Mason Game Design Program

12/23/2020

1-on-1 With Double Fine's Tim Schafer: Psychonauts 2, Being Acquired by Microsoft, and More! – Unlocked 475 - IGN

We hope you all had a good end to the semester and are enjoying your winter break! In gaming news, Microsoft has acquired several studios such as Double Fine - the studio behind Psychonauts. In this interview with IGN, Double Fine head Tim Schafer talks about being acquired by Microsoft and an update on Psychonauts 2!

Interview: https://www.ign.com/articles/1-on-1-with-double-fines-tim-schafer-psychonauts-2-being-acquired-by-microsoft-and-more-unlocked-475

Thanks for tuning into Unlocked in 2020! Here's to an even more fun 2021!

12/13/2020

Learn How to Work With Geospatial Data in Unreal Engine | Webinar

The Unreal Engine allows you to create terrain based on geospatial data for realistic world building. This tutorial explains what the GIS system is and how to use it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKyyuAhnqP4

Interested in learning more about Unreal and other engines? Let us know!

Discover how to use GIS data to create high-quality geographic visualizations and interactive simulations in Unreal Engine. You’ll learn how to: - Import GIS...

12/09/2020

What game cameras learned from movie cameras

The game industry and film industry can learn a lot from each other - especially when it comes to cameras. This Polygon video talks about the similarities and differences in game and film cameras. How do you make camera decisions for your games? Let us know with a comment!

Video: https://www.polygon.com/2020/11/9/21551132/game-cameras-movie-cameras-mandalorian-marvels-avengers

And what movie cameras are learning from games

12/07/2020

Amazon is looking for Game Design interns this summer! This job includes making 2D and 3D assets from concept art to 3D models. If you are interested, read more about this opportunity here:

https://app.joinhandshake.com/jobs/4225688?utm_source=activity_mailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=notification_email

12/04/2020

Just Cause Creator Opens New AAA Games Studio

Christofer Sundberg, cofounder of Avalanche Studios and creator of the Just Cause series, has opened a new studio: Liquid Studios. For more information on this new AAA company, check out this article from Gamespot:

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/just-cause-creator-opens-new-aaa-games-studio/1100-6485074/

What do you hope to see from Liquid Studios? Let us know with a comment!

One of the founders of Avalanche Studios and creator of Just Cause is embarking on a new journey with Liquid Swords.

12/02/2020

Unreal Engine AI with Behavior Trees | Unreal Engine

Programming believable AI can be tricky depending on what type of game you are making. In this video, Epic's Paulo Souza shows how to create AI for a stealth-based game in the Unreal Engine. Let us know what kinds of tutorials you would like to see in the future!

AI in Unreal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY1jnFvHgbE

In this presentation, Epic's Paulo Souza uses Unreal Engine's built-in AI features to build smart enemy behaviors for a game with stealth-like mechanics. By ...

11/30/2020

We hope you all had a great fall break! Nam ER Tech is seeking student programmers to work on some upcoming mobile games. This is a paid internship opportunity for 10-15 hours per week.

If you are interested, visit this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c9KSODSLH9AU0w-GOtB8GLU6tDkQdB7jhzz0N2gh0wI/edit

We encourage programmers of any skill level to apply!

11/24/2020

StellarXplorers Manager of Competition Job in Arlington, VA at Air Force Association

MGTA’s partner Air Force Association/STellarXplorers Program is recruiting for a Manager of Competition. If you would like to apply or learn more about this position, visit this link:

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/jobs/air-force-association-d1a160e0/stellarxplorers-manager-of-competition-3b4fecd7?enc_campaign_id=e5c5742c&tsid=122001595

Easy 1-Click Apply (AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION) StellarXplorers Manager of Competition job in Arlington, VA. View job description, responsibilities and qualifications. See if you qualify!

