So You Wanna Make Games?? | Episode 5: Technical Art

There are many different specializations within tech art, but at its core, it's about streamlining art creation and implementation. Whether on the tools side of things-building pipelines and custom tooling, or the game content side-rigging characters, or creating shaders, tech art requires keen problem solving skills. Check out this video to learn about some of the common specializations for tech art and why they’re so critical to any development team.
Visit our website for additional resources: www.riotgames.com/en/artedu/t...
This episode of So You Wanna Make Games?? uses the Unreal® Engine. Unreal® is a trademark or registered trademark of Epic Games, Inc. in the United States of America and elsewhere. Unreal® Engine, Copyright 1998 - 2018, Epic Games, Inc. All rights reserved.

[@matthewherndon6488]

"Need more lizard tech." "No Paul." xD

[@Galaxy_World]

Lol

[@RiversJ]

I made my career path choice based on this video in the end after looking at a lot of stuff, have not regretted a single day, a day doesn't go by I'm not having actual fun at work! Thanks for this.

[@rocketbird1]

It would be interesting to hear something more about it!

[@RiversJ]

@@rocketbird1 Been so busy i haven't opened youtube in weeks. Thank you for the interest, i'm propably not going to elaborate too much with my private account here. Suffice to say i joined a small indie studio as a QA tester and right after i got picked to actually join the company, i've since gone on to become the principal graphics and optimization programmer. There's so much to just those two subjects they'll keep me entertained and learning new stuff for years to come!

[@rocketbird1]

@@RiversJ thank you for answering! and did you have extensive experience as a QA before they took you? I'm also in the process of sending applications now, kinda scared I'm still not good enough out of the gate

[@sagetenshi]

@@rocketbird1 Would love to hear more about your own journey towards this - did you end up landing that first job? (absolutely no shame if you haven't yet! I'm an animator and it took me one very tough year to get my first gig in the animation industry once I left college)

[@rocketbird1]

@@sagetenshi hey! I ended up pursuing a more regular programmer path as I keep working on my personal art projects. By joining a game studio I wanted to merge these two aspects, but keeping them parallel and separate has its perks

[@Exxag]

This series is really great and inspiring!

[@Galaxy_World]

Yeah

[@MrH2O1998]

The unsung hero of game design.

[@tonipejic2645]

Game design is a whole different thing, what you meant was game development

[@asp8215]

@@tonipejic2645 He would be correct if he meant game (art) design

[@deslaya7777]

i also feel very torn between programming and art. I'm glad to hear that not only is there a role for those of us who straddle the line, but its actually one of the most critical pieces to creating new and innovative experiences

[@edwardlygma2683]

I was Struggling with this for such a long time and now i know what i want to be

[@SKinSKorea]

I teach English for Games Graphics Design Majors here in Korea. This series has become our "textbook". I have learned a lot! I think it's great for visual learners to watch videos and they can use the captions or slow it down to get the vocabulary. Speaking is a little fast.

[@albingrahn5576]

7:20 this is a personal attack

[@scriptyshake]

I'm studying Game Programming and man, my passion has always been art, and I'm especially interested in animation, but I realised that programming really wasn't my dream job. I'm so glad a job like this exists, because that way I can use the programming knowledge of my study while also doing what I love which is art. And I think going from Technical Animator to Animator should be much more straightforward too, which is awesome :)

[@CGEyeGuy]

@7:20 I feel called out

[@nitrox5915]

oof that hit too close to home

[@WirtyDord]

This is the best series on KZbin. So many questions I've had for years answered in one series

[@13RedCorpse]

Thank you for this video! I`m shocked that I`ve hardly heard of this specialization. Especially considering that I`ve spent 7 years on creating art and 4 of them - on creating programs and managing projects. I guess I found my niche :D

[@eudescam20]

This year I'm finishing my Software Engineering career, but I didn't wanted to left aside art. This may become a really nice alternative :0

[@marlonjaimes5450]

dude I gonna start my career on that there is many options but I gonna try to practice this part

[@xg171]

It's been 2 years. How's your progress mate?

[@Iris-fp9vo]

It’s been 3 years, how’s your progress in tech art?

[@Luluskuy]

It's been 4 years. How's your progress to become a technical artist?

[@Gredran]

I feel weird when I feel like I’m enjoying learning rigging, but not necessarily the tedious puzzle pieces and trial and error, but that PLUS when it comes to life 😊 Technical artists and animators are definitely modern wizards. The fact we can animate dragons or aliens or spiders or make spanning environments while the computer runs effortlessly? I understand why it isn’t for everyone and why it’s in such high demand because it’s so complex, but mannnn it’s so rewarding when it begins to click 😊

[@LaurelCHan-cj2ul]

Really appreciate all the introduction and resources. This series has solved many questions and misconceptions I had before.

[@Oxtorayk]

Oh! This series is narrated by Tomáš Jech! i love his TED talk, it helped me a lot and still does. Thanks, man!

[@PepijnLinden]

Came back to thank you for mentioning that TED talk. It truely was amazing and well worth the watch.

