You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide We all know the classic wonderkid hotspots in Football ManagerBrazil, Argentina, Spain, France, etc. The usual suspects. But what if you want to find a star beyond those standard destinations? Theres something uniquely satisfying about unearthing a wonderkid from a so-called obscure nation. It just hits differently, doesnt it?Hunting for Wonderkids in Football ManagerWeve already listed unknown wonderkids and even chatted with IRL strikers about their favourite picks, but this time we went on a deep dive to uncover which lesser-heralded countries produce a surprising number of wonderkids. This research involved trawling the internet, analyzing Football Manager metrics, and leaning on my personal experiences. These nations might not be obscure in the grander sense of their importance globally, but they are considered obscure in football terms because they lack representation from top-tier clubs competing on the world stage.For instance, Scottish fans might not consider Celtic and Rangers obscure, but given the absence of a truly elite Scottish team for decades, Im including them on this list. Lets dive in.Nigeria Describing Nigeria as obscure feels almost wrong. The nation has a population of over 220 million and is absolutely football mad. But in Football Manager terms? Obscure. Nigeria isnt even in the base game. Yet, when it comes to African nations, Nigeria stands out as a wonderkid goldmine (perhaps rivaled only by Egypt).With a three star Youth Ratingthe same as Belgiumsyoure looking at a wonderkid haven. And lets be real, we all know Belgium is top-tier for youth talent. The best part? Nigerian players are ridiculously cheap. Thanks to the leagues low wages, its easy to tempt their budding stars to your club for peanuts. If youre looking for affordable future superstars, Nigeria is a no-brainerEgyptSpeaking of Africas finest, Egypt takes the crown with the continents highest Youth Rating: a stellar three and a half star Youth Rating which is the same level as Argentina and Portugal! , on par with Argentina and Portugal. In FM23, Egypt ranked 10th in youth rating worldwide, making it the only African nation to crack that list.And it makes sense. Egypt has produced bona fide superstars like Mo Salah and rising talents like Omar Marmoush. While the Egyptian league has a higher reputation than Nigerias, the players are still absolute bargains compared to their European counterparts. If youre scouting Africa, dont sleep on Egypt. South AfricaThis ones more personal anecdote than hard data, but South Africa never fails me in Football Manager. In every save, theres always one South African wonderkid who goes on to become the nations greatest player of all time.The NXGN top wonderkids list frequently includes a South African gemusually from Sundowns. And since South Africa is part of the base game, youll find more players available compared to countries not included. For managers on a tight budget who want an under-the-radar star, South Africa is a great shout.A South African wonderkid in my current save Football Manager 2024IranWhen it comes to the Middle East, Iran reigns supreme for producing wonderkids. While nations like Serbia often get more attention, Iran quietly edges ahead with a Youth Rating of 110 compared to Serbias 100. Surprised? Youre not alone.This highlights a common bias in FMwe assume certain countries are better than they really are. In real life, Irans best player might be Mehdi Taremi (no offense, Mehdi), but in-game, Iran has the potential to produce some serious talent. Dont overlook them.An Iranian wonderkid in my current save Football Manager 2024Japan If youre scouting Asia and want a hidden gem, Japan is the place to go. The nation boasts a Youth Rating of 112, putting it just shy of footballs traditional powerhouses.A good rule of thumb? Copy Brighton. Their scouting system unearthed the exceptional Kaoru Mitoma, and Japan has continued to produce stars like Daichi Kamada and Ao Tanaka. Their players are technically brilliant, affordable, and perfect for building your next dynasty.ColombiaLabeling Colombia as obscure might raise a few eyebrows. But when people talk about scouting South America, the spotlight is usually on Argentina and Brazil. Colombia often gets overlooked.With a strong Youth Rating and solid reputation, Colombia punches well above its weight in terms of wonderkid production. Make sure youre scouting Atletico Nacional and the Colombian youth teamsbefore clubs like Chelsea swoop in and steal your gems. A Colombian wonderkid in my save Football Manager 2024Czech Republic The Czech Republic might sit in the shadow