Why Do Video Game Studios Avoid Blender?

Summary

The script discusses why Blender isn't the industry standard for big game studios despite being free and open-source. It lacks official support, which is crucial for corporations relying on professional assistance. While Blender offers a wide range of features, it falls short in specialization compared to focused programs like Maya or ZBrush. The script also touches on the importance of a smooth pipeline for production workflows, which Blender struggles with compared to industry favorites. Lastly, it addresses the resistance to change and the paradox of corporate spending as reasons why companies stick to established tools.

Takeaways

• 🆓 **Free Software**: Blender is a free program, which is attractive to individuals and corporations due to cost savings.
• 🤔 **Lack of Official Support**: Unlike Blender, Autodesk has a dedicated support network of professionals for troubleshooting and feature development.
• 🛠️ **Feature Specialization**: While Blender is versatile, specialized programs like Maya and Zbrush excel in specific areas like animation and sculpting.
• 🚀 **Innovation Pace**: Corporations prefer established programs that consistently innovate, which Blender struggles with compared to industry giants like Autodesk.
• 🛠️ **Pipeline Integration**: The ease of integrating Blender into existing production pipelines is not as smooth as other programs, impacting workflow efficiency.
• 🏭 **Industry Standard**: The industry standard plays a significant role in adoption, with many studios preferring familiar tools like Maya.
• 📈 **Resistance to Change**: Corporations are often resistant to change, favoring the status quo over new, unfamiliar software like Blender.
• 💼 **Management Inertia**: Executives may see the adoption of new tools as unnecessary when existing solutions are available, even if they are less efficient.
• 💰 **Financial Considerations**: Corporations might prefer to spend money on known software rather than risk the unknown with free alternatives like Blender.
• 📚 **Learning Curve**: Individuals may find it challenging to learn industry-standard software like Maya outside of formal education, impacting career prospects.

Q & A

Why is Blender not the industry standard for big game studios?

Blender is not the industry standard for big game studios due to several reasons including the lack of an official support network, the need for specialized tools that are often better in other programs, and the complexity of integrating Blender into existing pipelines.

What is the main issue with Blender's support network according to the script?

The main issue is that Blender has no official support network, which means users have to rely on community forums like Reddit or Stack Exchange, where they can't be sure if the answers they receive are correct or timely.

How do companies like Autodesk provide better support for their software?

Companies like Autodesk have teams of professional employees whose job is to answer questions and provide support all day long, ensuring a more reliable and immediate response to user queries.

What is the role of support groups in shaping future software features?

Support groups are not only there to answer questions but also to provide feedback that can help shape future additions to the software, making the development process more responsive to user needs.

Why did Autodesk recently introduce generative AI?

Autodesk introduced generative AI to enhance their software's capabilities, although the script suggests that the feature might not look good and could take a lot of time to clean up.

What does the script suggest about Blender's versatility compared to more specialized software?

The script suggests that while Blender is versatile with many features, it may not excel in all areas compared to more specialized software like Maya for animation or Zbrush for sculpting.

What is the significance of the pipeline in game development and how does Blender fare in this aspect?

The pipeline refers to the workflow from one type of production to the next. Blender makes it easy to stay within its own ecosystem, but integrating with other programs like game engines can be more complex compared to other software.

How does the script describe the integration of Autodesk products with game engines?

The script describes the integration of Autodesk products with game engines like Unreal as smooth and painless, thanks to direct connections that facilitate a quick transition between different stages of production.

What is one of the 'bad' reasons big companies might not adopt Blender according to the script?

One of the 'bad' reasons is the resistance to change within corporations. People often prefer to stick with what they know, even if it's not the most efficient or effective solution.

How does the script characterize the management's attitude towards adopting new tools like Blender?

The script characterizes management as 'lazy' in the sense that they prefer to use existing solutions rather than invest time and resources into learning and adopting new tools.

What paradox does the script highlight regarding corporate spending on software?

The script highlights a paradox where corporations are fixated on making money but also waste money on software because it's better to spend it than to have it taken by the government in taxes.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Why Big Studios Don’t Use Blender

Blender is a powerful, free program with a variety of features, making it a great tool for individual users. However, major game studios avoid Blender due to its lack of an official support network. While users can rely on community-driven platforms like Reddit or Stack Exchange for help, Autodesk provides a professional support team available to solve issues, making it more appealing to studios. Additionally, programs like Autodesk, Foundry, and SideFX not only offer support but also influence future program updates to better suit industry needs. Though Blender is open-source, adding new features in a professional game development environment can be time-consuming for devs already busy with other tasks.

