With today s digital technology, the image is no longer a stable representation of the world, but a programmable view of a database that is updated in real time. It no longer functions as a political and iconic representation, but plays a vital role in synchronic data-to-data relationships. It is not only part of a program, but it contains its own operating code: the image is a program in itself. "Softimage" aims to account for that new reality, taking readers on a journey that gradually undoes our unthinking reliance on the apparent solidity of the photographic image and building in its place an original and timely theorization of the digital image in all its complexity, one that promises to spark debate within the evolving fields of image studies and software studies."

Game Design Foundations, Second Edition covers how to design the game from the important opening sentence, the "One Pager" document, the Executive Summary and Game Proposal, the Character Document to the Game Design Document. The book describes game genres, where game ideas come from, game research, innovation in gaming, important gaming principles such as game mechanics, game balancing, AI, path finding and game tiers. The basics of programming, level designing, and film scriptwriting are explained by example. Each chapter has exercises to hone in on the newly learned designer skills that will display your work as a game designer and your knowledge in the game industry.

One of the country's leading instructors of Softimage offers dozens of step-by-step exercises, secret techniques from notable experts in the sidebars, and fabulous imagery from great Softimage artists. Completely full color, the book provides the optimum learning environment for this complex software. The CD-ROM contains cross-platform NT/SGI IRIX and popular shareware plug-ins.

Master techniques from top automotive designers and world-class game developers with this insider's guide to designing and modeling 3D vehicles. With techniques demonstrated in 3ds Max, Maya, XSI, and Photoshop, "3D Automotive Modeling" starts with a fantastic series of hot concept designs and continues by offering a full hands-on modeling tutorial for each. Some of the very best designers and modelers from across the globe take you through their processes step-by-step, giving you the tips, tricks, and short-cuts that true professionals use. "3D Automotive Modeling" features tutorials from Honda, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz designers, as well as modelers from Sony Computer Entertainment, Lucas Arts, and Simbin-artists who have worked on some of the biggest games in the industry, including the MotorStorm series. You will get: insider tips from a team of noted professionals, led by author Andrew Gahan, part of the award-winning game team behind the PlayStation 3 smash hit series, MotorStorm; all tutorial files, models, textures, blueprints, and concept images on the associated web site; and, access to a vibrant forum on the web site where you can discuss and share your work and get feedback from the pros.

PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

COLLADA is a COLLAborative Design Activity for establishing an open standard Digital Asset schema for interactive 3D applications. This book explains in detail how to use the COLLADA technology in a project utilizing 3D assets, and ultimately how to create an effective content creation pipeline for the most complex development. Errata are posted at

Teaches beginning students everything they need to know to render out exceptional frames. Also provides comprehensive information about textures, how they are projected onto models, and how to use them to modulate bump, transparency, reflectivity, and other surface properties.

Wisdom from the best and the brightest in the industry, this visual effects bible belongs on the shelf of anyone working in or aspiring to work in VFX. The book covers techniques and solutions all VFX artists/producers/supervisors need to know, from breaking down a script and initial bidding, to digital character creation and compositing of both live-action and CG elements. In-depth lessons on stereoscopic moviemaking, color management and digital intermediates are included, as well as chapters on interactive games and full animation authored by artists from EA and Dreamworks respectively. From predproduction to acquisition to postproduction, every aspect of the VFX production workflow is given prominent coverage. VFX legends such as John Knoll, Mike Fink, and John Erland provide you with invaluable insight and lessons from the set, equipping you with everything you need to know about the entire visual effects workflow. Simply a must-have book for anyone working in or wanting to work in the VFX industry.

Take your After Effects skills to a new level! Twelve step-by-step tutorials, designed by industry professionals, explore a variety of creative approaches as they teach useful design concepts and production techniques. Updated for After Effects 6.5, this new edition covers the most significant Version 5 and 6 features including 3D space, cameras, lights, parenting, text, animation presets, paint, and expressions. Each carefully structured project presents the "why" behind the steps, so you can adapt these techniques to your own designs and motion graphics work. All contain timeless concepts that will be of use for many years to come. After Effects in Production also contains six case studies of commercial projects created by award-winning studios such as ATTIK, Belief, Curious Pictures, The Diecks Group, Fido, and the authors' own studio, CyberMotion. These detail the integration of After Effects, 3D programs, live action, and a variety of animation techniques, revealing the artistic concepts behind the spots as well as the inventive techniques used to execute them. The enclosed DVD contains QuickTime movies of each of the final animations, allowing you to step through them frame-by-frame so you can examine them in detail.

This book will help you understand and work with XSI 4 to create a highly detailed character in a production environment. The approach in this book is unique because it is the result of a collaboration between art and technology.