The Future of the Gaming Industry: Web3 Game Development
The internet has undergone a significant transformation over the years. We’ve gone from simple static web pages to dynamic and interactive websites, social media, and e-commerce platforms. Now, we’re witnessing a new phase of the internet’s evolution known as Web3. It aims to create a more open and decentralized online environment, offering new possibilities in various industries, including the opportunity for Web3 game development. This new phase is a shift away from the centralized control of Web2 and towards a more user-centric, democratic Internet. Web3 promises to deliver a more secure and transparent online experience where users have greater control over their data and identities. As the decentralized web continues to evolve, it will likely transform how we interact with the internet and the digital world around us. It’s a technology that promises to revolutionize many industries. It can conduct business and exchange value online and also offer new possibilities in the gaming industry with Web3 game development. Web3 Game Development Web3 game development has the potential to bring exciting changes to the gaming industry. Developers can use blockchain platforms to create games with transparent and secure ownership of in-game items, decentralized marketplaces, and player-driven economies. Web3 games can offer players unique experiences, such as actual ownership of virtual assets, verifiable scarcity of in-game items, and the ability to use those assets across different games. The adoption of Web3 in game development has the potential to create decentralized games that allow for peer-to-peer interactions between players, enabling a more social and collaborative gaming experience. Let’s check out some key features of Web3 game development that differentiate it from traditional games: Decentralization Web3 games are decentralized, meaning they operate on a blockchain rather than a central server. This ensures that no single entity has control over the game and that all transactions and interactions are transparent and secure. Decentralization also enables greater privacy for players, as they can be assured that their personal data is not being controlled or monitored by a central authority. Ownership and Control In Web3 games, players have greater ownership and control over their in-game assets, such as characters, items, and currency. This is because these assets are stored on the blockchain and can be traded, sold, or used outside the game. This creates a more equitable and transparent gaming economy, as players are no longer subject to the whims of a central authority or game developer. Cryptocurrency Rewards Players in the Web3 games are rewarded with cryptocurrency or non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for completing tasks or achieving milestones in the game. This creates a more sustainable and profitable model for game developers and players. Players can earn cryptocurrency and use it to purchase other in-game assets or even trade it on cryptocurrency exchanges for real-world currency. Cross-platform Compatibility With cross-device compatibility in mind, players can enjoy a seamless experience across various devices and platforms in the games. Transitions between devices can be made effortlessly without any loss of progress or in-game assets, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience. This is possible because the game data is stored on the blockchain rather than a central server. This creates a more seamless and convenient gaming experience for players, who can switch between devices without worrying about losing their progress or in-game assets. Social and Collaborative Gameplay By facilitating peer-to-peer interactions, these Web3 games foster a social and collaborative gaming experience among players. Players can connect with each other, engage in cooperative gameplay, and collaborate on various in-game activities, enhancing the sense of community and camaraderie within the gaming ecosystem. Players can work together to achieve goals in the game, form alliances, and even create their in-game economies. This makes a more engaging and immersive gaming experience, as players no longer play in isolation but are part of a larger community. Transparency and Fairness Web3 games are designed to be transparent and fair, with all transactions recorded on the blockchain. This guarantees all players equal access to in-game assets and rewards, promoting a more equitable gaming experience. Furthermore, incorporating smart contracts in Web3 games establishes predetermined rules and interactions that cannot be tampered with, adding a layer of assurance for fairness and transparency. Web3 game development is poised to revolutionize the gaming industry by creating more engaging and equitable gaming experiences. By leveraging the power of decentralized networks, game developers can create more social, interactive, and rewarding games while giving players greater ownership and control over their gaming experiences. Web3 game development, being a novel technological advancement, presents various games that are equally engaging with traditional games. Here are some types of Web3 games: Play-to-earn Games In these cutting-edge games, players embark on exciting adventures and earn cryptocurrency or other valuable digital assets just by playing. Players can then buy, sell, or trade these digital assets on blockchain marketplaces, creating a bustling virtual economy right inside the game. It’s like having a thriving marketplace where players can become virtual entrepreneurs, making strategic moves and engaging in thrilling economic activities. Collectible Games These games use non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to create digital assets that players can collect, trade, and sell. NFTs represent ownership of unique virtual characters, rare items, and even virtual land. Like collecting rare trading cards or unique souvenirs, players can dive into a world of digital discovery and build their digital empire by buying, selling, and trading these unique assets on vibrant blockchain marketplaces. Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) Games With the decentralized feature of Web3, players can participate in decentralized decision-making processes through blockchain platforms in DAO games. Players can vote on game development decisions, contribute to the game’s ecosystem, and collaboratively shape the game’s direction. Future of Web3 Game Development How will Web3 gaming change the future landscape of the industry? While Web3 game development has already introduced innovative gameplay mechanics and virtual economies, the technology itself is still in its early stages, promising even more advancements in the future. By leveraging the power of blockchain technology, Web3 games are revolutionizing how players interact with digital
Game Concept Art: The First Step in Bringing a Game to Life
