We spoke with Sylvia Yap from the visual effects team at Streamline Studios to find out the ins and outs of making AAA games. 

Hi Sylvia, as a VFX Artist, what sort of tools and software do you prefer to use when working on AAA games? 
Primarily I use Unreal Engine and occasionally 3DS Max. Right now, I’m training to use Unity and Blender. 

How do you determine what visual effects take priority over others?  
In my opinion, the impact created during a combat move should be prioritized as it should spark satisfaction for the audience with every hit. 

Does the VFX Artist have creative freedom or are you restricted?  
We're free to be creative within limits. Constraints allow artists to be more creative by reducing the possibility of decision fatigue when creative choices are narrowed down. This means you end up picking the best options that can be implemented within a set timeframe.

How do the VFX Artists and 3D Animators work together? 
The animators in our studio do a great job making the animation work before handing it over to the VFX team, who add in extra pazazz or particle effects. The workflow on our end is to clarify if we are all on the same page regarding each animated action before we start implementing changes or adding effects.

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What would you say is the most important thing for successful collaboration between Animation and VFX teams? 
Communication is key! Our Art Director always ensures that an idea is properly conveyed to us before we start, and we always send block-outs to him before we proceed further with our work. 

The global pandemic ushered in a drastic shift to working from home, how have you continued to work successfully with your team?  
Online communication channels are the best way for us to work together. I end up talking to my teammates more than before. Through screen share, we can solve our problems together in real-time. From time to time we do talk about things unrelated to work and play games together socially too. 

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Are you working on any projects that you can talk about publicly? 
Currently, I am working on Bake ‘n Switch, an original multi-platform IP from the Streamline Media Group. Feel free to check out the game on Steam or the Nintendo Switch shop! Give us a review and tell us if you love those bundles of Buns!

What advice would you give to those looking to start a career in video game VFX or Animation?   
Keep believing in the things you do to get yourself on the right path. Find ways to keep yourself motivated to accomplish things that you believe in pursuing. If you like explosive VFX, then find ways to make the most explosive VFX that you have ever done! Be observant when you are playing awesome games you like. If you want to be able to make games like that, make sure you study the elements to find out the work-in-progress and behind-the-scenes development process.  

Streamline Studios is looking for new members to join their crew! Click on the links to apply for the 3D Animator, 3D Environment Artist, 3D Rigger, and the Lead Artist openings.

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