[@LolixBelle]

finally understand why riot were hiring engineers and tech artist recently,I am not interested in this but this helps to understand and improve my art and what to improve,this is great stuff,regardless if you are a teach artist or just a concept artist.

[@zaidlacksalastname4905]

TA: *says something* The editing: "needs more dubstep"

[@Xeit]

This Braum will scream like that on the next Halloween and this is teaser... Right?

[@santiagofranco2483]

I'm loving this series it really is giving me insight on perhaps a path I want to follow

[@NaomeK40]

Aspiring tech artist right here !!! And yes .... "what are you trying to do" is 50% of any project

[@it6006]

Awesome series, very interesting dive into actual workflow of a AAA studio. Haven’t seen Hard-Surface/Weapon artists video unfortunately which would’ve been great. Nonetheless, you guys did an amazing job on these!

[@tafellappen8551]

I was thinking about technical art for a long time. This video somehow made me cry and the only reason i can think of is that maybe i really should do tech art

[@Kinosei30]

0:20 - that's so perfect

[@limbo.media_]

I felt really identified in 11:06, I think your video has just cleared my path about what to do next in my career....thanks!

[@ashleyez2022]

Been working in the industry for a few years, I clicked this video because im a tech artist (mostly shaders) and yes, I write my own code :). Currently Im working on a water simulation. similar to portal 2 goo We are one of the highest paid, but there arent many of us

[@danimillie]

Ashley AMV Hey, at what age did you get into programming? I’m 15 and think that this looks really interesting, but I’m not sure that I’ll be able to do this as I have no prior experience.

[@ashleyez2022]

@@danimillie I started programming at 20 :P Im 25 now, you can do it if you are determined to put the work in

[@danimillie]

Ashley AMV Ok that’s good, tyy

[@vicky_d1896]

Finally a video that explains things in a simple way that my brain can take it. Thank u so much AND I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FROM RIOT GAMES! RIOT U NEED NO NERF MASTER! PLS!

[@clichethecat3998]

7:24 This is legit how I name things, lol

[@TheRailwayGuy175]

I am going to be a technical artist for Dovetail Games! This is the company that makes my most favourite train driving simulator games which is "Train Sim World"!

[@ArtemM3D]

Great series, well done!

[@minfoodtravels]

I love design and engineering, didn't know this was an option until now

[@kaifterra3363]

This is so useful. I had problem to choose what to learn, is software development or art design, and i scared im choose a wrong path. But this video tell me that i can be both. Thank you.

[@BusyAnas]

this is so damn entertaining

[@elle0024]

I had no idea this job even existed. It looks awesome! And a lot of work. I'm still curious though and will definitely look into it!! If anyone has any resources to share, please please do ♥️

[@srushtiparanjpe8263]

All of these different jobs seems so interesting to me!! How does one pick which one to specialise in? What would you recommend?

[@Arkl1te]

Wow, I've seen "technical artists" in credit sequences of video games and never knew what they were. Whenever I saw hiring forms asking "what do you want to apply for" I sinked into an analysis-paralysis loophole and never ever applied, but rather decided to make my own game instead. Turns out, I might've been learning to be tech artist this whole time, for the last 12 years. Just wow.

[@dbuitgames3219]

Cool and useful! Thanks for the video guys

[@phantomslayer9714]

You had me at burning stuff

[@p.r.435]

This is best section so far

[@TheseWordsTouch]

I'm shifting from network engineering to technical art but wow I have no idea which specialty to choose. So many options! I think the file stuff is closest to what I currently do, but I'm incredibly fascinated by all of it.

[@MyMakram]

i love this so much... such a funny way to educate people... you should make more advanced videos

[@musicdudem6673]

I’m just about to take my first Tech Art class with Aaron Aikman, Lead Tech Artist of Blizzard and I cannot wait

[@WoldGlobalPlayers]

Basically it is close to DevOPS but has the touch of artist included.

[@zayon0170]

crazy serieeeee

[@AbhishekKumar-yq8je]

very helpful and easy to understand

[@ffKingcreole]

ok, this job description describes me :D at least it describes me best, i'm the 100% open source type that wrote games in c++ and opengl though and not the type editing closed source software :D

[@k92709]

thanks a lot Riot ! These guys helped me a lot what does it make to be a tech artist.

[@kumahkun]

At 10:52 this is how I've been feeling. I'm currently pursuing a BA in Graphic Design, but I love coding as well. My goal is to join the Game Dev community, but before I found out about Tech Art I was struggling to make a choice.

[@amelierxse]

Just curious, 4 years later what are you doing? Did you pursue a career in something technical and artistic? Asking as a current BA student struggling to find a balance between art and coding

[@MeFirstGames]

Thank you for this video!

[@PawelStoleckiTechArt]

Loving it

[@ajmalartistryandwriteupsam4878]

Inspiringly intriguing

[@amiridoo]

Really beautiful

[@monikagombkotoova2074]

8:10 offtopic, but what a cool name!

[@puppeli]

Rigging and and shaders look fun. Im old, dumb and lazy, so i'll never do any of this as a career. But seeing the rigging and shader sections, made me want to learn to do them in Blender :D

[@jeffreychua4522]

No wonder league client bugs is everywhere and veigo is the new bug king. Anyway very great series Wish I had found this vid 2 years ago when I start using ue4.

