#09 - Steal AAA VFX Tricks!!👾✨
Hey there,
Have you ever wondered how AAA VFX are created? What if I told you that one of the most powerful tools to accelerate your learning is something free and readily available - game engine demos.
In this newsletter, I’ll show you how studying demo projects in Unreal and Unity can fast track your skills and get you closer to AAA level VFX. Let’s dive in!
Why Game Engine Demos?
Game engines like Unreal and Unity aren’t just for building games - they are goldmines for learning. Many demo projects are packed with high-quality particle VFX made by professionals.
The best part? You can download these demos for absolutely free, study how the VFX are made & even break down the emitters & shaders used to create them. Here are some top demos to check out:
Valley of the Ancient: A demo filled with natural phenomena & environmental effects.
Lyra Game Project: Offers VFX related to combat & gameplay mechanics.
Paragon: Complex AAA VFX setups from muzzle flashes & explosions to magical spells.
UEFN: These assets are a great way to learn advanced workflows and techniques used in the industry.
Analyze the VFX in Context
When opening a demo, ask yourself:
What is the purpose of the VFX? (Is it an explosion? A spell?)
Does it enhance gameplay or storytelling?
How does it blend with the game (animations, environments, sounds)?
Understanding the why behind each effect is just as important as the how.
Reverse Engineer the Effects
Open the VFX asset: Check the particle systems & materials used.
Deconstruct the components: Break down the particle emitters setup, shaders & textures.
Experiment: Tweak the parameters - alter particle size, colors & timing. Watch how small changes affect the overall effect.
Recreate & Customize: Try recreating the VFX from scratch with your own twist! Adding your own unique elements will help solidify your knowledge.
Final Thoughts
Start by downloading a demo and reverse-engineering the VFX. By learning from demo projects, you’re not just mastering techniques - you’re understanding how VFX fit into the bigger picture of game design. This real-world experience is invaluable for building a portfolio & impressing future employers.
Have questions or need guidance? Feel free to reply to this email - I’m here to help on your journey!
PS: 🚨 Join TheFXFrontier Discord - Connect, share knowledge, get feedback and grow with fellow VFX artists. Copy-paste this in your browser if the link doesn’t work: https://discord.gg/CRkCKUpH8R​
Thanks for reading!