Game concept art is a visual representation of a game’s design and aesthetics. It is the first step in the game development process, where artists create sketches and drawings that depict the game’s characters, environments, and objects. This artwork plays a crucial role in establishing the game’s overall style, theme, and atmosphere, allowing developers to create a consistent look and feel throughout the game. Why is it important? Game concept art plays a vital role in game development; without it, games would lack personality and direction. Despite the trend favoring photorealistic visuals, games like Stardew Valley and Minecraft are still popular because they have distinct visual identities. Concept art helps the development team identify potential design flaws, explore different ideas, and refine the game’s mechanics before production begins by creating a visual representation of the game. This way, game concept art can save developers a lot of time, money, and effort in the long run, ensuring that the final product meets the expectations of players and stakeholders. In other words, game concept art is crucial for the creative process and the game’s success in the competitive gaming industry. Furthermore, high-quality game concept art is a powerful tool in securing funding for the game. It can persuade investors, publishers, and potential players that the game is worth their time and money. In some cases, game concept art even becomes a part of the game’s marketing campaign, generating buzz and excitement before the game’s release. Types of Game Concept Art There are different types of game concept art, and each serves a specific purpose in the game development process. Here are some of the most common types of game concept art: Character Design This type of concept art focuses on creating the game’s characters. It involves creating sketches and drawings of the character’s appearance, clothing, and accessories. Character design is essential in defining a game’s style and tone, and it helps create memorable and unique characters. Creating a character with a unique design can be tricky. A perfect example of a game character that defies all logic and has become an icon in the gaming industry is Mario, a plumber in a mushroom world who must save a princess from a fire-breathing giant turtle. Even though this story seems improbable, Mario’s unique character design has made him one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the gaming world. Environment Design Environment design is all about creating the game’s settings and locations. It includes drawing landscapes, buildings, and other elements that make up the game’s environment. Environment design is crucial in creating an immersive and believable world for players to explore and interact with. One of the greatest environment designs can be found in “Gaea” from Final Fantasy VII. The locations in the game range from lush forests to sprawling cities, and each has its distinct atmosphere and mood. The attention to detail in the environment design of Final Fantasy VII is what helped to make it a beloved classic among gamers with deep story lore, as it genuinely transported them to a rich and vibrant world full of wonder and adventure. Object Design Object design involves creating the game’s objects, such as weapons, vehicles, and items. It focuses on creating functional and visually appealing objects, and it helps create a cohesive and consistent world. One of the best examples is Blades of Chaos from God of War. The Blades of Chaos are a pair of chained blades that Kratos, the game’s protagonist, wields throughout the game. The design of this weapon is crucial to the gameplay mechanics, as they allow Kratos to perform various attacks and combos, making combat more fluid and satisfying. It’s worth mentioning that some of the examples have a very well-designed and engaging story. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that the game concept art is not only visually stunning but also complemented by a narrative that does justice to the game’s overall aesthetic and gameplay. By giving the concept art a deserving and engaging storyline, developers can elevate the game’s overall experience and leave a lasting impression on players. Choosing the Right Partner Choosing the right partner to help with game concept art can make a significant difference in the success of a video game. Creating game concept art requires specific skills and experience, including a deep understanding of game design, art theory, and production pipelines. Therefore, finding a partner with the necessary expertise who can work collaboratively with the game development team to bring their vision to life is crucial. A good game concept art partner should be able to provide a range of services, including creating sketches and concept art, designing characters and environments, and helping to establish the game’s overall visual style. They should also have a keen eye for detail, be able to work within tight deadlines, and have experience in the video game industry. Another essential factor to consider when choosing a game concept art partner is their ability to work collaboratively with the game development team. The partner should be able to listen to the ideas and feedback of the team and incorporate them into their designs. This collaborative approach ensures that the final game concept art accurately reflects the creative vision of the development team. Conclusion In conclusion, game concept art is a crucial aspect of game development, visually representing a game’s design and aesthetics. It helps developers establish the game’s style, theme, and atmosphere, allowing them to create a consistent look and feel. The different types of game concept art, including character design, environment design, and object design, serve specific purposes in the game development process, helping to create immersive and memorable gaming experiences for players worldwide. With the right partner, developers can create game concept art that accurately reflects their creative vision and helps to bring their game to life.
Inside Agate: Office Adjustments and Homecoming Tips for Eid
Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion for Muslims worldwide. As the holy month approaches, workplaces everywhere are gearing up to create an inclusive environment that allows employees to observe the month without compromising their work productivity. As a result, Agate has implemented some significant office changes to ensure an inclusive environment throughout Ramadan. One of the significant adjustments we’ve made is to shorten the lunch break from one hour to thirty minutes (12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.) to allow crews to leave the office earlier and avoid traffic congestion. To help ensure everyone can maintain their energy level throughout the day, we have also made some changes to our meal schedule. For those who are not fasting, we serve lunch during the break time. But for those who are fasting, we provide meals in boxes that can be taken home at 4:00 p.m. Another change that has been implemented is hybrid work. Although some crews were already working remotely before Ramadan, all crews, including trainees, can now work from home twice a week (trainees are new crew who undergo a training program for 6 or 12 months). This new policy is not limited to Ramadan only. Still, it will continue beyond the holy month because the hybrid work policy is more efficient and beneficial for everyone in the long term. Crews heading home early with shuttle bus Online meeting with WFH crews Caterer preparing the lunchboxes Lunchbox for iftar As we strive to create an inclusive and supportive workplace for all our crews during Ramadan, we also recognize that the end of the month brings its own challenges. Homecoming, or “mudik” as it’s known in Indonesia, is a long-standing tradition for many Muslims, but it can be a stressful experience, especially during the pandemic. To help everyone prepare for this annual event, we’ve compiled some tips to make the journey as smooth and safe as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind for a triumphant Eid homecoming: Be Fit Before starting the trip, you must ensure that your body is in good health. To achieve this, start by exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and taking additional health supplements. Choose menus for suhoor and iftar that contain lots of minerals and vitamins so that the nutrients the body needs will be fulfilled. You can consume fruits and vegetables and drink enough mineral water. Also, ensure you have taken the COVID-19 vaccine booster to boost your immune system. Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial not only before traveling but also during the journey. Choose the Most Suitable Mode of Transportation You can travel home for Eid using a variety of types of transportation. You can choose land, sea, or air routes depending on your destination and return needs. If you have a long-distance homecoming destination, it is recommended that you fly to save time and money. To avoid ticket price increases, reserve your tickets well before your journey. If your homecoming destination permits land transportation, you can take trains, buses, or private cars. It will be more efficient if you use the train because you will not be stuck on the streets. However, make sure you book your tickets quickly when they’re available. In the meantime, taking a private car back home for Eid may be an excellent choice. Going home in a private car may be more enjoyable for some individuals, despite potential hours spent in traffic, due to Eid’s highly anticipated and once-a-year nature. Check Your Vehicle and Route For travelers using private vehicles to go home for Eid, it is essential to take some precautions. First, it is mandatory to check the readiness of your vehicle for long trips, including the batteries, brakes, oil, and engine. You can service the car one month before going home to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Additionally, it’s essential to master and regularly check the route you’ll be taking. The roads will likely be congested, and you may want to locate alternate routes to avoid traffic jams. Before starting your journey back, ensure you know the rest area or rest stop locations for your resting site. Taking note of their spots ahead of time can make the trip more comfortable. Pack Smart Prepare a travel health kit with essential items, such as prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card. Make sure you have enough supplies to last the entire trip. Apply Health Protocols In these times, following health protocols is still crucial. It is important to maintain strict guidelines, including wearing a mask indoors and outdoors and keeping a safe distance from crowds. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water regularly to remove the germs; if unavailable, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Hopefully, these tips can help you make the most of your Eid homecoming. Interested to be a part of our crews? Check the vacancy list below! Vacancy On Quality Department All DepartmentsTalentQualityFinance, Corporate and LegalDesign and WritingArt All DivisionsSupportGamificationFull DevelopmentArt Service All ContractsTemporaryRegular Search Position Department Division Contract Type 3D Artist Art Gamification Contract Type : Temporary Details 2D Artist Art Gamification Contract Type : Temporary Details Game Designer Design and Writing Full Development Contract Type : Temporary Details Social Media Specialist Finance, Corporate and Legal Support Contract Type : Temporary Details Load More
3D Game Models: Trends and Predictions in the Game Industry 2023
For those who are wondering, are there any trends that players prefer when it comes to the models or graphics? The answer is yes, surprisingly enough. The gaming industry has evolved rapidly over the years, and of course, 3D game models have played a significant role in the growth of this industry. When you look back at the first-ever 3D game, it represents so much of the potential of the game industry and has become a critical aspect of game development. And now, it has made gaming more realistic and immersive than ever before. As we move forward, it is essential to explore the latest trends and predictions for 3D game models in the gaming industry. Realism is Key Technology has had a tremendous impact on the gaming industry, with advances in 3D modeling driving a never-ending demand for realistic gaming experiences. From its low-poly years until now, game developers have strived to create better 3D game models that accurately mimic real-life characters and environments. This growing demand is critical for both gamers and developers, as it drives innovation in the industry. As gamers become more sophisticated, they demand games that provide an immersive experience that accurately simulates real-life environments and characters. It has even become common knowledge within the gaming community that high-quality graphics and hardware are critical components in achieving an immersive gaming experience. As such, gamers often engage in conversations about which games have the best graphics and which consoles or hardware provide the best output. The demand for immersive gaming experiences has driven game developers to push the limits in terms of graphics and hardware. This has led to the development of cutting-edge technology, such as ray tracing, which has enabled developers to create more detailed and realistic environments and characters than ever before. With the introduction of new hardware, such as the latest graphics cards and next-gen consoles, gamers are now able to enjoy even more immersive and visually stunning gaming experiences. As gamers’ expectations continue to evolve, game developers must keep pace with the latest trends and technologies to remain competitive. We can expect the demand for high-quality graphics and hardware to remain a driving force in the gaming industry, pushing developers to create ever-more-realistic and immersive gaming experiences for players to enjoy. Cartoon vs. Manga vs. Realistic Trends in Mobile Game Graphics and Technology As we mentioned previously, realism is often at the forefront of conversations about graphics in console games. However, the mobile gaming industry has made a significant impact on the gaming community in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. With more people staying indoors, the popularity of mobile gaming continues to skyrocket, making it an important market for game developers to consider. When developing concepts for mobile games, it is crucial to understand the latest market trends. In terms of art styles, the US market is divided almost evenly between realistic and cartoony game styles. However, game developers must also consider other factors, such as gameplay mechanics and user experience, to ensure their games stand out in a crowded market. When it comes to mobile games, art style plays a critical role in user engagement. According to retrostylegames, casual and hyper-casual games typically feature cartoon art styles, whereas mid-core games tend to use realistic 3D art styles. In Japan and China, 2D manga art styles are prevalent, accounting for nearly half of the market. On the other hand, 3D graphics are the preferred choice for users in the US and Europe. Understanding these market trends can help game developers create games that appeal to their target audience and drive user engagement. 