Competition for me?

[roosterMAP]

Lately, I've seen most competitions are aimed to character artists. Im an environment artist hoping to compete in some really sick competitions. U guys know of any good ones that are coming up, have recently started, or annual ones? What sites host these competitions most often?

Any chance of an official Polycount competition coming up? The valve one was a great start. I hope there will be others.

[Wahlgren]

The only one I know about is Unearthly and well, the results of last years are still not out but at least we've gotten a top 15 so far.

The next UC won't be until next year though so eh... maybe we can get some polycount love here? (Although polycount usually does love it's character artists... just a bit to much ;) )

[Surfa]

Maybe we could get one going.

[Zipfinator]

I'm going to make a detailed suggestion of something we could do when I'm back at home. I really think the community could benefit from some environment competitions because it's something that's really been lacking outside of Unearthly.

[Zack Fowler]

A well-advertised and organized PC env contest would be damn sweet.

[Bal]

Maybe now that the TF2 contest is over, something new will follow?

[ES_139]

some kind of movie scene competition could be sweet.....?

[Zipfinator]

I'm think we should get a consistent routine of competitions going, say like one environment/scene contest every 3 months including the voting/judging period.

[ErichWK]

Yes yes yes! This would be mega rad! I think a theme that would be cool is something like.. "watercolors"..like to do environments that aren't the dystopia brown or apocalyptic grey. Scenes with nice colors and mirror a Miyazaki palette. But that's just me.

[Andreas]

I'm think we should get a consistent routine of competitions going, say like one environment/scene contest every 3 months including the voting/judging period.

+1

Never realised it before but there's actually a buttload of enviro guys on pc.

[Wahlgren]

Those damn character artists are stealing all our thunder... not to mention the babes.

[Tom Ellis]

I'd love to get involved in an environment contest, so count me in. I was still getting to grips with game art last UC so I missed out, but I think a contest would be a good experience and a lot of fun!

[adam]

Let's let the LPC #3 finish its course then see if we can't cook something up for you.

It'd be a 'Challenge', though, and not a contest as we wouldn't have prizes/sponsors for you. We could leave the voting open for you to choose the winners.

[Tom Ellis]

It'd be a 'Challenge', though, and not a contest as we wouldn't have prizes/sponsors for you. We could leave the voting open for you to choose the winners.

What I'd like about it is just the involvement and the kind of 'group motivation' associated with working towards something with a bit of a deadline to kick you up the ass!

[adam]

uuuhm, what? I don't follow..?

It's Monday, go slow.

[cholden]

has to be real time, has to be playable download (udk or sandbox). ;)

[danshewan]

I think he meant that he'd be more into the community spirit of a challenge, as opposed to the prizes of a contest.

[Zipfinator]

I think what he means is that he doesn't care about prizes and such, just the ability to work and get constant feedback from other people entering. I completely agree because competitions, even without prizes, motivate me to work harder and push myself to meet the deadline.

[Tom Ellis]

Exactly, I don't care about prizes to be honest, obviously free stuff is nice but just like Dan and Zipfinator said, community spirit and motivation to complete a project and work to a deadline along with getting a load of feedback is just as great.

[adam]

Ah, yes.

I like the idea of the contest being for UDK exclusively. 3 reasons:

1 - It's free.
2 - It's real-time.
3 - 'Winners' offer up their upk and udk files for download/observation/learning.

OK, let me get the team on this.

[cholden]

I like the idea of the contest being for UDK exclusively.

I'm in, to build something wacky.

[roosterMAP]

I like a UDK scene idea a lot. Even better if it were annual!

Also, winner should have little tags under their avatar (like in cgtalk). Im not lookin for real prizes. Just recognition. Something good in the folio :)

[tristamus]

Oh heck yes...I've already got what I want to make in my mind. I now need to know if I should wait to make it for this contest, or start now!

Let's make this thing real and get it going asap!

Especially with UDK ...perfect.

[Danielw155]

sounds pretty awesome, would we be able to have teams Adam if this does happen. Im sure a buddy of mine would hook me up with a cool concept to work from.