of its neighborsGermany and Italywhen it comes to youth development, but dont let that fool you. The Czech league is a hidden gem for wonderkids.Teams like Sparta Praha, Slavia Praha, and Banik Ostrava regularly produce high-potential players who can thrive at the top level. And thanks to the leagues lower reputation, these players are much cheaper than their counterparts in neighbouring countries.Other obscure nations to keep an eye onWhile these may be the best obscure nations to scout your wonderkids from, theres a lot more to keep an eye on. Theres always the possibility of finding a killer wonderkid in Football Manager, so keep an eye on these additional nations:ScotlandAlgeriaUSA Ivory CoastTurkey GreeceSouth Korea RussiaUkraine QatarDR Congo Conclusion This list was so hard to narrow down and make as there are so many lesser-thought of countries that are brilliant for getting hidden gems and undervalued players. Are there any Ive missed that you think I should include? Let me know in the comment section!Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereThe First Descendant Season 2 has been a lot of fun, especially with the recent introduction of Ines Raya who fans completely adore. Right now, fans can get some free rewards from an event before they expire, and some big content is dropping very soon. All eyes are then on March for the arrival of Season 3. While we still have to wait over a month for S3 to arrive, The First Descendant fans can sign up to try to play Season 3 early.How to sign up to play The First Descendant Season 3 earlyThe First Descendant Season 3 is scheduled to start in March. Nexon havent pulled the curtain aside on the third TFD chapter as of writing, but they have shared official details about the new character, and she promises to be hotter than all the other playable heroes thanks to her skills.Although S3 is still a couple of months away, Nexon is accepting applications for people to play the chapter early. You must submit your application before February 5th as that is when the survey expires.In addition, its noted that the FGT playtest is limited to specific regions, and these are New York and San Franciso in the United States. You will need to answer a slew of questions to determine whether youre appropriate for the playest, and these include queries about the types of video games you play and how much experience you have with The First Descendant.To be in with a chance of participating in the TFD S3 FGT, make sure to fill out the survey before February 5th. Starting from February 10th, the lucky selected participants will be contacted through the details provided in the application.If you are lucky enough to receive an invite, the playest will occur between February 25th and March 2nd. Unfortunately, only a very select few will receive an invite, and, again, you must reside in either New York or San Francisco. Check out Nexons webpage for more information if necessary.Aside from a new playable character for Season 3 codenamed Sierra, the only other details we know is that S3 will add photo mode. In addition, Nexon are looking to add jiggle physics in May, and Nexon has revealed the next Fellow set to be added.In more The First Descendant news, players can check out the2025 roadmap.The First DescendantPlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Adventure, RPG5VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Leave your winter doldrums at home by saying Aloha! to the best hotels in Hawaii for a beach getaway. Pretty much everywhere you choose to stay on the islands, theres a desktop-worthy view waiting to greet you as a backdrop. But your beachside lodgings themselves can vary quite a bit, so we did the due diligence of digging up some of the most aesthetically pleasing placesinside and outto post up on your stay. From impeccable architecture to swanky interiors to carefully curated decor (and, of course, private cabanas), these nine gorgeous properties rival the surrounding landscape for sheer visual appeal.And with first-in-class service and posh amenities, these elevated Hawaiian hot spots will help you dodge winters chill and make the most of your New Years resolutions to relax more, sleep better, and live in the moment (youre on island time now, after all). Below, some of our favorite hotels in Hawaii for soaking in some vitamin D and interiors inspiration.Andaz Maui at Wailea ResortCourtesy of Andaz MauiAndaz Maui at Wailea Resort radiates luxury at every turn, delivering world-class accommodations and outstanding service. Situated on 15 lush acres along Mkapu Beach, this resort features 320 guest rooms, including 35 suites and 30 luxurious villas. Guests