11/20/2020

2D Tips - Lightning round | Unite Now 2020 (Updated audio)

Curious about making 2D games in Unity? In this video, Unity's Rus Scammell and Eduardo Oriz will give you some valuable tips on making 2D games. Let us know if you found this helpful. What types of tips and tutorials you would like to see in the future?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCAH1rlwAr4

Get ready for a fast round of productivity tips and performance tricks for 2D projects. We show you how to get the most out of our 2D tools and ensure your p...

11/18/2020

How will the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 benefit indies?

There is a lot of buzz about the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5's technological advancements, but what about industry advancements? In this article, gameindustrybiz interviews several indie companies to learn about next-gen support for indie companies.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-11-18-how-will-the-xbox-series-x-s-and-playstation-5-benefit-indies

We speak to indie studios and publishers about the possibilities afforded by the new consoles

11/16/2020

The most relaxing games on PC

As we approach the end of the semester, stress levels are high for everyone. Remember to take care of yourselves, and perhaps relax with a game when you have the chance. For inspiration, PC Gamer has a list of some of the most relaxing PC games here:
https://www.pcgamer.com/the-most-relaxing-games-on-pc/

Take a load off with this selection of chill games.

11/14/2020

PS5's DualSense Is Now Supported in Steam Client Beta - IGN

The PS5 and XBOX Series X have a lot of new features worth looking into. This article talks about the PS5 DuelSense controller's new compatibility with Steam:
https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5s-dualsense-is-now-supported-in-steam-client-beta

What are you looking forward to with the release of the new consoles? Let us know with a comment!

PS5's DualSense is now supported in Steam Client Beta, but support for Haptic Feedback, Adaptive Triggers, and more has yet to be added.

11/11/2020

Bringing Unreal Creatures to the Film Industry

As gaming technology evolves, so do the ways that people use it. Aaron Sims - the creator of cinematic creatures like the Stranger Things Demogorgon - showcases how the film industry is incorporating the Unreal Engine into films. What sorts of films do you want to see incorporate gaming technology? Tell us with a comment!

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46GfxKEcXbk

Aaron Sims, creator of some of this generation’s most unforgettable cinema creatures like the Stranger Things Demogorgon, will debut new characters and discu...

11/09/2020

Tencent invests in Lockwood Publishing

The world of mobile and social games has been growing at a rapid rate. This article talks about Tencent's recent investment in Lockwood Publishing and how careers are quickly opening for the mobile market:

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-11-04-tencent-invests-in-lockwood-publishing

Chinese tech giant leads a $25 million investment round in the Avakin Life creator

11/07/2020

7 examples of game AI that every developer should study

Artificial Intelligence is crucial to a lot of games. Gamasutra's article shares some prime examples of AI that you can learn from:

https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/269634/7_examples_of_game_AI_that_every_developer_should_study.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GamasutraFeatureArticles+%28Gamasutra+Feature+Articles%29

What are your experiences with AI? What are some examples of good and bad AI in your opinion? Let us know with a comment!

These

11/04/2020

Start creating games with virtual LEGOⓇ bricks in our new LEGO MicrogameLEGO 마이크로게임 출시, 가상의 LEGOⓇ 브릭으로 게임을 만들어 보세요Unity の新しい LEGO Microgame でバーチャル LEGO® ブロックを使った

In October, Unity launched a new microgame with LEGO that lets you create your own game with LEGO assets in less than an hour! Visit the link below if you're interested. Share your creations with us!

Unity LEGO microgame: https://blogs.unity3d.com/2020/10/23/start-creating-games-with-virtual-lego-bricks-in-our-new-lego-microgame/

In the latest addition to our Microgames series, we’re putting digital LEGO® elements in the hands of new users to get them quickly building, customizing, and sharing their first 3D game in less than an hour. We believe the world is a better place with more creators in it. This mission requires m...

11/02/2020

THIRD PERSON MOVEMENT in Unity

We have found another Unity tutorial for those interested! This video will walk you through making your own basic third-person movement controller. What are some of your favorite third-person games? Let us know with a comment!