[adam]

It'll likely be loose as to who enters. We'd just give a theme, some limits, and an overall goal for your environment and tell you to 'go'. The idea here is that we challenge your skillset.

[JasonLavoie]

Weop.. I think for sure I am down for this one, and maybe my soon to be new roomie will be up to team-up for this!!!!

[Zipfinator]

I'd love to help out planning if you need help once I get home tomorrow.

Also I think Source should be open for use too. Source has quite a large modding community and I know a lot of people who'd love to get into some competitions.

[adam]

I'm more interested in Free solutions at this point, for something like this.

[adam]

I suppose the other thing we could do, instead of exclusively to UDK, is:

-Must be created for an engine: UDK, Source, Sandbox, etc.
-Final presentation MUST be a video.

The environments won't be HUGE, in fact the triangle count will limit this quite well, so the videos won't be any large undertaking.

/brainstorm

[maze]

It might be cool as well to have something like a 'PROP' (it can be...a gun, a vehicle, a corridor, catapult, shuttle...etc ...in any given style) Challenge for those who can't afford the time that requires a whole environment. just sayin'...

[adam]

I wouldn't make it a 'whole' environment. Just a vertical slice of one.

[Tom Ellis]

I wanna say something. I'm gonna put it out there; if you like it, you can take it, if you don't, send it right back.

For a theme... how about 'New West'?

It's possibly a really bad idea but it's a little different.

What with all the excitement over RDR right now, and the mass of sci-fi inspired stuff we're seeing in P&P (my current project included) a crossover might be interesting. Some scope for some interesting looking props/buildings.

Like 'Neo West', an old west town that kept the majority of it's facade but with future technology and erm, other new fangled stuff.

Just a thought!

Geez, you can tell it's 1:30am here.

Night guys.

[Zack Fowler]

Digging the ideas so far, Adam. A little diorama of sorts, more of a realtime cut with standard game resolution than a carefully selected beauty shot, but without the workload of a full env.

[Zipfinator]

I don't think we should be discussing themes right now. If these are going to become consistent competitions we need to iron out a set of rules and such.

Also I think for the rules you should use Unearthly as a base/reference for texture budgets, triangle limits and stuff like that.

[Peris]

sci fi hallway contest!

[Moosey_G]

sci fi hallway contest!

I second this wonderful idea

[Lamont]

sci fi hallway contest!Good idea, I need something to model around my wood crates!!:):)

[maze]

I wouldn't make it a 'whole' environment. Just a vertical slice of one.

haha,...

[Sean VanGorder]

This HAS to happen. I've been looking around for something like this since I wasn't confident enough to participate in the last UC. I can say for sure that my roommate and I would join in on this, and I'm sure there would be plenty of others coming out of the woodwork for an environment challenge.

[crazyfingers]

Could be cool!

Too busy myself to jump in with a side project i'm working on, but here's my suggestion for the competition:

Best prop category!

Not everyone has the time to finish a full environment or they realize half way it's just not going to work out and maybe they'd rather just polish up what they have, or maybe they collaborate with someone and they do really kick arse work on a couple little things but they don't place. If there's a best prop sub winner there's something to shoot for without having to worry about mastering the full range of environment art. Whatever rules and subject matter the environments have to fulfill, best prop has to as well.

[Justin Meisse]

sorry, I've been drinking so I can't read anyone's posts but:

polycountville 2.0 UDK edition, you build your shack fitting inside of a preset space for UDK.

[ZacD]

I like the way you think, Justin_Meisse, Its a good time to drink.

Oh and the polycountville idea sounds awesome/fun.

[Sean VanGorder]

The polycountville idea reminds me of an idea I had a few months ago. I wondered what it would be like if everyone on PC worked in an actual office building together. I brought up the idea to Adam, so I'll just copy and paste the PM I sent him in which I tried to explain my idea. I'm aware it probably doesn't make much sense outside of my own head. I'm not saying this should be for the environment challenge, but maybe a separate project somewhere down the line.

