gaming

SIGGRAPH 2024 Registration Now Open

The 51^st annual conference, focusing on computer graphics, interactive techniques and technical innovation, returns to its origins in Denver, Colorado, running July 28 – August 1.

In 3D, AR/VR/XR, Business, CG, Education and Training, Event, Films, Games, Jobs & Recruiting, Previs/Postvis/Visualization, Technology, Television, Transmedia, Virtual Production, Visual Effects | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Special Events: SIGGRAPH | Geographic Region: North America

Not Much Fun Lately in Gaming Headline News

Electronic Arts to Lay Off 5% of its Workforce

Big layoffs at major game companies continue; with cuts explained as a move to ‘optimize our global real estate footprint to best support our business,’ the gaming behemoth will also sunset games and ‘move away from the development of future licensed IP’ that will be unsuccessful in the ‘changing industry;’ company drops Star Wars shooter development.

In Business, Games, Jobs & Recruiting, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

The Layoffs Continue Headline News

Sony Interactive Entertainment Lays Off 900 Employees

The division responsible for PlayStation devices and multiple game development studios has ‘concluded that tough decisions have become inevitable,’ says CEO Jim Ryan.

In Business, Digital Media, Games, Jobs & Recruiting, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Business Headline News

DNEG Launches DNEG IXP

New immersive experience division, helmed by managing director Josh Mandel, crafts creative experiences for businesses, brands, and game publishers; will focus initially on gaming, virtual concerts, and theme park ride experiences.

In 3D, Business, CG, Digital Media, Jobs & Recruiting, People, Theme Parks - Installations, AR/VR/XR, Visual Effects | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

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Business Headline News

Pro Gamers Sue Activision for $100M Over ‘Call of Duty’ Tournament Monopoly Claims

Pro esports players Hector ‘H3cz’ Rodriguez and Seth ‘Scump’ Abner allege the company violated federal antitrust laws by coercing players and team owners to compete under ‘extortionate financial terms’ at the threat of exclusion from the Activision CoD league.

In 3D, Business, Games, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: North America

Call for Submissions Headline News

SIGGRAPH 2024 Heads to Denver

The premier conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques invites artists, researchers, educators, and practitioners to submit conference content; the event runs July 28 – August 1.

In 2D, 3D, Call for Entries, CG, Digital Media, Education and Training, Event, Films, Games, Jobs & Recruiting, People, Technology, Virtual Production, AR/VR/XR, Visual Effects | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Special Events: SIGGRAPH | Geographic Region: North America

The Biggest Partnership of the Year Headline News

Disney to Invest $1.5 Billion in Epic Games, Build Entertainment Universe with Fortnite

The two companies' collaboration will further expand the reach of Disney’s huge IP catalog, stories, and experiences in the new venture, with the Mouse House acquiring an equity stake in the game company.

In Business, Digital Media, Games, People, Technology, AR/VR/XR | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

People Headline News

Saffronic Appoints Bhanu Prakash as Head of Creative, Games

The animation production studio founded in 2022 kicks off the new year with a roster of AAA projects for gaming industry titans, spearheaded by the new executive.

In 2D, 3D, Business, CG, Games, Jobs & Recruiting, People, Visual Effects | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All, Asia

More Industry Cuts Headline News

Microsoft to Layoff 1,900 Activision Blizzard, Xbox Employees

The tech giant has begun to cull workers from the newly acquired division to reduce ‘areas of overlap’ during the integration effort, with Blizzard Entertainment president Mike Ybarra also exiting the company.

In Business, Games, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Events Events

FICCI Frames 2024

Begins: March 5, 2024

The 24^th edition of the global media and entertainment convention runs from March 5 – March 7 in Mumbai.

In 3D, Business, CG, Digital Media, Event, Festival, Films, Games, Interactive, Jobs & Recruiting, Motion Graphics, Short Films, Stop-Motion, Transmedia | Event Types: Conferences

Animation Dingle 2024

Begins: March 22, 2024

The 2-day festival returns to Dingle, Ireland, on March 22 for a weekend of creativity, art, and storytelling.

In 2D, 3D, Awards, Cartoons, CG, Digital Media, Event, Festival, Films, Games, Short Films, AR/VR/XR | Event Types: Competitive Festivals

'Elf North Pole Workshop' Launches on Roblox for Film’s 20th Anniversary

Fairview Portals and Supersocial have teamed with New Line Cinema to celebrate the classic comedy and bring ‘Elf’ alive in an immersive space where users can play as Wish Taker, Toy Maker, or Gift Wrapper, contributing to the success of Santa's Workshop.

