Why Blender Doesn't Meet Industry Standards

Contents:

• What is meant by the standard?
• Staff retraining
• Customization from scratch
• Lack of a license
• Blender's prospects
• The personnel issue in the Russian market
• Let's summarize

Blender offers a comprehensive set of tools for creating 3D art from scratch. However, when analyzing job openings for 3D artists and animators, it becomes clear that large studios prefer candidates who work in more common programs. In this article, we will examine the reasons why Blender does not meet industry standards and share the opinions of representatives of various studios on this issue.

What is meant by a standard?

A standard is a set of criteria aimed at achieving a certain level of quality, especially in the context of developing high-budget projects at large studios. In such cases, the production process utilizes not a single program for the entire art department, but several specialized tools integrated into a common workflow. This streamlines the content creation process, improving its quality and efficiency at every stage of development. Thus, compliance with standards is becoming a key factor for the successful implementation of projects in the industry.

Content creation in the field 3D art follows a specific process. First, a concept and idea for the project are formed, which serves as the basis for further work. Then, objects are modeled using specialized software, creating three-dimensional models. Following this, texturing occurs, where color, textures, and materials are applied to add realism. Next comes animation, if necessary, and lighting is adjusted to create the desired atmosphere. Rendering completes the process, producing a high-quality final image or animation. This step-by-step approach ensures a high degree of detail and professionalism in 3D art. Creating a concept model in ZBrush is a key stage in the 3D modeling process. ZBrush offers powerful sculpting tools that allow artists to bring their ideas to life with a high degree of detail. This process involves developing shapes, textures, and details, resulting in a unique and memorable design. Using ZBrush allows you to experiment with different styles and techniques, making it an indispensable tool for concept artists and 3D designers. Optimizing your workflow in ZBrush depends largely on understanding its features and capabilities, which in turn contributes to the creation of high-quality concept models. Retopology in Maya and 3ds Max is an important step in the 3D modeling process, allowing you to improve topology and optimize the model's mesh. This process is especially important for professionals in animation and game development, as high-quality topology helps the model display better in motion and simplifies further work with textures and lighting. Maya and 3ds Max offer various retopology tools that help create a clean and organized mesh, minimizing the polygon count without losing quality. Using features such as Quad Draw in Maya or Graphite Modeling Tools in 3ds Max can significantly simplify the workflow and speed up the modeling process.

High-quality retopology not only improves performance in game engines but also makes it easier to edit the model in the future. Correct topology ensures optimal polygon distribution, which is especially important for animation and deformation.

Therefore, mastering retopology techniques in Maya and 3ds Max is a key skill for 3D professionals striving to create high-quality and efficient models.

Texturing in Mari, Substance Painter, and Substance Designer is an important aspect of 3D modeling and digital art. These programs offer powerful tools for developing high-quality textures that significantly improve the visual perception of models. Mari allows artists to work with layer-based textures, which provides flexibility and control over the process. Substance Painter offers an intuitive interface and realistic materials, which greatly simplifies the texturing process. Substance Designer, in turn, is ideal for creating procedural textures, allowing users to generate unique surfaces using a node system. Using these tools allows artists to achieve high standards of quality and detail in their projects.

Rigging and animation are important aspects of 3D modeling, especially in programs like Maya and 3ds Max. Rigging involves creating a skeletal structure for 3D models, allowing animators to give them realistic movement. Animation, in turn, involves using these rigs to create dynamic and expressive movements of characters or objects. Maya and 3ds Max offer powerful rigging and animation tools, allowing users to achieve high-quality results. Knowledge of these processes opens up numerous opportunities for creating animated content in film, games, and other media formats.

Physics and visual effects (VFX) simulation using Houdini and Cinema 4D software. These tools allow for the creation of realistic physical simulations and impressive visual effects, making them popular among 3D graphics and animation professionals. Houdini offers powerful capabilities for creating complex simulations, including fluids, fabric, and particles, while Cinema 4D provides an intuitive interface and flexible visual effects tools. Using these programs together enables high-quality results in animation and film production.

Rendering in Katana, Arnold Renderer, and RenderMan is a crucial step in creating high-quality visuals. Katana provides powerful tools for managing complex scenes and streamlining your workflow. Arnold Renderer is renowned for its ability to create photorealistic images with high detail and lighting quality. RenderMan, developed by Pixar, offers unique rendering capabilities, including support for complex shaders and effects, making it a popular choice in the film industry. Using these renderers allows for impressive results in animation and visual effects, making them indispensable tools in the arsenal of professional artists and designers.

The final stage of post-production is compositing in Nuke. This process involves combining various visual elements into a single image, achieving professional image quality. Nuke offers a wide range of tools for working with color, effects, and animation, making it an ideal choice for creating complex compositions. Proper use of Nuke can significantly improve a project's visuals and achieve the desired artistic effect. Compositing in Nuke is key to creating high-quality content that will engage viewers and leave a lasting impression.

Blender offers alternatives for all stages of the pipeline, and its free distribution is a significant advantage. However, despite the obvious advantages, switching a large studio from familiar tools to Blender can pose a number of serious challenges and lead to additional costs. This is due to the need for employee training, adapting workflows, and the potential costs of integrating the new software into existing systems.