05:01

🖥️ Blender's Features vs. Specialized Programs

Blender offers a wide array of features, including modeling, sculpting, rigging, animation, physics simulations, and video editing, making it a 'jack of all trades.' However, its versatility comes at a cost. Blender excels primarily in hard surface modeling, but specialized programs outshine it in other areas. Maya is superior in animation and rigging, ZBrush outperforms Blender in sculpting, and programs like Nuke and Houdini are more robust in node-based editing. Despite criticisms of Maya’s stagnation, it is still preferable to Blender, and other specialized programs like Modo and Houdini often fill the gaps where Autodesk products falter.

🔄 The Challenges of Blender in the Industry Pipeline

The 'pipeline' refers to the workflow of moving assets from one production phase to the next, and this is an area where Blender struggles compared to other industry tools. While it’s easy to keep everything within Blender, integrating Blender assets into other game engines or programs can be challenging. Autodesk has positioned its software, especially Maya, to work seamlessly with Unreal Engine and other tools, making the process efficient. Though Blender has improved in recent years, it still faces friction in the pipeline due to how other programs engage with it. This lack of smooth interoperability limits its use in larger studios.

💸 Corporations Resist Change and Favor Familiar Tools

A major reason large studios stick with expensive software rather than switching to free tools like Blender is simple: corporations fear change. Even if a new tool like Blender could save money or offer benefits, corporate inertia keeps them using established, familiar programs. Managers and executives often prefer sticking with 'tried and true' tools, even if they are outdated or financially inefficient, because change is seen as risky. This reluctance to adopt new technologies is pervasive across industries, not just in game development.

🤑 Corporate Paradox: Spending to Avoid Taxes

While it may seem counterintuitive, big corporations often spend excess money on expensive software rather than saving money with cheaper alternatives like Blender. The reason? Companies want to minimize their taxable profits. Any unspent money is taxable, so corporations prefer to invest in established, costly tools rather than explore free solutions. Additionally, raising funds through stock market investors is prioritized over cost-cutting measures, and as long as growth is shown on paper, shareholders will continue to invest. This mentality has led to a paradox where the gaming industry is booming financially but is also facing a crash due to unsustainable growth strategies.

🎮 Learning Blender vs. Maya in Game Studios

The final section reflects on a Reddit post where a game studio required a developer to learn Autodesk Maya despite already knowing Blender. While some studios may allow flexibility in choosing software, it’s generally not something to expect. Maya remains the industry standard, and learning it without formal education can be difficult. Although one can exploit free trial loopholes to avoid paying for Maya, it's still a challenging road. The video concludes by humorously encouraging viewers to enjoy the content and bid them farewell.

Keywords

💡Blender

Blender is an open-source 3D creation suite that supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation. In the video, it's highlighted as a free alternative to expensive software, which is appealing to individuals and potentially to corporations due to cost savings. However, the script also discusses why it's not widely adopted as the industry standard despite being free.

💡Industry Standard

The industry standard refers to a product or level of quality that is accepted as the norm within an industry. In the context of the video, it discusses why Blender isn't the industry standard for big game studios despite its cost-effectiveness. The term is used to contrast Blender with other software that has become the norm in the gaming and animation industries.

💡Official Support Network

An official support network typically consists of professional teams that provide assistance and training for software users. The video script mentions that Blender lacks an official support network, which is a significant drawback for corporations compared to other software like Autodesk, which has a team dedicated to user support.

💡Open Source

Open source describes software for which the source code is made available to the general public with rights to use, study, change, and improve the software. Blender is highlighted as an open-source software in the video, which allows for community contributions but also implies a lack of formal support and updates compared to proprietary software.

💡Generative AI

Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can create new content, such as images, music, or text. The video script uses Autodesk's 'generative AI' as an example of a feature that might not be as efficient as a custom solution, but it illustrates how companies invest in innovation to stay competitive.

