Happy 2015 everyone!
For the first post of the new year I wanted to write about all the places I checked for inspiration, learning techniques and other videogame related stuff. I'll try to keep it just about videos with one BIG and must-have-bookmarked exception, so let's get going.
For the first post of the new year I wanted to write about all the places I checked for inspiration, learning techniques and other videogame related stuff. I'll try to keep it just about videos with one BIG and must-have-bookmarked exception, so let's get going.
The very first thing I want to talk about is the Autodesk Youtube learning channels. These are super helpful and they update them frequently enough so that you can check out the newest tips and tricks or the new features of their software.
This is very useful for anyone that wants to be 3D modeller, texturer, rigger or animator.
I would specially recommend the 3D Studio Max Learning channel and the Maya Learning Channel. Since these are, probably, the ones you're going to use in the industry. And also, if you're a student you can get a 3 year student license for them (and all the other Autodesk Software) for free.
There is other software, like Blender (this one is free!) or Modo, but all of this share most of the work flow and features, so if you start with one, it'll be very easy to export your knowledge and use it in another.
Continuing in the art department, everyone should totally check out Cubebrush by Frank Brunet (Blizzard) among other super talented artists. In their Youtube channel you can check out multiple workshops, basic tutorials on shading, human figures and sci-fi designs. The materials they create is amazing and it was so helpful when I changed groups during the master. It helped me a lot during the first weeks of work on the Ratvolution project.
But what's more important is that now they have a full fledged web and super active forums with weekly contests and a lot of great critique and advice.
Now moving a bit to the programming and design process of game development you need to check out Unity's Youtube Channel and Unreal Engine 4 youtube Channel. These two are the most important and versatile game engines for me.
Even though I would recommend starting with something more simple like Construct or Game Maker, these are the ones that have a HUGE list of documentation, community forums, Q&A, online learning lessons, videotutorials and much more. And all of it is frequently updated. Plus, if you're a student you can get UE4 for free. And if you're not, you can still download Unity for free or check the offers on the Unreal site.
Thirdly, I'd like to plug the people from Extra Credits. In their Youtube Channel they discuss everything gaming related. You can spend a full afternoon watching their videos, starting by learning what they think the definition of "game" and ending with the critic and analysis of the 1-1 level from Super Mario Brothers.
And finally, the must-have-bookmarked site that everyone that wants to develop games should have in their browsers.
This is Pixel Prospector.
The most complete guide to game development I've ever discovered. It has information and links to everything related to game development, graphic arts, music, business and marketing. This is, by far, the go to place whenever you need something for your game.
And this is it. Today's post was more about what I needed to learn and where to learn it from. Because the artisans always needs tools to create their products.
J.
PS: I've been drawing again lately. Still lots to improve with the colour and shading techniques. So, for now, just a line sketch of Link :)
This is very useful for anyone that wants to be 3D modeller, texturer, rigger or animator.
I would specially recommend the 3D Studio Max Learning channel and the Maya Learning Channel. Since these are, probably, the ones you're going to use in the industry. And also, if you're a student you can get a 3 year student license for them (and all the other Autodesk Software) for free.
There is other software, like Blender (this one is free!) or Modo, but all of this share most of the work flow and features, so if you start with one, it'll be very easy to export your knowledge and use it in another.
Continuing in the art department, everyone should totally check out Cubebrush by Frank Brunet (Blizzard) among other super talented artists. In their Youtube channel you can check out multiple workshops, basic tutorials on shading, human figures and sci-fi designs. The materials they create is amazing and it was so helpful when I changed groups during the master. It helped me a lot during the first weeks of work on the Ratvolution project.
But what's more important is that now they have a full fledged web and super active forums with weekly contests and a lot of great critique and advice.
Now moving a bit to the programming and design process of game development you need to check out Unity's Youtube Channel and Unreal Engine 4 youtube Channel. These two are the most important and versatile game engines for me.
Even though I would recommend starting with something more simple like Construct or Game Maker, these are the ones that have a HUGE list of documentation, community forums, Q&A, online learning lessons, videotutorials and much more. And all of it is frequently updated. Plus, if you're a student you can get UE4 for free. And if you're not, you can still download Unity for free or check the offers on the Unreal site.
Thirdly, I'd like to plug the people from Extra Credits. In their Youtube Channel they discuss everything gaming related. You can spend a full afternoon watching their videos, starting by learning what they think the definition of "game" and ending with the critic and analysis of the 1-1 level from Super Mario Brothers.
And finally, the must-have-bookmarked site that everyone that wants to develop games should have in their browsers.
This is Pixel Prospector.
The most complete guide to game development I've ever discovered. It has information and links to everything related to game development, graphic arts, music, business and marketing. This is, by far, the go to place whenever you need something for your game.
And this is it. Today's post was more about what I needed to learn and where to learn it from. Because the artisans always needs tools to create their products.
J.