Mobile and Social gaming is also rapidly going 3D. In fact, history seems to be repeating itself. Two decades ago the game industry underwent a transformation from raster graphics to 3D graphics. Today, we are seeing the beginnings of a similar transition, from 2D Flash to 3D game engines, driven in large part by the availability of lightweight 3D engines from companies like Unity and Epic. In 2010 Autodesk saw a strong increase in demand for its 3D animation applications from a slew of Mobile/Social gaming companies known for their 2D and Flash games. As with many an animated series for television, it is often easier (and better) to create 2D games in 3D.

This GDC anyone paying close attention would have seen these trends reflected in the dual focus of Autodesk’s Games strategy. Nowhere was this dual focus more evident than in the announced acquisition of Scaleform and the preview of a technology prototype called Project Skyline.

Scaleform is a leading provider of Flash-based UI tools and middleware, used to create everything from game menus to Heads-Up Displays (HUDs). Lost among the noise of the show might have been the announcement of support for iOS and Android, enabling content developed in Flash to be run on these devices. Scaleform is part of Autodesk’s long-term strategy for better serving the needs of its gaming customers and in particular those of its rapidly increasing number of Mobile and Social game developers.

Project Skyline, on the other hand, is part of Autodesk’s strategy to help improve the game content authoring process especially for AAA titles. Autodesk are actively researching new technologies and workflows to (1) increase production efficiency and (2) improve the creative process, by eliminating iteration inefficiencies between the creation of game content and its execution in the engine.

Also at GDC Autodesk announced the 2012 releases of its 3D animation products: the Digital Entertainment Creation Suites, 3ds Max, Maya, Softimage, Mudbox and MotionBuider; of its middleware products, HumanIK, Kynapse and Beast and of its open 3D data framework FBX. If you missed Autodesk’s GDC announcements, product demonstrations, customer presentations (including Eidos, EA and Harmonix) and MasterClasses, you can watch them online on AREA TV.

Maurice Patel
Entertainment Industry Manager, Autodesk

Making Fun:
MAKING FUN DEBUTS AS THE FIRST FULL-SERVICE SOCIAL GAMES PUBLISHER

Making Fun, Inc., the social game publishing division of News Corp. Digital Media Group, today announced its intention to commission independent game studios to develop innovative, high-quality social games. The company’s initial target platform is social network web sites, expanding to smartphones, tablets and beyond.  Making Fun is truly the 1st Full Services Publisher in the Social Games Category.  They have it all and they are making it available to independents.  Capital, Tech, Distribution Channel, Industry Experience, Creative Support, Marketing Know How  and Strong Leadership .  They are using that same famed space from the IGN Indie Studios!  What exactly are they looking for?

Passionate developers who have a successful track record, ability to execute, and maybe even a  unique idea for a Social Game!  They are hiring Animators right now for especially anyone that has ability in the Art Direction or Engineering side of things.  They are interested in publishing on multiple platforms.  They are flexible and believe that successful console game developers can make the switch to social games design ...and why not :).

As the first full-service publisher in the social games category, Making Fun provides independent developers with a wide range of services including capital, technology and industry expertise to create, operate and market social games across digital platforms. The “full service” model at Making Fun goes far beyond simple distribution, providing developers with capital for both initial and ongoing product development as well as a partner committed to live operations, customer support, marketing and franchise development. Making Fun is actively seeking to build new relationships with experienced, passionate development teams to grow concepts into franchises.