Stephen King
• Short stories by Edgar Allan Poe
• Novels by Ken Follett

SUPPORT / SPONSORS

• https://vrbn.io
• https://www.ice.art
• https://www.youtube.com/@MHTutorials3D

PODCAST SOCIALS

• https://www.matthiasbuehler.com
• https://twitter.com/mattb3d
• https://twitter.com/vrbnio

Join us for an exciting peek behind the scenes of Japan's gamedev world with Ben Roach, ex-Level Designer at FromSoftware and now Founder of Upsurge Studios. Ben talks about his experience working on the Elden Ring. We also delve into the magic of Japanese game design, discuss the role of cultural influences, and reveal the secrets that make Japanese game development unique.

Official Upsurge Website: https://www.upsurgestudios.com/ 
Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/upsurge_studios 
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/StudiosUpsurge 

Revisit Ben’s Dark Souls tutorial on 80 Level: https://80.lv/articles/dark-souls-3-in-ue4-production-interview/ 

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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https://twitter.com/80Level

We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

Jasmine Katatikarn, 3D Lighting Artist and CEO of the Academy of Animated Art joined 80 Level. Jasmine talks about learning lighting art, technologies, software, and storytelling through light in movies & games. She delves into the job opportunities for artists: what companies are looking for, and how to overcome the stigmatization of art careers among older generations. We also discuss the difference between animation and VFX and the dynamic interplay between human creativity and AI-powered tools.

Check out the Academy of Animated Art if you want to learn lightning: https://academyofanimatedart.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/academyofanimatedart/

Jasmine’s review and critique of students' works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6a5ibb24LY 

Jasmine’s socials: 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-katatikarn/
Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/jazzkatat/ 

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

Elliot Callighan (CEO and Composer at Unlock Audio) and Krzysztof Chodkiewiczd (Sound Designer and Music Producer at TSHASK) joined 80 Level podcast. Discover why sound design is a crucial element in gaming, enhancing immersion and gameplay satisfaction. Gain insights into the process of creating unique sounds, overcoming challenges, and tailoring audio to elevate your games to new heights.

Unlock Audio: https://www.unlockaudio.com/ 
TSHASK: https://www.tshask.com/

Sound examples used in the podcast:
Sewing a Musical Patchwork: The Music of 'Sackboy: A Big Adventure': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9J9A7EwFpc&t=1722s
Returnal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV4XwWEBLEA&t=122s
Halo sound design: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Wgx4E_21D4&t=395s
Cuphead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnEv-WgfjpA
Elite Dangerous: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5GiG-AqAXY
INSIDE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd4w_XFFOsk   

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

In this podcast episode, we join Ethan Stearns (Head of Publishing at Atari) and Ana Ribeiro (Creator of Pixel Ripped), as they delve into the world of VR gaming and their exciting collaboration on Pixel Ripped. Discover the behind-the-scenes insights into Pixel Ripped development, Atari’s partnership with VR creators, and their vision for bringing retro nostalgia into the modern gaming landscape. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities of VR distribution, and explore the future of VR gaming.

Learn more about Atari’s collaboration with Pixel Ripped: https://atari.com/products/pixel-ripped-1978 

Check out Pixel Ripped on STEAM, OCULUS and PSVR: https://pixelripped.com/ 

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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We are looking for more artists!
https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

In this podcast, Tyler Sigman and Chris Bourassa, Сo-founders of Red Hook Studios, talk about their experience building the sequel to the popular Darkest Dungeon game, and the success behind it. Guests dive into the process of creating DD2, communicating with team members and players, navigating the challenges of crowdfunding & early access, and maintaining financial sustainability to turn another dream game into reality.

DD2 on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1940340/Darkest_Dungeon_II/ 

DD website: https://www.darkestdungeon.com/ 

Check out Darkest Dungeon on socials

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarkestDungeon 

Discord: https://www.discord.gg/darkestdungeon/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/redhookstudios 

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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https://www.instagram.com/eighty_level/
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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent 
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

80 Level talked with Masaru Ohnogi and Dax Berg, Co-founder and VP at Thirdverse studio. We dive into the development of their latest VR shooter game X8 and talk about engines, mechanics, interactivity, and design. Masaru and Dax also share their insights on the future of the VR game market and what developers should focus on to make a game successful.

Get early access to X8
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1763510/X8/
Meta App Lab: https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/4518172508241377/

Learn more about Thirdverse: https://www.thirdverse.io/en/ 

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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https://www.instagram.com/eighty_level/
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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

In this podcast, 80 Level talked with Iacopo Antonelli, Senior Technical Artist at Rockstar Games. We discuss the role of technical artists in game design, the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and the impact of cutting-edge technologies like AI and virtual reality. Iacopo also shares valuable advice for aspiring game developers and emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and continuously learning.

Check out Iacopo’s works: https://www.artstation.com/iacopoantonelli
Procedural Northern Lights by Iacopo: https://unrealengine.com/marketplace/en-US/product/procedural-northern-lights 

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent 
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

80LV had a talk with creative technologist Lauren Cason and multi-media artist Ehren Natay. Lauren and Ehren share their insights on various aspects of Augmented Reality and how it could transform the way we experience the world around us: from the available tools to the future outlook of technology. Guests also discuss the idea of the metaverse and how AR might connect with it and share some details about their newest project Ojos Diferentes.

OJOS DIFERENTES AR PROJECT
8 New Mexican Indigenous, Norteño, and Chicana Artists reinterpreted monuments, tourist sites, and hidden historic locations throughout Santa Fe using Snap AR. Ojos Diferentes brings contemporary local art, rigorously researched history, and engaging discourse on topics such as tourism, colonization, manifest destiny, resilience, and conservation to anyone walking through downtown.

Learn more about Ojos Diferentes: https://www.ojosdiferentes.com/
Check out Lauren’s website: https://www.laurencason.com/
Check out Ehren’s website: http://www.ehrenkeenatay.com/

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent 
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

80LV talked with Ran Manolov (Visual Effects Supervisor, Sculptor & Character Art Director), who worked on such projects as Diablo II, Love Death + Robots and many more. Ran shares his journey from being a classically trained artist to the digital realm and provides insights into the art industry. He also discusses the impact of technology on creativity, and the importance of developing skills & staying curious.

Check out Ran’s portfolio: https://www.ranmanolov.art/
Learn from the tutorials: https://www.patreon.com/ranmanolov
Other social media: https://taplink.cc/ranmanolov   

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

80LV talked with Vadim Kraevoy, Head of Room 8 Studio. Vadim discusses how the company adapted to the new post-pandemic work style and the importance of flexibility and organizational structure in a complex, changing environment. He also offers insights into the current state of the gaming industry and predicts trends that may shape its future, specifically the potential impact of AI.

Visit Room 8 Studio website: https://room8studio.com/ 

Check out the portfolio: https://room8studio.com/portfolio/ 

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

Former CD Projekt Art Manager Len de Gracia talked about her experience working in big-budget games. We discussed work in Europe, the outsourcing market, and the challenges of game production, and shared some advice for artists on what they can improve to land a great job.

Len de Gracia is an Associate Art Director at Build A Rocket Boy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lendegracia/

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
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We are looking for more artists!
Join 80 LEVEL Talent for free: https://80lv.pro/join-80lvTalent
Get your work noticed by some of the biggest and best developers, publishers, and studios in video games today.

This video is sponsored by Xsolla, a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry: http://xsolla.pro/8023

In this episode, Aryan Hanbeck talks about becoming an artist in video games, how to go up the ladder in the industry, Gears 4 and 5 art style and continuing the saga of this beloved series.