When Art Meets Technology: The World of VFX and Technical Artists
At Agate, there are many specialists in the Art Department, including 2D, 3D Character, 3D Environment, Concept, Technical artists, UI, VFX Artists, and Game Animator. Each role requires a unique blend of technical know-how and creativity to produce top-notch artwork. However, two roles in the specialist focus more on technical expertise: VFX and Technical Artist. Let’s learn more about these two roles! VFX Artist At Agate, VFX artists play a crucial role in enhancing the visual effects of games. VFX artists specialize in creating mods for games, which add an extra layer of visual appeal to the game. In addition to this, they are responsible for describing the visuals of game elements and characters’ skills. These elements range from pyro particles, fluids, lightning, explosions, and cracks. They’re responsible for creating VFX concept art by making rough sketches and conducting the RnD for its implementation in the game. This process includes setting up the VFX in the game engine, such as Unity or Unreal, which involves creating textures, shaders, and materials. The ultimate goal of VFX artists in game development is to create visuals that align with the Art Direction and Game Design. By following the directions, they can present visuals that players can easily understand and enjoy, such as character skills, environment atmosphere, visual animation, and UI icon effects. Here are the essential skills required to become a VFX artist in the game industry: Strong knowledge of Realtime VFX in games Proficiency in VFX tools used in the industry pipeline, such as Unity or Unreal game engines Expertise in 2D and 3D VFX VFX artists collaborate with other departments at Agate to bring the game’s visuals to life. They work with Art Direction and Game Design to decide on the best designs, create 2D and 3D VFX, and collaborate with Technical Artists for seamless implementation. Challenges Various VFX Art StylesThe Game Design and Art Direction teams often face Visual Art challenges, such as producing artwork in a particular style ranging from stylized to realistic genres. To tackle these challenges, artists typically utilize software tools that align with the desired art style, making their work more efficient. VFX FormIn certain situations, there may be a need for VFX to be distinct and exclusive from others. For instance, the VFX could be shaped like Hexagons, portals, or other uncommon shapes. To overcome these obstacles, artists usually craft an exclusive 3D shape by utilizing specialized software and designing a personalized shader to realize the required VFX shape. VFX Optimization in GamesWhen creating games, they are often intended for a variety of platforms. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that the VFX remains playable while maintaining its quality. This can be achieved by modifying the Particle Set Up in VFX, such as limiting the particles’ number and reducing the mesh’s poly count. Additionally, it’s essential to consider using shaders on materials to prevent excessive particle usage. Texture Atlasing can also reduce the load on the VFX particle casting process. Play Video Set Up Area of Effect from Magic Shield VFX Technical Artist In the process of game development, technical artists play a multifaceted role that encompasses various stages. Initially, they establish standards and streamlined workflows during the planning stage. They may then assist artists by creating customized tools in the asset creation and polishing stage. Additionally, technical artists may enhance graphics by utilizing shaders, lighting, and post-processing in the game engine. Finally, they must optimize the game to ensure optimal performance and a smooth playing experience. The primary objective of technical artists is to design efficient workflows that enable artists to create high-quality assets on time. They also strive to optimize game performance to provide a seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience. Furthermore, they work towards enhancing the game’s graphical quality to make it visually appealing and engaging. Here are the skills that are required to be Technical Artist in the game industry: In-depth knowledge of game engine Knowledge about 2D workflow and 3D art and tools that artist uses Artistic sense Technical artists collaborate with other roles, such as artists, tech, and designers. This collaboration is essential to understand the specific requirements, objectives, and functioning of each role and establish effective communication channels. Challenges Technical artists face the challenge of keeping pace with constantly evolving technology and ever-increasing standards. They must remain updated and adapt to the latest technological advancements to meet and exceed the growing expectations for game development. They can also address the limitations of diverse devices and platforms by implementing tiers of graphic settings that can be adjusted according to the hardware capabilities of the user. These tiers may include material and shadow quality and utilizing assets with Level of Detail (LOD) and fallback options. Previous image Next image Shader Graph Tips Although there are numerous challenges to face and various necessary skills to acquire as a VFX and Technical artist, here are some tips to help you to be better! A simple tip to become a good VFX Artist is first to understand the basic concepts of Realtime VFX and how they work in game development. Learning the workflow and pipeline tools used in the game industry, such as the software and tools used in game engines, is also important. To learn more, beginners can find courses and tutorials on the Realtime VFX forum. To become a VFX Artist, one must be willing to experiment and try new things when setting up VFX. Sharing previews of VFX creations on platforms like ArtStation, LinkedIn, or Behance can serve as an initial portfolio. To become a better technical artist, having an open mind and a willingness to learn is important. The technology and tools used in game development are constantly evolving, so staying updated and adapting to new changes is important. Developing a practical mindset can also be helpful, as it allows you to find the most effective ways to solve problems. Interested in being a part of our crews? Check out the vacancy list below! VACANCY ON ART DEPARTMENT Position
