80 Level Podcast

William Faucher, 3D Generalist & Unreal Engine Mentor joined 80 Level Podcast. We discuss all-things Unreal Engine and the best ways to master it. William talks about his career journey & YouTube experience, and gives valuable advice for aspiring 3D artists on honing skills, choosing the right software, and understanding the evolving gamedev landscape.

Watch William’s tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/c/williamfaucher 

Check...

Nick Seavert, Founder & CEO of JangaFX Software joined 80 Level Podcast. Explore the art and science of visual effects in game development and learn how Nick turned his love for games into building software aimed at empowering game artists and making VFX easier. Stay tuned for an inside look at JangaFX's future plans, where they're venturing into real-time terrain and environment generation, promising to revolutionize...

Join us for another episode of 80 Level Podcast. Anna Kozlova, CEO at Room 8 Group, shares her expertise on why outsourcing can be a game-changer, how to retain top talent, and the potential impact of AI on game development. Find out how studios handle workloads and strike a balance between creativity and efficiency.

Room 8 website: https://room8studio.com/ 

Follow 80 LEVEL on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/LevelEighty  <...

Dive into the world of 3D modeling and video game development as we chat with Josh Gambrell from Blender Bros. Discover how he went from a beginner to an expert in Blender and how you can too. Learn how AI is shaking things up in the industry and how to embrace these changes for success.

Check out Josh’s tutorials on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshGambrell/featured
More online courses by Blender Bros: https://www.blenderb...

Join us for an exciting peek behind the scenes of Japan's gamedev world with Ben Roach, ex-Level Designer at FromSoftware and now Founder of Upsurge Studios. Ben talks about his experience working on the Elden Ring. We also delve into the magic of Japanese game design, discuss the role of cultural influences, and reveal the secrets that make Japanese game development unique.

Official Upsurge Website: https://www.upsurgestudios....

Jasmine Katatikarn, 3D Lighting Artist and CEO of the Academy of Animated Art joined 80 Level. Jasmine talks about learning lighting art, technologies, software, and storytelling through light in movies & games. She delves into the job opportunities for artists: what companies are looking for, and how to overcome the stigmatization of art careers among older generations. We also discuss the difference between animation and VFX ...

Elliot Callighan (CEO and Composer at Unlock Audio) and Krzysztof Chodkiewiczd (Sound Designer and Music Producer at TSHASK) joined 80 Level podcast. Discover why sound design is a crucial element in gaming, enhancing immersion and gameplay satisfaction. Gain insights into the process of creating unique sounds, overcoming challenges, and tailoring audio to elevate your games to new heights.

Unlock Audio: https://www.unlock...

In this podcast episode, we join Ethan Stearns (Head of Publishing at Atari) and Ana Ribeiro (Creator of Pixel Ripped), as they delve into the world of VR gaming and their exciting collaboration on Pixel Ripped. Discover the behind-the-scenes insights into Pixel Ripped development, Atari’s partnership with VR creators, and their vision for bringing retro nostalgia into the modern gaming landscape. Gain a deeper understanding of the...

In this podcast, Tyler Sigman and Chris Bourassa, Сo-founders of Red Hook Studios, talk about their experience building the sequel to the popular Darkest Dungeon game, and the success behind it. Guests dive into the process of creating DD2, communicating with team members and players, navigating the challenges of crowdfunding & early access, and maintaining financial sustainability to turn another dream game into reality.

DD2 on...

80 Level talked with Alx Preston, Founder and Director of Heart Machine studio (does “Hyper Light Breaker” ring any bells?). Alx talks about games, shares his experience running an indie game studio, and offers insights on community-building efforts, staying true to the core values, and the practical nature of entrepreneurship. He also gives practical advice to developers who are planning to start their own company.

Hyper Light Brea...

80 Level talked with Masaru Ohnogi and Dax Berg, Co-founder and VP at Thirdverse studio. We dive into the development of their latest VR shooter game X8 and talk about engines, mechanics, interactivity, and design. Masaru and Dax also share their insights on the future of the VR game market and what developers should focus on to make a game successful.

Get early access to X8
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1763510/X8/ ...

In this podcast, 80 Level talked with Iacopo Antonelli, Senior Technical Artist at Rockstar Games. We discuss the role of technical artists in game design, the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and the impact of cutting-edge technologies like AI and virtual reality. Iacopo also shares valuable advice for aspiring game developers and emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and continuously learning.

Check out I...

In this podcast, 80LV talked with Eve Crevoshay, Executive Director at Take This (mental health advocacy organization with a focus on the game industry and community). Eve delves into the complex issue of mental health in the gaming industry and provides valuable insights for both employers and employees. She explores the importance of self-care practices, work-life separation, and setting clear boundaries in the workplace.

Check ou...

On the GDC 2023 80LV had a chance to chat with Stephen Kick and Larry Kuperman from Nightdive Studios which specializes in remastering old classic video games. Steven and Larry discuss the upcoming release of System Shock game and take us behind the scenes of the Nightdive Studios. They talk about why it makes sense to remake the old games and spill the tea on the business side of things.

Pre-order System Shock
Steam: https://st...

80LV had a talk with creative technologist Lauren Cason and multi-media artist Ehren Natay. Lauren and Ehren share their insights on various aspects of Augmented Reality and how it could transform the way we experience the world around us: from the available tools to the future outlook of technology. Guests also discuss the idea of the metaverse and how AR might connect with it and share some details about their newest project Ojos...

80LV talked with Ran Manolov (Visual Effects Supervisor, Sculptor & Character Art Director), who worked on such projects as Diablo II, Love Death + Robots and many more. Ran shares his journey from being a classically trained artist to the digital realm and provides insights into the art industry. He also discusses the impact of technology on creativity, and the importance of developing skills & staying curious.

Check out Ra...

80LV talked with Vadim Kraevoy, Head of Room 8 Studio. Vadim discusses how the company adapted to the new post-pandemic work style and the importance of flexibility and organizational structure in a complex, changing environment. He also offers insights into the current state of the gaming industry and predicts trends that may shape its future, specifically the potential impact of AI.

Visit Room 8 Studio website: https://room8studio...

On the new podcast episode, 80LV talked to Matthew Board (developer, artist, Unreal authorized instructor partner for Epic Games). We discuss how evolving technologies, myriad tools, and students’ backgrounds turn gamedev courses creation & teaching into a real puzzle. Matthew also shared an insight, uncovering the most lucrative skills and specialties in the modern market that everybody should look into!

Sign up for Unreal Engi...

80LV talked with Jacob Claussen, Lead Environment Artist at Fall Damage & Environment Art Teacher at Vertex School. Jacob and Kirill make predictions on how new technologies will change development workflows in 2023, discuss the best ways to learn gamedev, and what crucial skills every environment artist should have. Jacob also explains the phenomena of Sweden’s game industry and how a relatively small country became a hub for ...