Google and Sony Pictures Imageworks has announced the release of OpenCue, an open source render manager specifically built for the needs of the visual effects and animation industry. (more...)

RealtimeUK has released a new trailer for the mobile strategy game Sky Kingdoms, the first of several to be created specifically for Chinese clients. Watch it on YouTube.

Pixomondo has released a breakdown reel for their work on the first season of Siren. Watch it on YouTube.

PolyDetail is a new 3DS Max script that's designed to help artists model ornamental components by creating strokes with a mouse. (more...)

Epic Games has announced the acquisition of 3Lateral, a company specialised in developing digital humans technology that worked on the “A Boy and His Kite” animation and the real-time “Siren” and “Digital Andy Serkis” demonstrations. According to the press release, "the 3Lateral team will continue to support all of its partners; and Epic’s new presence in Serbia will serve as a base for recruiting technical and creative talent in the region". Find our more on Epic's blog.

Jesse Pitela recently posted several tutorials about using Phoenix FD and Thinking Particles to simulate chocolate drizzled onto various desserts. Not recommended for those trying to stick to a diet! Chocolate on strawberries | Chocolate onto ice cream part 1 and part 2 | Chocolate on a cake . Many more simulation tutorials are available on Jesse's Youtube channel.

Adobe has announced the acquisition of Allegorithmic - including Substance Designer, Substance Painter and Substance Source -  for an undisclosed sum. It is expected that Allegorithmic's current employees will stay on at Adobe.  (more...)

Newtek has announced the release of Lightwave 2019, only a year after the previous release, fulfilling the promise of the new year-based naming convention. New features include a live link with Unreal Engine, new sculpting tools and improved FBX and OpenVDB support.  (more...)