can enjoy five stunning ocean-facing pools, including an adults-only infinity pool; a 24/7 fitness center featuring Peloton bikes, TechnoGym equipment, free weights and a smith machine, and a serene salon and spa for moments of true relaxation. With four exceptional on-site dining options, including the farm-to-table Kaana Kitchen, youre guaranteed to indulge in seasonal and locally sourced ingredients honoring the rich traditions of Hawaii. Rates start at $800/night.Book Now'Alohilani Resort Waikiki BeachCourtesy of Alohilani Resort Waikiki BeachFollowing a $125-million redevelopment in 2018 and a facelift courtesy of award-winning architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, the 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach in Honolulu opened with 839 guest rooms and suites that reflect the tranquil setting and natural beauty of its Oahu surroundings. Each one comes furnished with balconies that offer gob-smacking views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, or the famed volcanic cone Diamond Head. Perks include a heated salt water infinity pool; two rooftop tennis courts; and a three-story saltwater aquarium in the hotel lobby that houses 1,000 indigenous sea creatures. Among the seven eateries on-site, the buzziest are the Morimoto Asia Waikiki and Momosan Waikikirun by iconic iron chef Masaharu Morimoto. In an effort to restore its lush surroundings, the hotel also charges a resort fee of $5 per stay to donate to Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, a nonprofit that plants indigenous trees across Hawaii. Rates start at $424/night.Book NowHalepuna Waikiki by HalekulaniThe museum-like lobby of the Halepuna Waikiki.Courtesy of Halepuna Waikiki by HalekulaniThis 288-room Honolulu oasis has managed to attract as many visitors from faraway places as it has locals. Though Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani features all of the luxe amenities expected of a AAA Four Diamond property, it also boasts a famed bakery and restaurant whose artisanal loaves of bread and decadent pastries where carb-loading is encouraged. Other highlights include the Urban Escape, a deck on the eighth floor where guests can dive into an infinity pool, hole up in a collection of private cabanas, and sip a tropical libation in a stylish bar. Rates start at $423/night.BOOK NOWGrand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria ResortThe sweeping pool at the Grand Wailea.Courtesy of the Grand WaileaMost PopularArchitecture + DesignTour a Tiny Boathouse in Connecticut With Outsize CharmBy Laura May ToddShopping28 Best Shower Curtains to Transform Your Bathroom DecorBy Kristi KelloggMagazineDarren Jett Sets the Mood at a Classic Manhattan LoftBy Sam CochranFrom the original outpost in New York to a dreamy offshoot in Amsterdam, the Waldorf Astoria has set the bar quite high for lavish accomodations, and the Wailea resorton 40 lush acresis hardly an exception. Notably, it features a 2,000-foot-long pool surrounded by Greek-inspired tented cabanas and seemingly limitless adjustable chaise longues. Plus, the private villas are next-level extravagant. The oceanfront Hoolei villas, for instance, boast panoramic ocean views in all three bedrooms, a luxury kitchen, and three and a half bathrooms. Theres even a private lanai fitted with a grill. Rates start at $890/night.BOOK NOWFour Seasons Resort HuallaiA serene infinity pool at the Four Seasons Huallai.Courtesy of the Four Seasons HuallaiIdyllic waterfront retreats are getting a run for their money at the Four Seasons Resort Huallai on the overwhelmingly blue Kona-Kohala coast. The stately 249-room hotel may sit on 865 acres of white-sand beaches and black-lava landscapes, but the pice de rsistance is easily Kings Pond, Huallais iconic 1.8-million-gallon swimmable aquarium. The ponds dramatic refresh includes an elevated swimming pool, lounge deck, and Kumu Kai Marine Center, where on-site marine biologists interactive programming will most definitely keep guests busy for the duration of their stay. Otherwise, spend a day working on your swing at the Huallai Golf Hale or unwinding in one of the glossy wooden outdoor spa hales nestled within the resorts tropical gardens. There is basically no way to go wrong at this luxurious choose-your-own-adventure resort. Rates start at $1,340/night.BOOK NOWFour Seasons Resort Maui at WaileaAn aerial shot of the Four Seasons Maui Resort.Courtesy of the Four Seasons Maui ResortMost PopularArchitecture + DesignTour a Tiny Boathouse in Connecticut With Outsize CharmBy Laura May ToddShopping28 Best Shower Curtains to Transform Your Bathroom DecorBy Kristi KelloggMagazineDarren Jett Sets