Tutorial Video: https://youtu.be/4HpC--2iowE?t=125

Let's learn how to make a solid third person controller with a moving camera! ► Check out the Game Architecture Course: https://game.courses/bundle/ 👕Get the...

10/30/2020

Activision Blizzard reports $1.95 billion in revenue for Q3 2020, needs to hire 2,000 people

Activision Blizzard have reported Q3 earnings that beat expectations. The Santa Monica, California-based game publisher said its non-GAAP revenues for the third quarter ended September 30 were $1.95 billion (up 38% from $1.28 billion a year ago) while non-GAAP earnings per share were 88 cents compared to 38 cents a year earlier.

Bobby Kotick, AB CEO, said the company needs to hire more than 2,000 people to meet its production demands! Activision Blizzard has more than 10,000 employees now.

For the full article, visit this link: https://venturebeat.com/2020/10/29/activision-blizzard-beats-expectations-with-1-95-billion-in-revenue-for-q3-2020/

Activision Blizzard reported earnings today that beat expectations as its Call of Duty franchise continued to outperform expectations.

10/27/2020

Speaker Series | VSGI

Director Sang Nam, Professor Rob Dieterich, and Guest Speaker Kayla Harris from Big Huge Games will be giving a webinar tomorrow from 12:00 - 12:45 PM on the State of Games During COVID-19! Join in on this discussion to hear about how the computer game industry has responded to, and grown during the ongoing pandemic. To attend this event, or gain further details on upcoming discussions in the VSGI Game/Tech Innovation Speaker Series, please visit the VSGI website here:
https://vsgi.gmu.edu/speaker-series/
We look forward to seeing you all at tomorrow's event!

Game/Tech Innovation Speaker Series Game/Tech Innovation Speaker Series Introducing the VSGI Virtual Game/Tech Innovation Speaker Series held every Wednesday from 12:00 – 12:45 PM Eastern Time for the Fall semester. Title Speaker Affiliation Date The State of Games During Covid-19 Read More Direct...

10/26/2020

October is a busy time of year for students, and the transition to online classes has been challenging for many. Learning Services and Student Health Services have collaborated to provide a free workshop about managing burnout. If you are interested, you may register at the links below.

Wed, October 28, 2020
4:00pm -5:15pm
http://cglink.me/r873305

Thurs, November 19, 2020
4:30pm - 5:45pm
http://cglink.me/r873326

10/25/2020

Creating a Water Shader with Shader Graph in Unity! | 2D Shader Basics (Tutorial)

Curious about water shaders in Unity? This short video will walk you through how to use a stylized water shader in Shader Graph with a combination of UV and noise patterns. Let us know if you found this interesting or helpful!

Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD7LmXShYcs

In this video, we are demonstrating how you can create a stylized water shader in Shader Graph by using a combination of scrolling UV and noise patterns. We ...

10/23/2020

Speaker Series | VSGI

Hello everyone! Several of our professors will be speaking next week as part of the ongoing VSGI Game/Tech Innovation spaker series! Join us October 28th at noon for a discussion by Director Sang Nam, Professor Rob Dieterich, and Guest Kayla Harris on the State of Games During COVID-19! Learn more at the VSGI website below:

Game/Tech Innovation Speaker Series Game/Tech Innovation Speaker Series Introducing the VSGI Virtual Game/Tech Innovation Speaker Series held every Wednesday from 12:00 – 12:45 PM Eastern Time for the Fall semester. Title Speaker Affiliation Date The State of Games During Covid-19 Read More Direct...

10/22/2020

Animation in Unreal Engine: Adding Life to Your Story | Webinar

The Unreal Webinar series covers many basic functions of the Unreal Engine. If you are interested in learning more about animation in the Unreal Engine, give this a watch. Have you used Unreal before? Let us know your thoughts on the Unreal Engine in the comments below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDNi0plxIXE

In this inspirational video, Matthew Doyle demonstrates how to use animation tools in Unreal Engine to tell a story and add life to your projects. Learn how ...