💡Hard Surface Modeling

Hard surface modeling is a technique used in 3D computer graphics to create objects with hard edges and surfaces, like mechanical parts or vehicles. The video points out that Blender excels at hard surface modeling, but may not be as advanced in other areas compared to more specialized software.

💡Pipeline

In the context of the video, a pipeline refers to the sequence of steps involved in creating a game or animation, from 3D modeling to the final product. The script discusses how Blender's integration into existing pipelines can be more challenging compared to other software like Maya, which is designed for seamless integration.

💡Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya is a 3D computer graphics application that is widely used in the film, TV, and game industries for modeling, animation, rendering, and compositing. The video script contrasts Blender with Maya, discussing why Maya might still be preferred in the industry despite Blender's lower cost.

💡Zbrush

ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool used to create highly detailed models and textures. The video script mentions Zbrush to illustrate how specialized software can outperform Blender in certain areas, such as sculpting, despite Blender's versatility.

💡Nuke

Nuke is a node-based digital compositing system used in film and television post-production. The video script compares Blender's node-based editing to Nuke, suggesting that while Blender is capable, Nuke is more specialized and advanced for certain tasks.

💡Houdini

Houdini is a 3D animation software that specializes in visual effects, 3D modeling, and rendering. The video script uses Houdini as an example of a program that might replace Maya if it becomes outdated, indicating the preference for specialized software in the industry.

💡Investors

Investors are individuals or entities that provide capital for businesses, expecting a return on investment. The video script discusses how corporations prefer to maintain high growth numbers to attract investors, which can lead to spending more on established software rather than opting for cost-saving measures like using Blender.

Highlights

Blender is a free program that is amazing for individuals and potentially appealing to corporations.

There are complex reasons why Blender isn't the industry standard in big game studios.

Blender lacks an official support network, which is a significant issue for corporations.

Autodesk provides a team of professionals for support, unlike Blender's community-based assistance.

Support groups are crucial for future program development and user experience.

Blender's open-source nature allows for community-driven feature additions but may lack professional development focus.

Autodesk's generative AI feature showcases the rapid development pace of proprietary software.

Blender is versatile with many features, but it may not excel in all areas compared to more focused programs.

Specialized software like Maya and Zbrush often outperforms Blender in specific areas.

The pipeline workflow is critical for game development, and Blender's integration can be challenging.

Autodesk and Unreal have a smooth pipeline connection, which is beneficial for corporations.

Blender's pipeline integration has improved but still lags behind other software.

Corporations often prefer the status quo and are resistant to change, even if it could be beneficial.

Lazy management practices can lead to a preference for established solutions over innovative changes.

Corporations may see自主研发 as a waste of time when existing solutions are available.

Corporations often aim to spend money to avoid giving it to the government in taxes.

Investors and stock market growth are more important for corporations than cutting costs.

The gaming industry's paradox of crashing despite record profits is highlighted.

Learning Autodesk Maya is often required over Blender, even if one is proficient in Blender.

The video concludes with a humorous suggestion to fake emails for free trials of Autodesk Maya.