[@okamichamploo]

What type of a portfolio would you need to apply to be a tech artist?

[@frogman1]

whoa i never knew this was a job but it's so cool!

[@najmaht.a.1314]

who's just here to appreciate the warriors and their efforts behind our favorite games?

[@levitaciousstudio1965]

Gold is this playlist

[@jonathanl2757]

Haha hi Spencer! Nice to see you!

[@falgunpadole8642]

Hey guys you were very helpful for me. Thanks i may need your help in future I am entering in this field 😉😉

[@prasannasilva7754]

Thanks!!!

[@tjmixmasta]

What is that last song?? Loving this series so far, btw!

[@pixel3rr0r]

Do you mean the outro? It's 'Welcome to Planet Urf' by Riot Games

[@rendermanpro]

8:39 - Shader stuff... vol. 1/500 :D

[@RustyMahkra]

Thanks for the video, now i know my brain was made to be tech artsit!

[@Xgamesvidoes]

Nice!

[@takacao8373]

Dope. I'll make it

[@Galaxy_World]

How did you do all the animations and art in the video??

[@okamichamploo]

Crap I'm a professional artist who programs as a hobby. This might be the perfect career for me!

[@hamza-trabelsi]

same here, and i thought the same , but euh , you need a little more.

[@sorrybutimustsay9217]

@@hamza-trabelsi a little more of what?

[@TheCrimson147]

3:55 argonians having the field day

[@NaomeK40]

Also spending hours on rigging and animating a character is how get so many weird 3d animations ....

[@africalight758]

Very good

[@Musiclover6404]

I'm getting an interview tomorrow for being an unreal Tech artist. I'm hella nervous because I mainly specializing character design. I can't program but I definitely want this position.

[@leonardusl5141]

how'd it go?

[@Musiclover6404]

@@leonardusl5141 🥺🥺 Thanks for asking, I was told good things but then told the guy is going to interview more people. Then I had an interview for Character Design For a block chain game...and there waiting on feedback from the company. 😭😭 All I need is one really good gig and I can work towards saving the world 🤣.

[@flob3810]

oh and i have a question do riot have his own game engine or y'all use unreal engine

[@vincewedde8145]

05:54 poor guy in the middle has not received access to the subversion control

[@PlexusDuMenton]

HE IS THE CONTROL !

[@arvindthangavel9437]

Will we get one episode on game programming?

[@elenas2017]

3:28 me too buddy me too

[@ishanstuff]

I like art and I also like coding but I don't wanna choose one of them..is this a a good choice..how hard is it ?

[@filvox777]

More funny than all!

[@eiwaMovies]

Dat Braum scream :'D

[@gabrielegrioli1414]

5:22

[@TechnicFlow]

8:50 Anyone know what I can search to find more on this? Also I find it funny that I've been using the handle "TechnicArt" for years and I'm not a Technical Artist. It's a reference to some obscure lore in an EDM album.

[@Ecknial]

Hi, look for "unity / unreal cel shading shader", you should find some good ressources to reproduce this effect in a game engine (hope this late answer help you)

[@xingyulei]

This is the dream

[@johnbuster4268]

It feels so strange seeing Braum without a smile

[@TVchang]

Thank you for sharing ineed suport guy's#eurichang tv

[@haffystube]

I do not know the name of the guy in the red shirt, but I have been feeling exactly what he said for some time now "I have too choose between my two professions, making art with 3D and Programming". I recently applied to and will start a System Engineer HVE but I feel that I will miss making art. And now I find this Tech Art thingie, seems like the sun rays finally shines through the clouds. I would LOVE to talk to anyone in the Tech Art genre for advice on where to go from here, what to learn and how to specialise. Please drop me a DM or something.

[@ShiroCh_ID]

2:50 Always Hapens to me and it always my Nightmare

[@TheSachraf]

2:52 OMG HAHAH

[@kittgeekazaru5126]

Riot's up to something...

[@bananalord8575]

Kitt Geekazaru promoting unreal engine google parent company riot and parent company epic games

[@inbarkoren9112]

"The people that can do both art and programming may sound like terrifying imaginary space mutants" O-oh... r-really?... I.. I'll just.. go there for a second... someone needs me there... *running away to cry*

[@rejuvinatez347]

Whats salary of a technical artist in states?

[@miguelangelarango7394]

2:48 its fkin jared leto!

[@andrijalazic3763]

10:10 Tons of damage guy got smaller

[@rewindcat7927]

Has anyone counted the amount of dubsteps in this series? Maybe like 100?

[@Ada-zg2qb]

This is everything I am. Time to find a new job

[@grey9915]

7:22 meme !! 😂

[@justVontadeh]

song @ 7:10?

[@MatheusLB2009]

"And that's why every tech artist asks this very critical question:" *Wataaa you tying tchu du, sensei*

[@arcamira7918]

7:26 ME

[@showerhead5238]

I want to be a tech artist where to start? 😢 is it late to start? I have knowledge in C# and have a good programming logic and I am an artist too please help

[@euagelosGreece]

Buff riven Please