10/17/2020

5 Signs You Need Ray-Tracing Now

Interested in learning about ray-tracing in the Unity Engine? This Gamasutra article looks into reasons why you may want to use ray-tracing in your games:
https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/RubenTorresBonet/20201013/371695/5_Signs_You_Need_RayTracing_Now.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GamasutraFeatureArticles+%28Gamasutra+Feature+Articles%29
Have you used ray-tracing before? How do you feel about the use of ray-tracing in building games? Let us know with a comment!
Keep an eye out here and on our Twitter and Instagram for other interesting articles about the industry.

Developing your game in Unity? Then you need to pay attention to 5 signs that reveal you should to move into Ray-tracing.

10/12/2020

Interested in studying abroad in Japan? Mason Game Design is offering a study abroad opportunity in the Summer of 2021: “Game Studio Tour in Tokyo & Kyoto.” Students will visit cultural sites including Akihabara, the Ghibli Museum, and the former Imperial Palace. Students will also visit notable Japanese game studios such as Square-Enix and Capcom to learn about development in the Japanese game industry from professionals. This opportunity is also open to recent grads, with preference to those who were enrolled in last year’s cancelled trip.

A recording of our recent Q&A info session can be found here: https://gmu.zoom.us/rec/share/NP1siNzax9n5rAeZ4i9mj0LozT_xkZ3H2eqxcN3viTHQ0G1fU-Kg18i4mAlyopMP.FdbAwPPtASTWIrCV

Password: wJKT0&G5

10/05/2020

REMINDER: The Mason Fall Career Fair will be occurring virtually THIS WEEK! Join in on October 8th and 9th from 11AM - 3PM to meet with the 100 companies and groups looking for new employees. A list of employers can be found here:
gmu.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/16529/employers_list

Registration is required by TOMORROW, October 6th. If you plan to attend, sign up at this link:
https://www.jobsconnected.com/gmu/

Learning how to navigate the virtual career fair:
gmu.joinhandshake.com/events/573647/share_preview

10/01/2020

Attention Patriots! The Mason Fall Career Fair will be occurring virtually in ONE WEEK! Join in on October 8th and 9th from 11AM - 3PM to meet with the 100 companies and groups looking for new employees. A list of employers can be found here:
gmu.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/16529/employers_list

Registration is required by October 6th. If you plan to attend, sign up at this link:
https://www.jobsconnected.com/gmu/

Preparation events for the career fair such as Suit-Up Mason and the Resume Clinic can be found at the links below. Good luck!

Suit-Up Mason: JC Penny mega sale: gmu.joinhandshake.com/events/572880/share_preview

Resume Clinic: One-on-one resume review with local employers:
gmu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/4005878

Learning how to navigate the virtual career fair:
gmu.joinhandshake.com/events/573647/share_preview

09/30/2020

The Virginia Serious Game Institute is hosting its new Game/Tech Innovation Speaker Series TODAY from 12:00 - 12:45! Join Stephanie Kane and Professor James Casey as they talk about their research on Serious Games in Personalized Learning! To learn more about this talk, and the other upcoming events in our speaker series, please visit our website at this link:
https://vsgi.gmu.edu/speaker-series/
These events are free of charge and we highly recommend anyone interested attend!

09/28/2020

The Virginia Serious Game Institute has recently launched its new Game/Tech Innovation Speaker Series! This Wednesday, September 30th, we’ll be holding the first virtual event from 12:00 - 12:45! Join Stephanie Kane and Professor James Casey as they talk about their research on Serious Games in Personalized Learning! To learn more about this talk, and the other upcoming events in our speaker series, please visit our website at this link:
https://vsgi.gmu.edu/speaker-series/
These events are free of charge and we highly recommend anyone interested attend!

09/25/2020

Watch Live-GMU-TV

Just a reminder that Mason will be hosting A Celebration of ARTS by George THIS Saturday, September 26th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm EDT.
This free event wil be live on GMU-TV: gmutv.gmu.edu/live-broadcast. Join us to take a look back at the tremendous success of ARTS by George over the past 14 years!