GDC 2013 adds visual art talks from Journey, Rayman, StarCraft II

Game Developers Conference organizers have announced new Visual Arts Track lectures for the upcoming March 2013 conference, including talks on the tech behind StarCraft II's visually lush cutscenes, the creative process for the acclaimed Journey's art, and the standout animation tools created for Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends. The Visual Arts Track is just one of seven focused Tracks for the Main Conference to be held Wed-Fri, March 27-29 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, CA. The first chosen talk is from Blizzard's Matt Schembari, and is named 'Cutscenes Everywhere: The Tech Behind StarCraft II's Storytelling'. The lecture presents "how the new cutscene editor and its underlying engine were built in StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm", and will review the design process, and how having a user-focused approach shaped both the tool and engine alike. In 'Rayman Reinvented,' Ubisoft animators Eric Verwaerde and Anais Dusautois will discuss how their team brought the limbless character to life in Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends (pictured). This talk will cover the creation of tools such as the Ubi-Art Framework Animation tool, "which were designed specifically to put artists at the heart of the development process." Finally, in 'The Art of Journey,' Otis College of Art and Design staffer and former Thatgamecompany art director Matt Nava will share his creative process while working for thatgamecompany on the studio's award-winning PS3 game. Nava will base the talk on his book, "The Art of Journey," and will offer behind the scenes looks at "the design of the character, creatures, landscapes, architecture, and sequences in the game." For more information on these or others in the show's growing lineup, check out GDC 2013's official Schedule Builder, which continues to add new talks every week. Discounted early registration for GDC passes ends February 13, and GDC 2013 itself will take place March 25-29 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. For more information on GDC 2013, visit the show's official website, or subscribe to regular updates via Facebook, Twitter, or RSS.