In 3D, CG, Digital Media, Films, Games, People, AR/VR/XR | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

layoffs Headline News

‘Fortnite,’ Unreal Engine Studio Epic Games to Layoff 830

Announced by CEO Jim Sweeney on Thursday, the company plans a 16% workforce reduction as well as a divestiture of Bandcamp in a move towards a new ‘metaverse-inspired ecosystem’ strategy.

In Business, CG, Digital Media, Games, Jobs & Recruiting, Music and Sound, People, Technology | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

Monitor of the Future Headline News

IQH3D Announces Groundbreaking Glasses-Free 3D Monitor

The 4k lenticular screen is specifically designed for gaming, Metaverse 3D modeling, design platforms, and film and special effects animation with AI-driven optical eye-tracking capabilities and an embedded dedicated FPGA board for better 3D image quality and faster visual response.

In 3D, AI, CG, People, Technology | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

Conference Events

ANIMEX 2023

Begins: November 6, 2023

The international festival of animation, games, and VFX will take place November 6-10 and feature a week of networking, workshops, and screenings.

In 2D, 3D, Cartoons, CG, Digital Media, Education and Training, Event, Festival, Films, Games, Interactive, Mobile and Wireless, Motion Graphics, Places, Short Films, Stop-Motion, Technology | Event Types: Non-competitive Festivals

Opsive Launches Omni Animation

The new AI generation technique can be used to generate 3D humanoid animations with realistic movement, details, and depth; Omni Animation will be demonstrated at Devcom Developer Conference later this month.

In 3D, AI, Business, CG, Films, Games, People, Previs/Postvis/Visualization, Technology | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

The Ultimate Setup Headline News

Impossible Objects and Dell’s Alienware Partner for ‘Gravity’ Spot

Jay Walker directs the 30-second piece showcasing the gear’s undeniably strong ‘pull’ on gamers, utilizing a blend of traditional VFX work in After Effects, Maya, and Redshift.

In 3D, CG, Commercials, Digital Media, People, Technology, Visual Effects | Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: All

Red and Sonic Under One Roof Headline News

Sega Acquires Rovio for $775 Million

The deal, in which the game giant offered $10.15 per share and $1.62 per option for the Angry Birds franchise creator, comes just a couple months after Playtika extended a $735 million bid for the Finnish developer.

In Business, Games, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: Europe

Conferences Events

SIGGRAPH 2023

Begins: August 6, 2023

The premier conference and exhibition on computer graphics and interactive techniques runs August 6-10 in Los Angeles and online.

Festivals Events

ITFS Coming April 25-30.

Begins: April 25, 2023

A gathering of the international animation scene since 1982, the festival returns to Stuttgart, celebrating 30 years.

In 2D, 3D, Call for Entries, Digital Media, Education and Training, Event, Festival, Films, Jobs & Recruiting, People, Places, Short Films, Stop-Motion | Event Types: Competitive Festivals

Monopoly! Headline News

Playtika Extends Bid to Acquire ‘Angry Birds’ Developer Rovio

The Israeli social gaming company’s $735 million bid for the Finland developer follows its company-wide consolidation and restructuring effort, which included a recent layoff of 600 employees.

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Crack That Whip Headline News

Jens Andersson Boards Upcoming ‘Indiana Jones’ Game as Design Director

Bethesda’s MachineGames has hired the ‘Chronicles of Riddick’ director to handle design for the project, which touts an original storyline and will be the first game title for the franchise since 2003.

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Gotta Run Fast From the Cops Headline News

‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Creator Yuji Naka Arrested for Alleged Insider Trading

While details are few, we know the game developer was taken into custody last Friday along with two other former Square Enix employees, all charged with improper purchasing of shares in Aiming prior to the company’s announcement of a new game in the ‘Dragon Quest’ franchise.

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Something’s Afoot at Naughty Dog Headline News

Sony Building New Studio to Support Naughty Dog on Undisclosed Game

Speculation based on Sony job listings indicates PlayStation will build a development studio to focus on a Naughty Dog AAA action/adventure game, potentially a new installment of the ‘Uncharted’ franchise.

In 3D, Business, CG, Digital Media, Games, Jobs & Recruiting | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All

Gotta Stream Fast Headline News

Netflix Reveals ‘Sonic Prime’ Animated Series Teaser

The 24-episode ‘Blue Blur’ adventure features Sonic the Hedgehog of video game fame, who holds the fate of a strange new multiverse in his gloved hands.

In Digital Media, Games, People, Television | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All