"I was inspired by the Polycount Stall thread, where everyone signs their name to the wall. What if, using UDK, we collectively built a virtual "Polycount Office". Everyone who wishes to participate will receive a 15x15 foot (or whatever size) office space that belongs to them. They can do whatever they would like within their office, whether it be build their dream office or just make it ridiculous. They could fill it with models they have previously done, or make all new models. Outside of each office will be a plaque on the wall with the members username. There could be separate floors for different levels of members. Members with 1-299 posts could be floor 1, 300-999 could be floor 2, 1000 posts and up could be floor 3, and admins could have their own floor.

The more skilled PC members could also be in charge of the hallways, stairs, and other layout features of the office. Every so often, a build of the level would be available for download, for members to run through.

Like I said, I don't know if this would be possible or not. Whoever organizes the project would have to put rules and regulations regarding the specs of each room and such. I'm also not sure how we would go about integrating all the work that everyone does into one single environment. That's why I'm running this by you before posting the idea, to see if this is even logically possible.

I just think it would be very entertaining to run through what you would envision the Polycount Office building to look like, and be able to view each member's personal office. It would also give members a chance to produce models, learn some of the engine, and show off their models in-game."

[crazyfingers]

I like the idea of incorporating everyone's work together in one large scene, but doing so in a super modular manner might kill the artistry. It's not too much fun working in a "box".

I really like the idea of making it UDK mandatory and having everyone share their assets and packages. When it's all over there are all kinds of possibilities for making 1 uber polycount scene by just merging everyone's scenes together.

[ZacD]

How about everyone gets part of a giant map, (like a map in the shape of greentooth + randomized terran)?

The only problem would be people not finishing... maybe everyone just creates their own town (or teams/groups of people) and there's some size restrictions, but then we start throwing it all together once the contest is over?

[adam]

haha,...

?

[ZacD]

I suppose the other thing we could do, instead of exclusively to UDK, is:

-Must be created for an engine: UDK, Source, Sandbox, etc.
-Final presentation MUST be a video.

The environments won't be HUGE, in fact the triangle count will limit this quite well, so the videos won't be any large undertaking.

/brainstorm

Might be cool to do some unity stuff, in browser maps you can explore.

[Avanthera]

Maybe have a modular wall contest.

[Andreas]

Dunno if the modular thing (everyone putting their work together) would work, what with people working with different art directions and such... team work would be good though.

[Stinger88]

If you're looking for a quick 2D competition. There's the EOW (Environment of the Week) over at CA.org. No prizes. The standard of artwork is pretty good. I have a go now and again to when a brief catches my eye. You might be looking for something more substantial though.

[slave_one]

Hey,

I just stumbled on this,

http://www.e-onsoftware.com/showcase/competition/2010/

probably not what (most of) you are looking for, since it is not needed to be realtime and you just submit and image, AND you need to make use of Vue (any version) in combination with anything you'd like.

It is i believe an annual competition and submission period has already started and is open till july 18th.

anyways, some of you might find this interesting ..

[teaandcigarettes]

Great ideas so far, but I don't really see why UDK should be mandatory. By allowing a wider array of engines the diversity of work would increase as well. I'm afraid, that if people were using only UDK, we would see mostly indoor scenes. UDK, despite all great updates still does not favour big open spaces due to its, rather primitive, terrain tools.


Also, all popular engines can be downloaded pretty much for free; Sandbox is included with the demo version of Crysis, Unity can be downloaded from its developer website and Source SDK is easily available on Steam. I understand that using only one engine would makes file sharing easier, but not doing so would encourage people to try something new. Hell, if someone made kickass and well documented Unity/Source scene I would by more than happy to download it and figure out how it was done.

[Wahlgren]

Only indoor with udk? I call bullshit. Go look at unearthly :)

[teaandcigarettes]

Hehe, I said "mostly indoor scenes" ;) I did some work on big landscapes in UDK and while it's certainly dooable it's nowhere near being intuitive. In fact, creating vast but open spaces is rather easy (if you don't mind limited number of terrain materials), but making dense forests can be a pain if you need a high level of control when you place your foliage. Then again, when it comes to terrain I've been completely spoiled by Sandbox, so take my words with a grain of salt :poly142:

[Vito]

So that's an interesting challenge idea: take a level or scene that's exemplary in engine A and remake it in engine B.

