How Embedded Tech Artists Can Unite Artists and ProgrammersHow Embedded Tech Artists Can Unite Artists and Programmers

Ben ClowardSenior Technical Artist

BioWare

Ben ClowardSenior Technical Artist

BioWare

JOINING THE DARK SIDEJOINING THE DARK SIDEJOINING THE DARK SIDEJOINING THE DARK SIDE

The ProblemsThe Problems

Who made these textures

4096?!!

Frame rate?That’s the programmers job.

But with the server down,I can’t even export.

How am I supposed to work?

The SolutionThe Solution

Helping ArtistsHelping ArtistsTrust ProgrammersTrust Programmers

Tool Development Process

•Collaborate with the artists to create a prototype

•Document the tool requirements and demo to programmers

•Guide the tool implementation process and give feedback

•Write artist documentation and teach the artists how to use the tool

I am altering the graphics . . .

All of my tools work great!

Hey, the game is running faster!

Helping ProgrammersHelping ProgrammersTrust ArtistsTrust Artists

I find your polygon count...disturbing.

I’m smiling behind this mask.

Conclusion

•Artists trust programmers because their tools work and they see the performance gains.

•Programmers trust artists because art assets are efficient and because they see the team’s dedication to performance.

•The game is better because both teams are working together.

•Guide

•Teach

•Measure

•Build Trust

Take-Away Ideas

Questions?Questions?