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Environment Modeling for Games DVD Training
Respawn Entertainment artist teaches you how to evolve environment concepts for games.
Date: Thursday, July 14, 2011
Author: James Fudge

Nate Stephens, Senior Environment Artist at Respawn Entertainment wants to teach you how to evolve an environmental concept into a vibrant 3D setting with his new training DVD, Environment Modeling for Games. Available via DVD and via The Gnomon Workshop, this brand new tutorial continues a workflow started by God of War 3 concept artist Cecil Kim, with Stephens taking the reigns to produce a fully rendered game environment model via Maya.

Focusing on the tools and techniques used in Stephens' daily production pipeline, the tutorial shows his methods during the production of a digital environment model. Taking concept art originally developed by Kim, Stephens identifies the forms and structures of environments, blocks them out and proceeds through the modeling process -- touching on the key concepts, tools and techniques needed during continuous refinement. The tutorial also covers common errors to avoid, ensuring the correct lighting and efficiency for running the scene or exploring the environment in real time.

"It's easy to notice Nate's 3D levels and scenes in the God of War franchise. His massive, epic environments -- masterfully modeled and sculpted in Maya -- have been praised by critics and fans worldwide," said Kim. "He's one of the most experienced and talented 3D environment artists in the industry. This video guides viewers through Nate's process of translating my 2D concepts into 3D game assets. I recommend it highly for anyone who wants to understand high-end AAA game production."

To purchase a DVD and download the video, or for further information, visit www.thegnomonworkshop.com .

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