3D Scanning Technology Not too far into the future, we will soon witness a revolution in the gaming industry! As the 3D scanning technology advances, we might finally say goodbye to the tedious and time-consuming manual digital sculpting. With every passing year, LiDAR scanning technology is becoming more refined. Thanks to softwares like Polycam, we can already have a pretty seamless conversion of everyday objects into digital 3D assets, and we can only imagine the possibilities that lie ahead as this technology continues to evolve. With 3D scanning technology, game developers can create highly realistic 3D game models by scanning real-life objects and environments. This has the potential to completely transform the way game models are created, enabling a more accurate representation of real-life objects and environments in games. Play Video As you can see, the benefits of this technology are vast, including significant time and resource savings for developers. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting possibilities emerging in the technology of 3D scanning itself for the gaming industry. User-Generated Content Will Become More Popular User-generated content is becoming more popular in the gaming industry, and it is predicted that this trend will continue to grow. Today, there are quite a lot of user-generated content games, User-generated content is an important component of both games since it allows users to create and share their own unique experiences within the game environment. As you have probably noticed for quite some time, there is an extensively large market for those types of games, especially among the younger generation. And with the use of 3D scanning, as previously mentioned, new and upcoming UGC games will be expected to allow players to create their own custom 3D models, characters, and environments that they can play and share with other players. This allows for a more diverse range of content in games and provides gamers with a greater level of creative control over their gaming experience. AI-generated 3D Models Recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) in the moving-image field have been driven by competition between open-source and private models, according to Andrew Kim, a research associate at ARK Invest. Google Research and UC Berkeley have recently published research on their new text-to-3D model, DreamFusion, the same day Meta releases Make-a-Video Model. DreamFusion uses Imagen and a Neural Radiance Field to generate 2D images from different
A Closer Look at Technical Art in the Gaming Industry
The field of technical art is a fascinating and rapidly evolving discipline that has gained immense importance in the entertainment industry in recent years. Technical art involves the combination of technical skills and artistic knowledge to create and implement visual and artistic elements in various forms of media, including films, animations, and video games. As technology continues to advance, technical art is likely to become even more important in the development of the entertainment industry. Technical Art in the Game Industry Technical art plays a vital role in game development by bridging the gap between game design’s artistic and technical aspects. It encompasses several areas, including animation, rendering, lighting, and shading. Technical art is a critical component of the game development process, as it ensures the optimization of game assets and seamless functioning across various platforms. In recent years, the popularity of video games has skyrocketed, making technical art an essential field that offers exciting opportunities for individuals with a passion for both art and technology. Moreover, technical art is not only about enhancing game visuals but also about ensuring that the game runs efficiently without any issues. This requires technical artists to work closely with other game development professionals, such as programmers and artists, to ensure that the game meets the technical specifications while meeting the artistic vision. If you are interested in learning about the responsibilities of a technical artist, look no further! Technical artists in the gaming industry are responsible for creating and implementing the tools, pipelines, and processes that allow game artists to create their visions efficiently and effectively. They work closely with game designers, programmers, and artists to ensure that the game looks and performs as intended while also maintaining artistic consistency. For example, a technical artist might create custom shaders that give specific objects in the game unique textures or lighting effects. They might also optimize game assets to ensure that the game runs smoothly on a variety of hardware configurations or develop tools that allow artists to easily and efficiently create and import assets into the game engine. Technical artists must be able to communicate effectively with both artists and programmers, understand the technical requirements of the game engine, and be skilled in coding and scripting languages to bring their ideas to life. Technical artists in different companies in the gaming industry differ in terms of responsibilities and activities. Here are some activities a technical artist does: Rigging Game rigging is one of the most significant aspects of game creation that aims to breathe life into 3D models. Rigging can be defined as the process of putting a skeleton inside 3D models. This skeleton or rig allows animators to deform the mesh of the 3D model to create various poses and movements. Rigging involves several steps, including creating joints, binding the mesh to the joints, setting up controls, and creating constraints to restrict the movement of certain parts of the model, resulting in a seamless movement for the 3D models. Once completed, the process can be used to create a variety of animations, such as walking, jumping, and other complex movements. Game rigging is an essential part of the game development process as it enables developers to create dynamic and visually appealing animations that bring game characters and environments to life. It takes a combination of technical skills and artistic sense to create a functional and visually pleasing rig. Game riggers often work closely with animators to ensure the rig meets their needs and requirements. Shader Writing In game development, shader writing is an essential part of the pipeline. It involves the creation of custom code that determines how a 3D object is rendered on screen. Shaders control various aspects of the object’s appearance, including color, texture, and lighting. Technical artists use shaders to create realistic lighting, shadows, and other visual effects that make games look more lifelike. Writing shaders requires a strong understanding of programming and mathematics. While it can be challenging, the results of well-written shaders can be impressive. Shaders are used to create all kinds of effects, from the reflection of light on water to the glow of a character’s eyes. The technical artists need to work closely with the game designers and programmers to ensure that the shaders meet the game’s artistic and technical requirements. Despite the process’s complexity, shader writing makes games look so visually stunning and immersive. Maintaining Art Pipelines Technical artists are responsible for developing and maintaining game development’s art tools and pipelines. This involves working closely with programmers to design and implement tools that allow artists to create and import assets into the game engine. These tools can range from simple scripts that automate repetitive tasks to complex software packages that enable artists to create complex animations and special effects. One of the key aspects