It gets you to learn new tools. For every thing that engine A does really well, engine B will have more than one reasonable way to fake it, so you get to compare design techniques with others. Get some really experienced engine B level designers to judge technique.

As to engines in general, UDK and Unity are both free to use and create with. If you can build and run custom levels with the Crysis demo Sandbox editor, without hacks or EULA violations or anything, then that shouldn't be ruled out.

But you can only get the Source SDK if you've bought a Source game like HL2 or TF2, which, perhaps surprisingly, not everyone has. You might not want to make that restriction.

[roosterMAP]

I really like the idea of an anual UDK scene competition. Make sure its ANNUAL. It make a competition look way more legit.
Also, it would be even better if winning prizes were possible (eat3d and gnomon vids) nothing big.

essentially, what i think many of us want is a polycount versions of this: http://features.cgsociety.org/challenge/

[Zack Fowler]

I don't think sponsorship is necessary at the start. Get them going regularly and it will be easier to work sponsorships in later, once the PC crew can go to sponsors and say, "This is how awesome the entries are even without any prizes!" I think trying too hard for sponsorships is one of the things really bogging down other challenges/contests like Unearthly. Meanwhile, many if not most of us are primarily motivated by the prestige of being champion amongst such a badass group of peers, and by having a context to really push ourselves for our best work.

The way some sites display trophies for challenge winners in the forums is really distracting and gaudy, so I'm pretty hesitant to suggest this, but adding a bit of text like "Champ" (or an unobtrusive, simple icon for each win) under the winning poster's icon in the forums could up the ante even further.

[Disco Stu]

I think 3dtotal forums do a decent job at won challenges emoticons.

[Surfa]

Why not just be all like

UDK Contest: Interesting Corridor
Spec limit: 2048^2 for whole env
etc...

Time Limit 1 month go

Or something similar just shot sweet interesting contests to inspire people and get people to work together creating great art. No sponserships no prizes just fun.

[Zipfinator]

Yeah I think these should be fairly often things like every 1 to 3 months. They don't need huge judging processes and sponsors like Unearthly. It'd just be to have some fun competing with fellow polycounters while growing along the way and that's much easier to do when there's a chance every 3 months compared to every year or two.

[roosterMAP]

3 months is WAY too often. once every 6 months maybe. but have the actual competition last 2months or so. awsome scenes take a long time to make.

[duoxan]

sorry, I've been drinking so I can't read anyone's posts but:

polycountville 2.0 UDK edition, you build your shack fitting inside of a preset space for UDK.

hahaha this would be really awesome or really terrible. after finishing the tf2 challenge, i think it would be cool to do an environment challenge.

[Jesse Moody]

Like Adam has said... Just wait ;)

[Zipfinator]

3 months is WAY too often. once every 6 months maybe. but have the actual competition last 2months or so. awsome scenes take a long time to make.

A site I used to frequent had these types of competitions every MONTH, including voting and development. Granted most of the entrees didn't create much or any custom content for their entries (It was on source so most of the less experienced people just used Valve's HL2 assets), there was still a fair amount of people entering and submitting nice scenes.

Two month development would probably be the best solution but I don't get why there needs to be a four month gap inbetween them. Doesn't do much good to discuss though because Adam and his team are working on it. Hopefully they shed some light on what they're thinking soon.

[ZacD]

just start some comps and see how well they work, and adjust times/constraints and how often they are based off how the community does. I'm sure there's lots of students/people working on their portfolios that would be happy to jump on any comp they can find.

[kaze369]

competition idea:
the comp will be split into 2 sections, section one would be creating environment assets for a specific theme. The other section will have level designers taking the assets that people have created and make an environment from them. this way all of polycount can contribute on making an environment and level designers can work on their skills.

also....