Transcripts

blender is an amazing program and it's

free which to a small guy like myself

sounds pretty good but you think to a

money grubbing corporation that would

sound even better after all they're

constantly looking for more ways to get

money into their greasy little pocketses

but the truth is a little more

complicated than that and as it turns

out there are some good reasons why

blender isn't the industry standard

there's also some bad reasons though too

so here's why big game studios don't use

blender

now this may not sound like a big deal

to a lot of people out there but to a

corporation it's a massive problem which

is why we're talking about it first

blender has no official support network

so you can go to Reddit or stack

exchange and just pray that somebody

will answer your question and if they do

that it's actually correct but Autodesk

has a team of employeed professionals

whose job it is to answer questions like

that all day long they know the program

and they're there when you need them but

these support groups aren't just there

to answer your questions they're also

helpful in yielding future additions to

the programs I mean maybe not Autodesk

but companies like Foundry or side

effects who still care about providing

you a good experience will certainly do

that I mean yeah sure blender is open

source so you could technically add

anything at any time but a busy team of

devs barely have time to finish the game

nonetheless build something entirely new

as I edit this Autodesk drops their

latest feature generative AI it doesn't

even look good it looks awful the amount

of time it'll take for Debs to

retopologize this and clean it up they

could just have made a way better one on

their own way faster art art art when it

comes to available features blender has

a lot of them modeling sculpting rigging

animation physics simulations painting

and even video editing a jack of all

trades master of maybe one of them it's

hard surface modeling has always been

its main focus and it does do that

pretty well but when it comes to

anything else it is lacking compared to

a more focused program Autodesk on its

own has a whole Fleet of them and

outside of that there are tons of others

all of which only focus on maybe one or

two things and do those things

incredibly well Maya still outpaces

blender and animation and rigging zbrush

makes blender sculpting almost infantile

and while node-based editing is great in

blender it still can't compete with

something like Nuke or Houdini of course

you could argue that Autodesk Maya is

slowly becoming outdated it really

hasn't done much to innovate itself in a

long time but does that mean that

blender to replace it no because where

one ungodly product falters another will

take its place Modo Houdini probably

some other another good reason

would have to be the pipeline the

pipeline is something that I was really

confused about as a kid trying to learn

about game development what is this

mysterious pipeline it just refers to

the workflow of going from one type of

production to the next like 3D modeling

to painting for blender that would be

super easy if you're going to just use

blender but going from blender to game

inine is a bit trickier than it would be

for other programs autod sells itself on

being as smooth of a process to the

pipeline as possible not only between

its own programs but also between others

unreal for example has a direct

connection to Maya making the process as

quick and painless as you could ever

imagine and for big companies with

limited time and tons of employees

that's a very important aspect blender

of course has gotten a lot better at

this over the past few years but its

fluidity in the pipeline is still

hemorrhaged by how other programs ch

choose to engage with it which is

usually not at all now that obviously

doesn't mean you can't take something

from blender into any other program but

it will have to be the oldfashioned way

of course that's also assuming that

blender is trying to fit into the

pipeline which it isn't always now these

have been some great reasons why big

companies love paying tons of money for

crazy programs but what about the bad

reasons you know the saying don't change

what isn't broken well corporations

prefer the phrase don't change anything

ever if you've ever worked in some form

of Industry any really not just game

development this rule applies everywhere

people do not like change especially

when that change is towards something

entirely new that no one else is doing

after all change is scary and it's just

a whole lot easier to stick with what

you know then do something new even if

what you're currently doing is making

you go bankrupt and speaking of brain

dead management this brings us into our

next bullet point a really common claim

nowadays especially about Bethesda is

that they're too lazy they don't don't

want to do stuff which is obviously

stupid especially about Bethesda since

they program all of their own stuff they

built and upgraded the creation engine

they made the modding tool set the

creation kit the reality is they're

actually more active in this department

than most game studios the true lazy

ones are the executives who see this as

a waste of time why should their people

be making all this stuff when somebody

else has already done it for them it's

just a lot easier to throw money at the

problem than to try and solve it

yourself especially if you've got money

to throw but this may actually confuse

you because it seems to create a bit of

a paradox after all big corporations are

always fixated on making money how can

we squeeze as much profit out of our

products as possible and you're also

probably thinking the best way to do

that is to stop spending money where it

isn't needed why spend tens of thousands

of dollars every month on tons of

programs when you could spend 0 in

instead but the reason why that isn't

actually a good solution is because

corporations aren't actually looking for

excess money as a matter of fact it's

better to waste as much money as

possible because every dollar you have

lying around is another dollar you have

to give to the government and that's

worse than throwing it in the trash

quite frankly besides there are a lot

better ways to raise money than by

cutting costs the primary way is through

investors as long as those growth

numbers keep going up then you can keep

convincing morons on the stock market to

buy more more stocks because assuredly

that will only equal to more growth and

more money for Everyone by the way this

is also why the gaming industry is

crashing currently despite making more

money this year than it's ever had ever

before yeah good job guys you did it I

decided to make this whole video because

I saw a Reddit post about a guy who's

confused why a game Studio said that he

had to learn how to use Autodesk Maya

even though he already knew blender and

in some cases a studio might just let

you use the program of your choice but I

wouldn't count on it but unfortunately

trying to learn Maya without going to

college is going to be pretty

challenging but I mean you could just

scum fake emails to get infinite free

trials hope you enjoyed this video and

I'll see you in the next one goodbye

[Music]