of tool development is ensuring that the tools are easy to use and integrate seamlessly with the game engine. This requires technical artists to have a deep understanding of the game engine’s architecture and programming language. They must also have strong communication skills to work with both the art and programming teams to ensure that the tools meet their needs. Maintaining art pipelines is also a critical aspect of the technical artist’s role. This involves ensuring that assets are created and imported correctly into the game engine and that they meet the required technical specifications. Technical artists are also responsible for troubleshooting and resolving issues that arise during the art pipeline, such as file format compatibility or performance issues. Conclusion In conclusion, technical art is a highly specialized field that combines artistic talent and technical knowledge to create stunning visual elements in various forms of media, including video games. Though it might vary greatly depending on the company, technical artists play a crucial role in the game development process, ensuring that the game meets its technical specifications while also maintaining artistic integrity. As the popularity of video games continues to soar, technical art is becoming an increasingly vital field
Top 7 Best 3D Game Development Tools
There have been numerous advancements in game development technology. One of the most significant advancements has been the visual shift from 2D to 3D. The shift has led to a more immersive gaming experience, with games appearing more lifelike than ever before. In modern video game development, 3D visuals have become the norm. Let’s take a closer look at the history of game development and the best 3D game development tools available today. Technology Advancement in 3D Game Development from Tens Polygons to Million Polygons One of the most significant advancements in 3D game development has been increased polygon counts. Polygons are the building blocks of 3D graphics, and the more polygons a game has, the more detailed and realistic its graphics can be. In the early days of 3D games, a game might have had only a few hundred polygons per character or object. However, as technology improved, game developers could create games with millions of polygons. Increasing polygon counts has allowed game developers to create more detailed, realistic environments and characters. Modern 3D games can have such detailed textures that they look almost photorealistic, and this level of detail would have been impossible just a few decades ago. Top 3D game development tools There are many 3D game development tools available today. However, when making a choice, you need to consider various factors, such as the visual aspects of your game, the development timeline, and your team’s proficiency level. Here are some of the best 3D game development tools available today in no particular order: 1. Unreal Engine Professional game developers widely use Unreal Engine as their game development engine. Known for its advanced graphics capabilities, Unreal Engine is an excellent option for developers looking to create intricate and realistic games. As a result, numerous AAA game developers prefer Unreal as their primary game engine. However, the steep learning curve of the software may make it challenging for novice developers to use. The latest version of Unreal Engine, version 5.2, was recently presented at the GDC 2023 conference. 2. Unity Unity game development engine is widely utilized by various game developers, from beginners to indie game developers and AAA game developers. Its reputation for being user-friendly yet still able to produce high-quality games has made it a popular choice among the community. Additionally, Unity is a versatile engine that supports multiple platforms such as PC, Mac, mobile devices, and game consoles. As of March 3, 2023, the latest version of Unity is Unity 2022.2.9. 3. CryEngine CryEngine is a game development engine known for its advanced graphics capabilities. Many AAA game developers use CryEngine to create highly detailed and visually stunning games. The engine is known for its ability to render highly detailed environments with dynamic lighting and realistic physics simulations. CryEngine also supports virtual reality (VR) development, allowing developers to create immersive VR experiences. CryEngine is also an excellent choice for developers who want to develop games that use the latest hardware technologies, such as ray tracing and real-time lighting. The latest version of CryEngine is CryEngine 5.7 LTS. 4. Blender Blender is a 3D modeling and animation tool that’s free to use. Blender is an excellent choice for developers who want to create 3D models and animations. One of the most impressive features of Blender is its powerful animation tools, which allow users to create complex animations and simulations using a variety of physics-based systems, including particles, cloth, and fluid simulations. Blender also has a built-in video editor, allowing users to edit their animations and footage directly within the software. Blender is also a great tool for indie game developers who want to create 3D games on a budget. The latest release of Blender is version 3.5. 5. Maya Maya is a 3D modeling and animation tool developed by Autodesk, Inc. Maya is known for its advanced features, such as its ability to create complex character animations. One of the most powerful features of Maya is its ability to handle large and complex scenes, making it ideal for creating detailed characters, environments, and special effects. The software also supports a wide range of file formats, allowing users to import and export models and scenes to and from other 3D software. The latest version of Maya is Maya 2023 6. 3DS Max 3DS Max is a 3D modeling and animation tool also developed by Autodesk, Inc. 3DS Max is known for its advanced modeling features, such as its ability to create realistic hair and cloth simulations. The software also includes advanced animation tools such as keyframe animation, motion paths, and crowd simulation, allowing users to create complex animations easily. 3DS Max is also a great tool for creating high-quality 3D assets that can be used in game development. The latest version of 3DS Max is 3DS Max 2023. 7. Godot Godot is an open-source, cross-platform game engine allowing developers to create 2D and 3D games using both a scripting language and a visual editor. One of Godot’s unique features is its emphasis on a node-based scene system, which allows developers to create game objects and easily manipulate them within the editor. By using this system, the development process is streamlined, making it faster for developers to create and make changes to their games. In addition to its core features, Godot has a large community of developers who contribute to the engine’s development and create plugins and extensions to enhance its functionality. This active community has helped Godot become one of the most popular open-source game engines available today. The latest version of Godot is Godot 4.0.2. Conclusion The world of 3D game development has come a long way, thanks to technological advancements and the availability of powerful game development tools. When choosing a game engine, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, such as your game’s visual requirements, the development duration, and your team’s skill level. There’s a game development tool for every need, with options like Unity, Unreal Engine, CryEngine, Blender, Maya, and many more.
