At GDC this year, Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology Inc., is focused on educating the next generation of 3D artists to have the skills to enter the game development industry. Softimage is hosting an Education Conference for instructors on Wednesday, February 20, with game industry guest presenters Carey Chico of Pandemic Studios and Michael Endres, art director from Crytek. On the GDC show floor, Softimage is providing technology demonstrations of its Softimage|XSI 3D software at partner booths.
Softimage is also presenting a Student User event on Wednesday evening at the Art Institute San Francisco, featuring a panel of professional 3D industry veterans. From 5 pm to 8 pm, Softimage is sponsoring a Student User Event open to all GDC attendees at The Art Institute of California @ San Francisco.
Industry veterans, including David Andrews from The Orphanage, Andy Bueker from Zoogloo, Jonathan Harb from Whiskytree, and Burke Revet from Black Point Studios, will share their insights into what it takes to work in the industry and what kind of educational background students need to pursue to land a job.
Qualified students who register for and attend the Softimage Student User Group will each receive a free academic license of Softimage|XSI (a $295 value).
GDC featured speaker, Peter Molyneux, head of studio, Lionhead Studios will discuss new features and elements of the Fable 2 role playing game (RPG) title on Friday, February 22, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the North Hall, Room 135. Lionhead Studios is using Softimage|XSI software to model and create all 3D content for Fable 2.