Tech Department 101
People behind the department There are three sub-divisions in the Department of Tech in Agate: Programmer (Game Programmer, System Programmer, Fullstack Programmer, etc.) As a Programmer, they need to develop the game by implementing concepts into actual playable games. Engineer (DevOps Engineer, Data Engineer, QA Engineer, etc.) To be an Engineer, one needs to make sure the developed game is stable and to ensure the technology pipeline is efficient and well improved. Research (Research Director, Lead Researcher, Tech Researcher, etc.) Their function is to explore new technology to find the best implementation for company standards. Overall, everyone in the Tech Department is required to provide the technological capability to orchestrate game components and infrastructure and also to bring the game design to life. Some targets they need to accomplish are ensuring the company possesses the best possible technology, improving tech crews to become world-class developers, and implementing the best tech advancement. Skills In order to develop and bring the game to life, crews in the Tech Department are required to master such essential skills, from coding to design. Their call is also to maintain the game, avoiding bugs and glitches. Fundamental Skills: Logic & problem solving General programming English Additional Skills: Verbal & written communication Basic leadership Tools Tools used by a Game Programmer Game Engine (Unity, PhaserJS, Unreal, Babylon) Game Engine has a library of programs to help the game development, including visual and sound design. Multiplayer Engine (Photo Fusion, Photon Quantum (Multiplayer Engine) Multiplayer engine is used by developer to create a multiplayer environment. Tools used by Back-end Developer Backend Framework (Dotnet, C#) Dotnet provides tools and libraries to build a compatible app or platform from desktop to mobile. A Backend Developer needs to master C# programming language to use Dotnet. Database (Rediss, MongoDB, Postgresq) Programmer uses the database to organize a collection of structured information that is electronically stored in a computer system. Tools used by Front-end Developer Web Framework (ReactJS, NextJS) This application is operated by a front-end developer to create a game user interface like menu arrangement, heads-up display, etc. Tools used by Development & Operations Programmer Deployment (Kubernetes) This tool helps developers manage applications made up of many containers and deploy them in different environments (physical or virtual machines). Cloud Server (GCP, AWS, Azure) Cloud Server provides storage for assets and computing resources over the internet for users to play the game from their device. Tools used by All Programmer Version Control (Git) A free and open-source distributed control system: tracking changes in any set of files, coordinating works among programmers, and collaboratively developing source code. Brainstorming & Documentation (Miro, Draw.io, Notion) These are the tools where ideas are being brainstormed, crafted, documented, and archived. If you think you want to be a part of this long experience, here are some tips on how to enter and enjoy being in our tech dept by two of our crews: Technical Director POV As a Technical Director, we are obliged to ensure the project is well delivered without going directly into that project. Yes, that’s another challenge. We need to monitor the end-to-end process even from scratch and provide suggestions when it is required. We are searching for those who are eager to learn. We need someone who can communicate well and collaborate. Knowledge is power. The more you have, the more you are needed in our dept. The quality of your portfolio is what we will be looking at. Lead Programmer POV The best and most challenging of working in Agate is that you are not just developing a game, but you are contributing to the whole ecosystem. We are required to adapt and strive to become better and better in the industry. It would be best if you had your own goal. Learn to master the basic tools and grasp the base theory by experimenting. Elevate your team and colleagues as much as possible. Be more proactive in approaching a discussion with people. Gain more knowledge. Keep progressing even if you need to catch up. Follow channels that might be useful on social media, like Instagram, YouTube, or anything else. Think you might enjoy being in our tech department? Head down to our vacancy list below and see if you match any of it! VACANCY ON TECH DEPARTMENT 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
EPIC TIPS SERIES – PROGRAMMER
A game programmer creates the code that gives the game a new lease on life. As a game programmer, you work as a part of the team. You’ll collaborate closely with game designers, artists, quality assurance, and other departments to translate a game’s concept into a fully playable and functional game. Game programmers could control anything, such as how quickly your character moves and how high they jump, how many opponents come at certain times, and how they react when attacked. As varieties of games grew more complex along with the advancement of technology in the games industry, a career as a game programmer requires not only skills but also eagerness to learn. Wafi currently takes the lead as Head of Technology in Agate. With ten years of expertise in game development, Wafi has been involved in various games, from indie to casual games. As Head of Technology, Wafi is in command of programmers in Agate. With his distinguished career, he had several mindsets he holds on to as a programmer. Programmers’ job is to solve problems, not write code. Sometimes, problems can be solved with communication. That’s why communication skill is essential if you want to be a great programmer. Programming is like driving skills. People will ask if you’re a good driver, not if you can drive a specific car. Focus on improving your programming fundamentals instead of a particular programming language. Every good programmer is self-taught. Your ability to learn new things is your core skill as a programmer. Technology changes rapidly, so programmers must constantly adapt and learn to stay relevant. Want to apply those mindsets to your career? Agate is hiring! See our available roles and positions down below. Vacancy On Tech Departement 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
