CGMA – Intro to Asset Creation for Games (Premium) Free Download

CGMA – Intro to Asset Creation for Games (Premium): Build Game-Ready Assets from Scratch

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If you’re an aspiring 3D artist or game developer looking to break into the gaming industry, Intro to Asset Creation for Games [Essentials] by CG Master Academy (CGMA) offers a comprehensive foundation. Led by industry veteran Ben Keeling, known for his work on Star Wars, Halo, and Suicide Squad, this 9-week self-guided course immerses you in the world of 3D asset creation, from concept to in-game implementation.

🎮 Course Overview

Instructor: Ben Keeling (Lead Environment Artist at Respawn)
Duration: 9 weeks (self-paced)
Skill Level: Intermediate
Format: Pre-recorded videos with weekly assignments
Software: Blender (or equivalent)
Prerequisites: General interest in 3D modeling or game design
Price: $149
Access: Lifetime access to course materials
Estimated Weekly Commitment: 10–15 hours

This course is designed for individuals with a foundational understanding of 3D modeling who wish to delve deeper into asset creation for games. It offers a blend of industry insights and practical exercises, culminating in a portfolio-ready project.

🧠 What You’ll Learn / Course Structure

Week 1: Introduction to the Gaming Industry

Explore the history and evolution of video games
Understand current industry trends and career paths
Recognize the impact of 3D artists in game development

Week 2: Reference Gathering and Prop Blockout

Collect and analyze references for a nature-inspired hard surface robot
Create initial greybox models to establish proportions and design

Week 3: High Poly Leg Modeling

Develop detailed high-poly models focusing on the robot’s legs
Apply advanced modeling techniques to enhance realism

Week 4: High Poly Head and Body

Continue high-poly modeling for the robot’s head and torso
Integrate design elements to complete the full robot model

Week 5: Nanite In-Game Mesh

Understand Nanite technology and its application in game meshes
Learn about texel density, geometry optimization, unwrapping, packing, and baking

Week 6: Texturing

Gather references for realistic textures
Create and detail smart materials
Explore hand-painting techniques for unique textures

Week 7: Rigging

Construct armatures and basic bones
Develop specialized rigs for legs, tendrils, and wings
Finalize and tidy up the rig for animation

Week 8: Animation

Gather references and brainstorm animation ideas
Create poses using the Action Editor
Block out and finalize a flying animation
Perform test renders for the animation

Week 9: Presentation

Set up basic and complex scenes for presentation
Focus on lighting setup for mood and clarity
Perform test renders and export final renders
Enhance work with post-processing techniques

🧰 Tools & Software

Blender (or equivalent 3D modeling software)
Adobe Substance 3D Painter for texturing
Unreal Engine 5 for implementing Nanite meshes
PureRef for reference gathering
Marmoset Toolbag for rendering and presentation

Note: While the course primarily uses Blender, students can adapt lessons to other 3D software they are comfortable with.

👨‍🏫 About the Instructor

Ben Keeling is a seasoned environment artist with over six years of experience in AAA game development. His portfolio includes work on renowned titles such as EA’s Need for Speed, Sony’s VR Worlds, and Halo Wars 2. Currently, he serves as a Lead Environment Artist at Respawn Entertainment. Ben’s teaching approach combines industry insights with practical techniques, making complex concepts accessible to students.

🎯 Who Should Enroll?

Aspiring 3D artists aiming to enter the gaming industry
Intermediate-level modelers seeking to enhance their asset creation skills
Game developers interested in understanding the asset pipeline
Artists looking to build a portfolio with game-ready assets

📌 Final Thoughts

CGMA’s Intro to Asset Creation for Games [Essentials] offers a structured and comprehensive pathway into the world of 3D asset creation. With guidance from industry expert Ben Keeling, students will not only learn the technical aspects of modeling, texturing, rigging, and animating but also gain insights into the gaming industry’s dynamics. By the end of the course, participants will have a polished, game-ready asset to showcase in their portfolios, positioning them for opportunities in the gaming sector.

👉 Enroll now at CGMA – Intro to Asset Creation for Games [Premium]