I think we should start experimenting with some of the ideas that have been presented. that way we can see with hard evidence what works and what doesn't work. is someone here willing to start an unofficial polycount environment challenge?

[Wahlgren]

If you start a comp... PLEASE! make it end on the deadline... not 2 weeks after it.

[Tavor]

Awesome idea. It'd be a nice way to work something with a deadline and good for the portfolio if done well.

[tristamus]

There's no way something like this could be bad for the community....

Inspiring, competitive, and practice for our skills. I'm dieing to start making what I want to make but I don't want to start before the contest begins!!

[shake1]

I'm so keen on joining an environment competition :)
It seems people either want 1 big annual competition to go all out on, or 1 competition every few months...... why not do both? And if the competitions become a big hit, then maybe turn it all into a contest with prizes if need be?

So 1 x Big Annual Comp to show off all our awesomeness
1 x small comp every 1-4 months (to keep in practice and keep that learning curve goin up)

Either way i look forward to it!

[kaze369]

Would anyone like to setup an experiment challenge with me?

[Autocon]

Instead of having just as an environment challenge it should be characters only IMO

[kaze369]

Instead of having just as an environment challenge it should be characters only IMO
Well, there are plenty of character and creature challenges/competitions out there and I thinks that's the reason why poeple here want just a environment based challenge.

[tristamus]

Well, there are plenty of character and creature challenges/competitions out there and I thinks that's the reason why poeple here want just a environment based challenge.

Dude, are you at all aware how many competitions go on a year for "Just Character" contests!? It's saturated...

We need some more environment design contests like this!!

[MattQ86]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uGdpRnuCmvY/SJobLlCWwPI/AAAAAAAAADk/xd28QTInkLU/s400/sarcasm_detector.jpg

[kaze369]

Dude, are you at all aware how many competitions go on a year for "Just Character" contests!? It's saturated...

We need some more environment design contests like this!!
That was my point.

[tristamus]

Oh whoops, I quoted the wrong person lol - I meant to quote the guy talking about making it a character contest!

[Steen]

I would love an environment based challenge. It would be great to see more challenges in general on this site. How about some long term and short term challenges to choose from?
Want challenges! Do it! Go!

[kaze369]

Would anyone like to setup an experiment challenge with me?
Anyone???

[Zack Fowler]

Adam and Jesse have hinted that they're working on ideas for this behind the scenes. I'll wait to see what they come up with.

[maze]

let them think. Then.

[Autocon]

Ha I'm glad MattQ86 at least gets what sarcasm is.

[Andreas]

lol cmon how many years are you using the internet... it doesn't translate well :P

[tristamus]

ANYWAYS, aside from all the *sarcasm*...

Can't wait for this to start. I'm sure Adam and them are doing what they can to get it started. =)

[[HP]]

+1 vote for more env art chalenges! :)

Last time i participated in one was for game-aritst scene for a movie chalenge, and I had a great time.

Give some love to level / environment artists PC! ;)

[tristamus]

;1175749']+1 vote for more env art chalenges! :)

Last time i participated in one was for game-aritst scene for a movie chalenge, and I had a great time.

Give some love to level / environment artists PC! ;)


Yessssssss......

I am dieing for this competition to start, seriously.

[tristamus]

Any word yet, Adam?

[[HP]]

Guess not!

[duoxan]

methinks the UPCP should take care of this, if they get room for moar

[tristamus]

Still no word? Really? =(

[BaZe]

Here's one enviorment competition I came across, deadline: 1st Oct (2D/3D/Realtime)

http://www.tdt3d.com/articles_viewer.php?art_id=405

[tristamus]

Hey!

How come nobody is here to keep encouraging this but me! lol =P

If Adam sees that I'm the only one pushing for this contest, then we're never going to have it!

[Zipfinator]

I really want it to happen too but I know we just need to wait for it. Posting here isn't going to speed up it's arrival. I don't think Adam and whoever he put on to help organize it would forget about it.

[kaze369]

You could alway help out with The Unofficial Polycount Collaboration Project.