The Evolution of Game Art: From Pixels to Realistic Graphics
Video games are an art form, from the gameplay and visuals to the music and sound that surrounds them. Games, from a visual perspective, are like movies and television, video games use the visual medium to explore concepts, but unlike tv and cinema, games are interactive, and you as a player have control over what you will see and where you will go within the environments. This means that everything that is possible to see in the game must be rendered and fleshed out, unlike a show where only what the director is showing you have to be made. This is why movie sets can provide visual guidance for the final cut and games can’t. Because of this, there’s a ton of work that goes into designing a game that you, as a player, may not even care to think about, but the artists probably had sleepless nights over it, just like when they worked on things like clothes and surface textures to weapons, vehicles, monsters/enemies, visual effects, and even pre-production work like storyboards and concept game art. And just like tv shows or movies, games evolved over time with new technology. Games have come a long way since the early days of pixelated graphics and rudimentary sound effects. The evolution of game art has been a long and fascinating journey, taking us from the simple, blocky visuals of the 8-bit era to the stunningly realistic graphics of modern games. Pixel Art and the 8-Bit Era Compared to our modern-day standards, game art could have been better in terms of graphics due to limited technology, and developers had to make do with what they had. This led to the creation of pixel art, a style that relied on small, square pixels to create images on the screen. It all began with the single-pixel game from the 1972 Pong, a table tennis game with two-dimensional graphics, and continued to evolve with games such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Super Mario Bros. Even with their limitations in graphics, their gameplay and iconic characters made them beloved by gamers around the world. As technology advanced, the graphics in games became more sophisticated. The 3D Revolution In 1999, Sega released its Dreamcast console, which marked a significant shift in the gaming industry. For the first time, 3D graphics started to resemble modern game graphics, thanks to advances in computer hardware. Games like Sonic Adventure were truly 3D, unlike the previous generation of games that used sprites. The Sega Dreamcast was ahead of its time and showcased some of the best graphics and gameplay ever seen in video games. Moreover, Dreamcast was also the first console to feature a built-in modular modem for online play. Eventually, Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, the big three companies of today’s gaming industry, followed suit with consoles like GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. The Rise of Realistic Graphics The turn of the millennium saw the rise of realistic graphics in gaming. The evolution of game art is closely tied to the development of hardware technology that supports it, and as technology continued to advance, so too did the graphics in gaming. In each game art, every 3D model (or mesh) in a game is composed of triangles and has generally gone through several iterations of optimization to reduce its ‘polycount,’ which refers to the number of triangles (or polygons) it contains. However, during the design stage, high-poly models that contain much detail are created using 3D design tools like Max, Maya, ZBrush, and others. Such high-res models can contain more than a million polygons and cannot be deployed in-game since the renderer would choke. Nonetheless, their details are necessary to make a scene believable. Advancements such as normal mapping allow the detail of high-polygon models to be transferred to an optimized mesh linked to a normal map, giving the illusion of detail and responding to lighting. And graphic shaders, which is a programmable shaders, first introduced by the GeForce 3, transformed 3D rendering and allowed developers to write highly complex shaders. The processing power and graphic capabilities of consoles continue to contribute to the evolution of game art graphics. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 allowed for even greater processing power and more advanced graphics engines, enabling game artists to create more realistic visuals. The Current State of Game art In addition to the ever-growing technologies that support game art, the current generation of consoles, including the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, allow for unprecedented processing power and graphics capabilities, enabling developers to create truly breathtaking visuals. Thanks to constantly evolving advancements such as physically-based rendering (PBR), High-Dynamic Range (HDR), and Real-Time Ray Tracing allows, games are one step closer to achieving photorealistic fidelity. Game art has come a long way in just a few decades, with smooth user interfaces, advanced gameplay, faster processors, and mind-blowing video technology providing gamers with an unparalleled experience. Early arcade game developers could never have imagined the evolution of computer game graphics to the extent we see today, with virtual cities in racing games that almost match real ones down to the smallest details. Competition among major players in the gaming industry is fierce as they strive to outdo each other. But this level of competitiveness is a boon for gamers, as it ensures that the best of game graphics is yet to come. It may seem unbelievable, but further advancements in computer game graphics are expected, promising even more breathtaking visual experiences for gamers in the future. The Evolution of Gameplay Video games have constantly been evolving since their inception, with advances in technology allowing for more complex and immersive experiences. As games become more sophisticated and offer more nuanced storytelling and emotional depth, they begin to blur the lines between traditional games and other forms of media, such as movies and literature. This evolution is not necessarily a linear progression but rather a constant exploration and experimentation of what the medium can offer. With advancements in game art, achieving
Exploring What Game Development Service Has to Offer
Thanks to technological advancements and the ever-growing demand for interactive entertainment, the gaming industry has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Game development services have become essential in delivering high-quality games that captivate players worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at the various offerings of today’s game development services and the value they bring to the table. Custom Game Development One of the primary services offered by game development companies is custom game development. This involves creating games tailored to client’s unique requirements, whether they are indie developers, established studios, or businesses looking to use games for marketing or training purposes. Custom game development allows for creating games across multiple platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices, ensuring a broad reach for the final product. Custom game development can range from small indie titles to large-scale AAA games and can be created for a variety of platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. The process of custom game development involves working closely with clients to understand their vision and goals for the game and then creating a unique design and development plan to bring that vision to life. It’s also beneficial for businesses looking to use games for marketing or training purposes. Games can be designed to promote a product or service, educate employees, or train customers on how to use a particular product. By creating custom games, businesses can engage their target audience in a more interactive and meaningful way, ultimately leading to increased brand recognition and customer loyalty. Overall, custom game development is an important service that allows clients to create unique and engaging games tailored to their specific needs and goals. Game Design and Concept Development A crucial aspect of game development is designing the game’s concept, mechanics, and overall gameplay experience. Game development services collaborate with