Staff Retraining

The FlippedNormals podcast discussed the current issue of Blender's lack of demand in the AAA segment of the gaming industry. The portal's co-founder, Danish 3D artist Henning Sandén, noted that creating large projects requires large teams comprising dozens of specialists, such as modelers, riggers, and animators. Therefore, recruiting professionals proficient in Blender is a significant challenge, as most artists still prefer to work in programs like Maya and 3ds Max. While some professionals may use Blender for personal projects, knowledge of the program is not universal, as it is not integrated into standard studio workflows.

When switching to a new tool, art department management must ensure that employees are fully proficient in it and capable of completing projects within the established deadlines. Otherwise, retraining may be necessary. Changing software within a workflow is always stressful for specialists accustomed to the interfaces of other systems. This process can take several months, especially when retraining a large team of over a hundred people. As a result, by the time the adaptation is successfully completed, work on the project using the old tools may already be completed. Effective change management and clear planning are key factors contributing to the successful integration of new software and minimizing time costs.

Customization from scratch

Many studios use their own toolkits that significantly speed up their workflows. These tools range from small scripts for solving specific problems to more complex plugins designed for integrating content into game engines. Most of the programs mentioned in the example pipelines are already compatible with game engines and offer built-in import plugins. When switching to Blender, a team may face the risk of spending months or even years adapting and creating a new set of tools for efficient work. Ultimately, the developed tools may turn out to be nothing more than utilities that already exist in other programs, which can reduce the team's overall productivity and efficiency. For studios to consider switching to Blender, it needs to outperform established programs like Maya, ZBrush, and Houdini. Currently, Blender is not able to compete with them at a professional level within the industry.

In our work, we use scanned data that requires cleaning. ZBrush is ideal for this task, as it can handle a large polygon count even with a small number of objects. We import the model into ZBrush and remove unnecessary elements. If the model has clothing that needs to be removed, this can also be done in ZBrush. We can then recreate the clothing using Marvelous Designer, which allows us to achieve a high level of detail and realism in the final model.

Despite the functionality available in Blender and Maya for similar tasks, I prefer not to use these programs solely for their convenience. My choice will always be based on the tool that best suits a specific task. This approach applies to all aspects of development, emphasizes Morten Jaeger, co-founder of the FlippedNormals portal.

No License

Purchasing a license provides a company with the confidence of receiving proven software with a full range of technical support. This allows the team to accurately estimate the scope of work and deadlines for tasks, knowing that the tools used will be reliable and effective. Licensed software not only minimizes the risks associated with its use but also guarantees access to updates and the latest features. Unlike many programs, Blender is still in development, meaning some features, such as hair or fur generation, are still in the testing phase. If a specialist encounters an error during work, they will have to wait for the next update, and there is no guarantee that the problem will be fixed. Feedback is primarily available through the general chat or specialized forums dedicated to Blender. With licensed software, the situation is much simpler: the user simply needs to contact technical support to quickly receive a comprehensive answer to their question.

When creating a project with a budget of several million dollars, it is impractical to use the latest version of Blender, which has just been released and has not undergone sufficient stress tests. It's recommended to wait at least a year for the developers to implement the necessary fixes. While some users recommend downloading experimental builds for work, it's important to remember that these are intended solely for testing and not for serious projects. Henning Sandén, co-founder of FlippedNormals, emphasizes the importance of using stable and proven versions of software to ensure high-quality work.

Many Blender plugins and solutions look impressive in videos, but in real life, bugs, unexpected limitations, and other issues often arise. Because these are free tools, the program's developers bear less responsibility for their stability and functionality. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly review and test plugins before using them in production to avoid potential issues and ensure an efficient workflow.

Egor Tomsky is the CEO of Watt Studio. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant success in developing innovative solutions in design and technology. Egor actively promotes the ideas of sustainable development and a creative approach to design, which allows Watt Studio to stand out from the competition. With experience in various fields, he strives to implement best practices and provide high-quality service to clients. Inspired by new challenges, Egor continues to develop Watt Studio, focusing on the uniqueness and effectiveness of each project.

Blender's Prospects

Blender has the potential to carve out a niche in the production of high-budget projects. A survey on the 80 Level portal demonstrated a positive attitude among artists toward this program, highlighting the significant growth in its functionality and quality in recent years. However, some experts warn that due to established industry standards, Blender is unlikely to completely replace traditional programs within the next 5-10 years.

Blender is becoming increasingly popular among Blender is popular among freelancers and independent studios not only due to its free license but also due to its wide range of tools for creating high-quality graphics. This program is ideal for developing not only video games but also special effects for films and TV series, such as Hardcore and Lethal Weapon. Blender is also actively used in animation. Blender Studio, a subsidiary of the Blender Foundation, promotes animated films by demonstrating the program's potential in computer graphics. Blender offers powerful tools for creating professional projects, making it an ideal choice for creative professionals.

