VFX for Games Creating a Fantasy Scene by Keagan Williams

Follow along to create a floating fantasy scene for Unreal Engine using Houdini, Mixamo, Photoshop, and Character Creator. Senior VFX Artist Keagan Williams has used the workflow, tools, and principles taught on videogame titles such as Marvel’s Midnight Suns.

This workshop aims to guide you through the creation of the fantasy scene demonstrated by Keagan while empowering you with the skills you need to efficiently, flexibly, and beautifully develop and express your creative ideas.

Primarily aimed at beginner to mid-level artists, this workshop is ideal for those looking to create real-time VFX portfolio pieces, particularly those beyond basic particle systems. The scene demonstrated through this workshop features a central VFX element, and Keagan also touches on the worlds of Houdini’s KineFX and Vellum, as well as stylized hair, lighting, blueprints, and more. Some basic Houdini and Unreal Engine knowledge is recommended.

Tackling tricky VFX sequences involves an initial investment of time; however, you’ll discover that the techniques demonstrated will open you up to more excellent creative freedom on your projects.

You’ll be able to follow along using the character shown in this workshop; alternatively, you can create or use your own. When following along with this tutorial, we recommend you download the (free) Mixamo characters and animations, as mentioned by Keagan. Additionally, Keagan has provided the files needed for almost everything else seen in the workshop.