the Mood at a Classic Manhattan LoftBy Sam CochranThe 383-room Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea completely elevates the concept of open-air beachfront resorts. No detail has gone overlookedtake, for one, the beautiful bushels of sweetly fragrant plumeria flowers flanking the adults-only infinity pool. There are also three delectable chef-driven dining concepts on the property: the sophisticated Ferraros Bar e Ristorante serving inspired Italian dishes, chef Wolfgang Pucks famed Spago Maui, and the casual open-air Duo Steak and Seafood, which features an award-winning wine program. Rates start at $895/night.BOOK NOWFairmont OrchidThe lush scape and pool at the Fairmont Orchid.Courtesy of the Fairmont OrchidSituated on 32 truly pristine oceanfront acres along the black-lava Kohala coast of Hawaii Island, the Fairmont Orchid has made a concerted effort to stay in lockstep with local culture. Upon walking through the heavy glass doors, guests are serenaded with traditional Hawaiian music, and the resort also hires expert cultural ambassadors who can teach Hala frond weaving, lei making, and net throwing or show you the best spots for stargazing and hikes to ancient petroglyphs.Despite its sprawling size, the Fairmont Orchid maintains a relaxed, charming atmosphere. And with three bars and six eateries on the propertyincluding a fine dining venue, a take on a traditional northern Japanese grill, and a casual thatched-roof hutyoull never have to wonder too far off the property for grub. Rates start at $866/night.BOOK NOWThe Westin Hapuna Beach ResortThe Westin Hapuna, a stones throw away from the Hawaiian shores.Courtesy of The Westin Hapuna Beach ResortMost PopularArchitecture + DesignTour a Tiny Boathouse in Connecticut With Outsize CharmBy Laura May ToddShopping28 Best Shower Curtains to Transform Your Bathroom DecorBy Kristi KelloggMagazineDarren Jett Sets the Mood at a Classic Manhattan LoftBy Sam CochranOn the island of Hawaii, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and its Arnold Palmerdesigned 18-hole golf course, sit along the shores of its namesake beach, Hapuna Bay. Though Hawaiis Big Island may be the most popular tourist destination, this resort has a special draw: It features a 249-room hotel and a collection of one- to four-bedroom residences that range from 670 to 3,500 square feet. Guests opting out of a traditional resort stay in favor of the Mauna Kea Residences still get to enjoy every amenity available to hotel guests, including the 6,800-square-foot freeform pool, adult-only infinity pool, indulgent menus at the three restaurants (plus the Piko Coffee+Bar), fitness studio, and spa, to name a few. To appeal to locals, this hotel thats part of the Marriott portfolio offers a special room rate to Hawaii residents. Rates start at $767/night.Book NowMontage Kapalua BayAn open-air walkway at the Montage Kapalua Bay.Courtesy of the Montage Kapalua BayFrom the Montages Deer Valley, Utah, lodge-inspired hotel atop a steep mountain to their picturesque locale in Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina, where Southern hospitality reigns, this brands line of sprawling resorts knows no bounds when it comes to luxury. Such is certainly the case at Montage Kapalua Bay. Most resorts tend to feel a bit grand, but the Montages Maui outpost has a more intimate vibe with its 50-plus residential-style lodgings (some of which are privately-owned Montage residences).Each apartment is huge, says luxury travel advisor Cali Stein, a director at Four Hundred Advisor Network, of the Montage Kapalua Bay. The three-bedroom product is perfect for families and even groups of friends. They are so spacious that you never have to even leave the apartment. But you should, because they have a beautiful and intimate luau with no more than six tables of guests. The dancers invite you up to dance with them for a really one-on-one experience.Though there are three restaurants and bars on-site, the Montage Kapalua Bay really excels at private dining: Guests are treated to an extravagant, personalized culinary experience with bespoke dishes and wine pairings. Rates start at $1,500/night.BOOK NOW