clients to create unique and engaging game concepts, ensuring that the final product stands out in the competitive gaming market. This process involves brainstorming ideas, developing a storyline, creating characters, and designing the game world, among other tasks. Art and Animation Services Visual appeal is a significant factor in a game’s success, and game development services offer art and animation services to create stunning visuals that enhance the gaming experience. This includes 2D and 3D art, character design, environment design, and animation. These services ensure that the game’s graphics are both aesthetically pleasing and optimized for performance on various platforms. Game development service companies offer many services, but three critical aspects of game art fall within the scope of their art and animation offerings: technical art, 3D game art, and concept art. Technical Art Technical art involves creating and optimizing game assets to ensure that they work seamlessly with the game engine. Technical artists are responsible for developing tools and pipelines that streamline the game development process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. In layman’s terms, technical artists facilitate how art is made. Hence, they work closely with programmers to ensure that the game’s technical aspects are functioning correctly and that the art assets integrate seamlessly with the game engine. Technical art plays a role in creating visually appealing and technically sound games that offer a smooth gaming experience. 3D Game Art The creation of 3D models and environments is an essential aspect of 3D game art. At its core, game art encompasses all visual elements that make up a computer game, such as characters, menus, and user interfaces. It’s the game artist’s responsibility to produce these artistic components, including characters, objects, environments, animations, effects, lighting, and other visual details. To create high-quality 3D models optimized for use in games, 3D artists utilize specialized software. Their primary objective is to create visually stunning characters, objects, and environments that enhance the gaming experience. Crafting 3D game art requires extensive skill and experience to create realistic and immersive environments that players can interact with. Concept Art Concept art is another essential aspect of game art that plays a crucial role in the video game development process, particularly in the early stages. Concept artists are responsible for helping to determine the overall look and feel of the game by creating visual concepts and designs that involve creating visual representations of the game’s characters, environments, and objects. They work closely with game designers to develop a visual style and aesthetic that sets the tone for the game. Concept artists use various tools and techniques to create sketches, drawings, and paintings that convey the game’s look and feel. They help the team to visualize how the game will look and play and play a critical role in the game development process. Concept art sets the tone for the entire project and helps to guide the game’s design. A concept artist’s work continues beyond designing game elements, as they also help to establish the game’s overall artistic direction. They work with art directors to develop the game’s visual style, color palette, and other elements that will make it stand out. Game Programming and Engineering Game programming and engineering have evolved with technology. In the early days of video game history, programmers were accountable for most aspects of game development, including game design. However, as games became more complex, development teams grew significantly, and new jobs were created, which are often more specialized, particularly in larger game studios such as Ubisoft, Blizzard Entertainment, and Electronic Arts. Nowadays, Game development services employ skilled programmers and engineers to bring game design and art to life. They are responsible for creating the game’s engine, writing the code that brings a video game to life, implementing gameplay mechanics, and ensuring that the game runs smoothly. They also work on integrating third-party tools and APIs, such as physics engines, artificial intelligence, and networking solutions, on enhancing the game’s functionality. A game programmer works closely with producers and other departments, such as game designers, game artists, and sound engineers, to transform the project’s vision into a fully functional, playable game. Their responsibilities can range from dictating the speed at which a
Game Development Company: Revolutionizing Technology & Growth
The gaming industry has undergone a massive transformation over the past few decades. From simple pixelated games, it has evolved into a sophisticated world of immersive virtual experiences. This transformation has been fuelled by the rapid advancement of technology, and at the same time, the demand for a new experience in gaming has led game companies to develop new technologies and techniques to improve the gaming experience. This has led to the development of new hardware, such as specialized gaming controllers, graphics cards, and virtual reality headsets, as well as software, such as game engines and AI algorithms. The gaming industry has also contributed to the development of other fields, such as computer graphics and artificial intelligence. For example, real-time rendering techniques developed for games have been adapted for use in fields such as architecture, product design, and film production. This has enabled game development companies to create more complex and engaging games. Today, the industry offers a plethora of options, not only to gamers but also to other fellow game developers or to those seeking careers in the industry. For gamers, the options are endless. The gaming industry offers a wide variety of games that cater to different interests and preferences. From action-packed adventures to strategic simulations, there is a game for everyone. However, as the industry continues to evolve with new trends and technologies, it has a lot more to offer beyond just providing games for players or consumers. Game development companies now offer various services and products that cater to fellow game developers, aspiring game industry professionals, and other stakeholders. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at what a game development company has to offer beyond providing games for its players or consumers. Diverse Gaming Platforms Modern game development companies cater to a wide range of platforms, including PC, consoles, mobile devices, and web browsers. This diversity allows developers to target different audiences and demographics, increasing their potential reach and revenue. PC and Console Gaming Companies like Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Rockstar Games continue to develop AAA titles for PC and consoles, such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This high-budget, high-quality games offer rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. Mobile Gaming With the widespread adoption of smartphones, mobile gaming has become a dominant force in the industry. Companies like Supercell, King, and Tencent create popular mobile games like Clash of Clans, Candy Crush Saga, and PUBG Mobile, which offer casual and competitive gaming experiences on the go. Indie Games Independent game developers have gained prominence recently, with companies like. These indie games often offer unique experiences and artistic expressions that set them apart from mainstream games. This diversity is not limited to each platform. And if you’re a gamer yourself, you might be familiar with the word crossplay or cross-platform, where different game platforms can interact with each other, allowing players to play with each other, regardless of the platforms they use, can be played with different platforms (except for PC of course). And this technological advancement, along with other features in games, is constantly being improved. Cutting-edge Technologies Just like crossplay, today’s game development companies leverage advanced technologies to create state-of-the-art gaming experiences, and game development companies are improving technologies to support better experiences for players. Some of the most prominent technologies include: 3D graphics Although the origins of 3D graphics date back to the 1960s, video games have greatly influenced their advancement. Steve Colley, the creator of the Maze War video game, played a crucial role in the development of the Mars Exploration Rover’s 3D rendering system by repurposing his game’s code. Moreover, video games have contributed to the evolution of technological equipment. Some games necessitated a coprocessor that enhanced graphic capacity, resulting in the preservation of graphic cards in computers and improving the quality of their graphics. