Are you captivated by the mesmerizing visual effects that bring video games to life? Ever wondered what it takes to become a skilled VFX artist in the world of game development? Look no further! We'll delve into the fascinating realm of VFX and provide you with the essential insights and tools to kickstart your VFX artist journey.
VFX for Movies vs VFX for Games
Before we start getting into the tools and tips you need, let’s differentiate between VFX in movies and TV and VFX in games. Both require talented artists and technical expertise, but their implementation and purpose vary significantly to cater to the unique experiences offered by each medium.
In movies and TV, VFX here is often pre-rendered and primarily designed to enhance visual storytelling. They don’t need to be interactive. They are created and finalized before the final production and have more flexibility with hardware resources. This gives VFX artists for TV and movies the freedom to prioritize visual quality without real-time limitations.
In video games, VFX is typically rendered in real time as the player interacts with the game. Aside from being a part of environmental scenes, this means that the visuals are generated on-the-fly and respond to the player's actions, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. This also means that game VFX must be optimized to run smoothly within the limitations of the gaming hardware and software. They need to be efficient in terms of performance to maintain a stable frame rate and not hinder gameplay.
Now that we cleared that up. Let's get into the tools you’ll need to start making video game VFX.
Tools for Beginners
Game Engine
Recommended: Unreal Engine, Unity
Game engines are software that consists of various tools and features that are used to create games. There are various game engines out there and some studios have their own engines. Two of the most popular ones are Unreal Engine and Unity.
Both have their unique features, and it's up to one’s personal preference on which is the better engine. Don’t worry, you don’t need to learn both at the same time. Pick either Unity or Unreal Engine and get familiarized with the software. Try making simple scenes and interactions with basic code.
In case you want to expand your skill set down the line and venture into learning a new engine, you'll be glad to know that most of your skills will be transferrable and the transition will be much smoother.
Graphic Editors
Recommended Programs: Photoshop, Krita, Clip Studio Paint
You’re going to need skills in digital painting to create the shapes and textures of your desired visual effect. We recommend starting with tools like Photoshop, Krita, and Clip Studio Paint.
Now, you don’t need to be the Picasso of digital arts to start making VFX. Actually, you can create a ton with just simple shapes. But of course, the more you refine your skills, the more complex your creations can become.
3D Graphics Software
Recommended Program: Blender
Blender is a software with a comprehensive set of tools and features that allow users to create complex 3D models, animate characters and objects, and simulate realistic physics. Blender's versatility, combined with its user-friendly interface, makes it an attractive choice for both beginners and experienced 3D artists. Plus, it's free!
Autodesk Maya is also an alternative and can be used for the same purpose for creating VFX, but you’ll have to pay a subscription fee.
Additional Tools (Optional)
Here are extra tools you can use when you start getting into more advanced stuff down the line.
- Embergen - for simulating smoke, fumes, and explosions
- Substance 3D Designer - for creating noise, flares, and generating organic textures
- Houdini - for procedural 3D and baked animations.
- Boris FX - for generating lightning strands textures.
- VectorayGen - for creating vector fields.
Simply learning the basic functionalities of your tool of choice will provide you with many opportunities to experiment with your output, and expand your knowledge as you go further along in your VFX journey.
VFX Principles
Once you’re familiar with navigating your VFX tools, you can proceed with learning the VFX principles.
Our lead VFX artist, Daryll Española recommends the VFX style guide from League of Legends which gives a great example of how these principles are used.
- Shape - Shape language, shape silhouettes, and the illusion of movement
- Timing - Communicating gameplay, animating accurate movement, and create higher satisfaction
- Color - Color relation, hue usage, saturation levels, and color palette examples
- Values - Determining and using value ranges. Level of importance.
Dedicating time and effort to mastering these aspects is crucial. Whether you're using Unreal Engine, Unity, or even RPG Maker, these are the core fundamentals that you can apply in any game engine to create real-time VFX.
Refining your Craft
Just as the quality of video games evolves year by year, so does VFX. Make it a point to try and better yourself when you can. Here are ways you can continuously refine your craft.
Find Inspiration And References
Explore dynamic fight scenes in action-packed movies and animations. Dive into the latest games, dissecting effects that react to your actions. Light a candle and observe how the flame dances. Whether it's from media or the real world, a plethora of references will help supplement your study for crafting VFX.
Immersing yourself in references won’t just widen your creative arsenal. Constantly exposing yourself to visual effect masterpieces can also inspire you to continuously grow your skills.
Get Your Hands Dirty
Don’t be afraid to start small and create many things –some you’ll like, and some you won’t like but will surely learn from.
Mastering visual effects involves a lot of exploration and experimentation. The more you immerse yourself, the more you’ll find techniques you can stumble upon and use. Allow yourself to make “mistakes”. In VFX (and in most crafts, actually,) these serve as guideposts that lead you to new learnings and discoveries.
Join A Supportive Community
Another important part of improving as a VFX artist is to surround yourself with people who are equally passionate about the craft, and a supportive community who will inspire you to be better. This has been instrumental for our VFX team in Secret 6.
Since our VFX team was formally established in 2019, we have consistently grown our contributions to the company and the game industry. We provided in-game VFX for all cut scenes in Sony Interactive Entertainment’s remake of Medievil, and provided VFX support for several Secret 6 games. Right now, we’re working on several exciting titles, including the highly anticipated The Lords Of The Fallen.
If you want to learn from or join our team, reach out to us. We’re on the lookout for VFX artists and interns and we would be happy to have you on board.
Hopefully, this piqued your interest in creating simple sparks, roaring flames, and maybe even galactic levels of Kamehameha laser beams. Good luck!