Human Resources in the Russian Market

The Russian labor market is experiencing significant changes, especially in the context of the cessation of software license supplies. We conducted a survey among representatives of various studios to find out their attitudes toward candidates who only know Blender. The question was: "Are you willing to hire a specialist who only knows Blender?" The responses we received allowed us to better understand the current requirements and expectations of employers in this new reality.

The selection of a candidate depends on the studio's pipeline and specific workflow. For example, when creating videos in 3ds Max, importing models from Blender can take significant time, requiring the involvement of an additional specialist if the current employee is not proficient in 3ds Max. If a specialist develops models for game content and delivers them finished in a game engine, the software used for creation becomes less critical. Importantly, making edits will be easier in familiar software; otherwise, the studio will have to request source files in universal formats or seek an additional Blender specialist. This emphasizes the importance of flexibility in tool selection and employee qualifications to optimize the workflow.

Kirill Reznicenko is the CEO of RainStyle Games. Under his leadership, the company successfully develops innovative solutions in the gaming industry, offering unique projects and impressive game mechanics. Kirill's experience in management and strategic development allows RainStyle Games to maintain a leading position in the market. Thanks to his vision and professionalism, the company continues to attract the attention of players and investors, creating high-quality content and maintaining high standards in game development.

Our team has two specialists working in Blender, and we are ready to consider a new candidate with experience in this program. For a small studio, the software used by an employee is irrelevant. However, specialists with Blender experience are not always in demand. This may be due to the fact that many of them focus on the process of working in this program rather than the final result. This is often perceived as a fad. If a candidate indicates that they work exclusively in Blender, this may indicate that we will not be able to collaborate effectively. We are looking for professionals who are results-oriented, not just using a specific software.

Egor Tomsky is the CEO of Watt Studio, a company specializing in the development of innovative solutions in design and technology. Under his leadership, Watt Studio has achieved significant success, implementing modern approaches to design and production. Egor actively contributes to the company's strategies aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of services provided. His experience and vision contribute to Watt Studio's development as a leader in its industry, which allows us to attract new clients and strengthen our market position.

I work as a 3D artist and actively use Blender for modeling and texturing. Although interviewing candidates is not part of my responsibilities, I can say that Blender is a popular tool among many 3D artists and animators. Some colleagues prefer 3DCoat or Substance Painter for texturing, but most of us are comfortable using Blender. Animators perform complex rigging and animation in this software, and after exporting to FBX format and importing into the game engine, all functions work smoothly.

It's important to note that Blender can be more demanding than programs like Maya. Despite its many tools, some tasks require a more in-depth understanding, while Maya and 3ds Max offer ready-made solutions for similar tasks. Personally, I would prefer to hire someone proficient in Blender, as this software offers a wide range of capabilities for 3D modeling and animation.

Alexey is a 3D artist at Unfrozen Studio. In his work, he creates high-quality 3D models and visualizations using modern technologies and methods. With his experience and skills, Alexey makes a significant contribution to the studio's projects, ensuring their artistic and technical integrity. Unfrozen Studio is known for its innovative approaches and unique solutions in 3D graphics, and Alexey plays a key role in achieving these goals.

A person with a good command of the software and the ability to achieve the desired result is not limited to a specific program. The modeling process remains similar across various applications, with differences limited to certain tools. Therefore, a specialist's qualifications are assessed independently of the software used.

Vitaly Starostin holds the position of 3D Lead at GFA Games. He is responsible for creating and managing 3D graphics development processes, a key element in the gaming industry. Under his leadership, the team develops high-quality 3D models and animations, making games more engaging for users. Vitaly's experience allows him to effectively manage projects and implement innovative approaches to development, which contributes to the successful completion of tasks and the achievement of goals in the video game industry.

The VK group "RavenStories - about Russian games and more" recently conducted a local survey dedicated to indie developers. This survey allowed us to gather the opinions and ideas of representatives of the independent gaming industry, contributing to a better understanding of their needs and challenges. The survey results could become an important resource for the development and support of indie games in Russia, and will also help identify trends and preferences of both developers and players.

The survey results demonstrated that the overwhelming majority of respondents, 59% versus 10%, are willing to hire a specialist proficient in Blender. This confirms the high demand for professionals with Blender skills, opening up new career opportunities in 3D design and animation. Companies are actively looking for employees who can create high-quality content, and knowledge of Blender is becoming an important factor in hiring decisions.

Let's summarize

For Blender, developed by the Blender Foundation, to become popular in the 3D modeling industry, it must continue to be developed and actively promoted in educational institutions. Currently, most training courses focus on Maya and 3ds Max. This transition will require time and effort. However, in 5-10 years, Blender could occupy a significant place in the market, especially if the program is updated and expanded with functionality that meets the requirements of large companies. The key factor will be the availability of ready-made tools and plugins adapted for specific tasks, allowing users to effectively use Blender in a professional environment.

A beginner who chooses Blender has excellent opportunities to launch a career in a small indie studio or as a freelancer. Using Blender, they can develop their skills while simultaneously learning other tools and programs. This will broaden their horizons and increase their competitiveness in the market. It is important to remember that experience with various programs in the field of 3D modeling and animation significantly increases the chances of successful employment and professional growth.