When Margaret Coblentz and Geoff Miller first met, they were on coinciding ski trips in California. The two shared a love of skiing, and, as it would turn out, a love of so much else. The two kept in touch after the ski trip, and, before too long, they were married and starting a family.Though they lived in San Francisco, where they still keep a primary residence, the couple wanted to create another home that would allow them to keep skiing a part of their lives. The California mountains were an option, but with roots in the Midwest and Kentucky, they saw in Utah a place to build a ski retreat, but also a destination more readily accessible to their extended families. As Miller explains, skiing is an important activity to us as a couple, but we also just love getting people together.The couple bought a fully furnished home in Deer Valley, but while they loved the area, the houses traditional aesthetics didnt feel quite right. So when a ski-in/ski-out lot came up for sale, the couple lunged at the opportunity. Though the parcel was empty, it wasnt quite a blank slate. The property was part of a subdivision that came with a set of architectural plans that had already been approved and permitted. Still, they knew that together with their friend and owner of SVK Interior Design, Senalee Kapelevich, who had designed several interiors for them, including their San Francisco home, they could tailor it to make it just what they wanted.Having first met on a ski trip, the homeowners now have unobstructed framed views of Deer Valley.We came in with a clear sense of what we wanted the house to be and how we wanted it to feel, says Miller. We looked at a lot of mountain homes, he says, and there seemed to be two prevailing aesthetics: traditional Western on one hand, and extremely angular and cold on the other. The homeowners wanted something in betweena home that made sense in its setting, but that was suited to their tastes. California, but in the mountains, as their designer Kapelevich puts it.They also wanted a sense of refinement, but not one that would come at the expense of comfort. We were interested in how the house lives; not just how it looks, says Coblentz. Take the floors, for example. We dont wear shoes in the house, so how the floor feels in socks and bare feet was important, explains Miller. For the material and installation, they used First, Last & Always, a San Franciscobased custom flooring company. Its so soft, and it doesnt feel waxy, says Miller. It feels like a piece of sanded wood right out of the mill.

Making Flow Interview with director Gints ZilbalodisJanuary 22nd, 2025User StoriesFrancesco Siddi html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Flow, the animated feature film following the mystical journey of a dark grey cat and his companions, is the manifestation of Blenders mission, where a small, independent team with a limited budget is able to create a story that moves audiences worldwide, and achieve recognition with over 60 awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Animation and two Oscar nominations.In this interview, Gints Zilbalodis, writer and director (and more!) of the film, shares how Blender was instrumental in the creation of the film.Gints: Ive done animation, all kinds of animation. I started doing hand drawn, 2D, digital animation. But after making a few shorts, I realized that Im not good at drawing, and I switched to 3D because I could model things, and move the camera. And so at first, I used Maya, which was taught at our school at that time.After finishing my first feature Away, I decided to switch to Blender in 2019, mainly because of EEVEE. I started using the 2.8 beta or even alpha release. It took a while to learn some of the stuff, but it was actually pretty straightforward. Many of the animators in Flow took less than a week to switch to Blender.EEVEE was interesting to me because, even my first feature Away, it was all playblasted, which is not like proper rendering, rather its like previews.I was excited to find that workflow in Blender, but in a more advanced way that gave me greater control. Speed is really important to menot just in rendering but also in working with files, setting up lighting, and creating the overall look. I like to work on multiple aspects at the same time; for example, when setting up the camera, I also need lights in place because lighting influences camera placement and how the scene looks. Thats why EEVEE was so appealing to me.I briefly experimented with some game engines, but at least back then, it was really difficult to figure out a workflow for making films in them.And Blender was ideal: it had all the tools I needed.The entire project took about five and a half years. In the first year, I was writing the script, learning Blender, and looking for funding as Dream Well Studio. That was in 2019.In 2020, we secured some funding, and I moved into a co-working studio space with other artists and developers who were using Blender. Thats where I connected with Mrti Uptis and Konstantns Vievskis.Mrti was one of the first people I approachednot specifically for water simulation, but just to see how he could contribute. However, it