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) VR and AR technologies have revolutionized the gaming industry by offering immersive experiences that blur the line between the digital and physical worlds. Companies like Oculus, HTC, and Sony have developed VR headsets, while AR games like Pokémon Go have gained widespread popularity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI enables game developers from visual augmentation to automated level development to story-based situations and storylines. Even non-playable characters (NPCs) can be given intelligence to create more realistic and engaging games by simulating human-like behavior and decision-making. AI also helps in procedural content generation, which allows for the creation of unique and dynamic game worlds. To create realistic representations from synthetic 3D photos, the most modern AI image augmentation techniques are used. AI experts are spearheading the development of deep learning systems that can transform 3D-generated visuals into realistic images. Cloud Gaming Cloud gaming services, like Google Stadia and NVIDIA GeForce NOW, enable gamers to play high-quality games without the need for expensive hardware. Game development companies can now reach a wider audience, as games can be streamed on various devices, including smartphones and tablets. Career Opportunities and Growth The game development industry offers a wide array of career opportunities, ranging from game design and programming to art and animation. With the global gaming market revenue in the Games segment projected to reach US$396.20bn in 2023 and the number of users expected to amount to 4.33bn users by 2027, the demand for skilled professionals in the field continues to grow. Diverse Roles Game development companies require professionals with diverse skill sets, including game designers, programmers, artists, animators, sound designers, and more. Apart from technical roles, game companies need professionals in marketing to ensure that the game reaches its target audience. Project managers ensure that the game is delivered on time and within budget, while finance experts manage the company’s finances. Human resource professionals ensure that the company’s hiring processes are fair and equitable, and that the workplace is diverse and inclusive. The game industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and is expected to continue growing in the coming years. As such, there is a high demand
More Than Just a Game: The Real-World Applications of the Super Mario Effect
Who knew that games could help us learn? It turns out that every game involves some struggle, which is just what we need for optimal learning! Learning something new can be challenging, we need to go through that trial-and-error phase until we finally reach that amazing “aha” moment. Ever wondered why we tend to give up when faced with challenges instead of seeing them as opportunities for growth? Mark Rober’s TEDxPenn talk, “The Super Mario Effect,” explains that our approach to learning is key. In Super Mario, players are motivated to learn the game mechanics and hone their skills to save the princess rather than fear failure. The Super Mario Effect is explained as “focusing on the Princess and not the pits, to stick with a task and learn more.” There are three takeaways to apply this to feel less stressed and learn more. Reframe Your Mindset The Super Mario Effect is about turning challenges into engaging opportunities for growth. Rather than dwelling on failure, players focus on mastering each level to progress to the next. It’s a game that reframes loss as a learning experience and inspires us to keep going. Gamification can be a game-changer in our lives, according to Rober! By treating challenges as games, we can view the learning process as an enjoyable activity that we want to keep doing. In other words, gamification can help us reframe challenges and make them more engaging and motivating. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize Playing a game always ends with one thing: the prize! Even when the going gets tough, the thrill of mastering the game is just too enjoyable to pass up. Unlike real life, mistakes don’t have to be devastating in a “give it your all to win” environment. Instead, they’re like fun-sized opportunities to learn and improve for your next try. According to Rober, The Super Mario Effect is more than just having a positive attitude. Turning challenges into games and emphasizing the prize makes the process feel lighter and more empowering; it makes you think, “What worked? What didn’t? What can I learn from it? I’ll try again.” Rather than enduring, it becomes about learning and trying again. Focusing on the Prize can trick your brain into learning more. Shift Your Focus from Failure By freeing us from the fear of failure, the Super Mario Effect has revolutionized the way we approach challenges. Its core idea is to learn from mistakes without fixating on them, which means that failing to beat level one isn’t a reason to quit, but rather a chance to gain insight from errors and persist toward our goal. Gamification The Super Mario Effect is a phenomenon that describes how individuals become more motivated and engaged in tasks that are challenging and rewarding. By utilizing gamification, this concept can extend beyond gaming to various aspects of life, including education, work, and even personal development. Gamification is the incorporation of game mechanics and principles into non-game contexts. It involves applying gaming characteristics to address problems and achieve goals through various activities and procedures. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s all about figuring out the objective and picking the right game design to achieve it! The ultimate goal of gamification is to boost interaction, collaboration, sharing, and engagement among different groups, including partners, employees, and customers. Gamification also works wonders in marketing. Enhancing engagement and experience increases user retention and acquisition through social sharing. It also promotes brand awareness, loyalty, and provides a sense of accomplishment to users. Lastly, it simplifies data gathering, providing valuable insights to businesses. Gamification can help businesses improve customer engagement and achieve marketing goals by incorporating game elements into their products or services. This leads to more enjoyable and rewarding customer experiences and drives business success. Gamification by AgateGamification isn’t just about making things more productive or efficient. It can also be fun! Incorporating game elements into non-game contexts can make mundane tasks more engaging and exciting. The examples are Agate’s gamification features. They’re helpful in onboarding users and collecting data and provide a fun and interactive experience. Let’s look closer and see how Agate has taken gamification to the next level! GoPay Indonesia designed the Suwit game to encourage users to try their P2P transfer feature, resulting in a 40% increase in daily use. Play Video Populix created a family feud-style game called Pop Quest, which motivated users to answer questions quickly and honestly, leading to better data collection. Play Video Moreover, an elementary school gamified assessment tool was developed to help students recognize their potential and receive personalized recommendations based on their needs, resulting in more accurate behavioral assessments than traditional tests. Interested to be a part of our crews? Check the vacancy list below! VACANCY LIST Position Department Contract Type [Mythic Protocol] Creature 3D Artist Art Contract Type : Project Based Details VFX Artist Art Contract Type : Regular Crew Details [Project-Based] Quality Assurance (QA) Quality Contract Type : Project Based Details UI Artist Art Contract Type : Regular Crew Details Load More