quickly became clear that he had a deep expertise in water, unlike anyone else.We were fortunate that, in the early stages, it was just me, so the pandemic didnt affect us much. By the time we moved into full production in 2023, things had stabilized.I created a short pilot for Flow about a minute and a half long where I went through the entire workflow. It was technically basic, but it was useful to test the process. That led to our first teaser, which I never showed publicly. Later, we made another, entirely new teaser, which we used for pitching.In 2021, we started hiring concept artists and building the team. We brought in riggers and developers to create custom scripts that helped streamline the workflow while I was working on the animatic.The Latvian studio was relatively small, it all fit in one room. In total, we had around 15 to 20 people, but at any given time, there were usually only three to five people working, since different teams handled pre-production and post-production.We had a set-dressing team. I would design the initial scene in previz, and they would refine it by adding more plants, props, and environmental details. Concept artists sketched out buildings and figured out their construction, incorporating storytelling elements into the environments.Other team members focused on developing tools. Water was a huge part of the film, but only two people handled all the water effects. Mrti had already been researching water simulations and posting his findings on YouTube, but he hadnt yet put everything together. He eventually developed a Blender add-on for water effects.Meanwhile, Konstantns handled smaller simulations, such as splashes. He also researched techniques for stylized fur and feathers, working on shaders. In addition to that, he did rigging, and character modeling along with other team members.In 2022, Belgian and French co-producers Take Five and Sacrableu Productions joined the project to work on sound, character animation and additional aspects of the film. Expanding the team with experienced character and pipeline TDs, as well as animators working in a well-structured process, was essential to handle the complexity required by the film. This was a truly international coproduction.The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard selection in 2024.How did you learn Blender?I learned a lot online, but it was great to have someone with more experience next to me (Konstantns). He did a lot of rigging and was much more technical than me, so I could ask him for advice. Sometimes, I needed something specific in the animatic, like the deer moving in a spiral, and he would write a script to automate it. This was before Geometry Nodes.I cant write scripts myself, so having someone in the studio to help was invaluable. But learning never really stops. I still feel like theres so much I dont know about Blender or anything else. And with these long projects, you sometimes forget things you learned five years ago.Flow was made entirely with Blender and rendered with EEVEE. Each frame took from about 0.5 10 seconds to render in 4k. We didnt use a renderfarm. The final render was done on my PC. There was no compositing, all the colors were tweaked and adjusted using shaders.How does the previz process work?When creating the previz or animatic, I just try to get things done as quickly as possible. This approach helps me explore ideas efficiently. Im not great at drawing, so previz works better for me. Its faster, and I like to move the camera a lot. Sometimes, I roughly sketch out a building, but its often very basic.I then hand these files over to a concept artist. Many environmental concept artists use Blender as well, so they can import my files. While they usually rebuild everything from scratch, my files at least provide the correct proportions. Sometimes, they paint over my models, but in other cases, they design everything directly in 3D.When they send the files back, I ask them to leave assets in place rather than moving them to the center of the scene. That way, I can easily import everything back, and it aligns perfectly.The animation teams in France and Belgium brought a great deal of organization to the process. They developed further tools and rigs to deliver character animation, they had to optimize the scenes, removing everything except the assets the characters interacted with and cleaning them up thoroughly. However, I didnt use these optimized assets directly, I would import their animations back into my heavier scenes.For lighting, it was just me. We had other people handling different tasks, but I was solely responsible for lighting. This setup made things easier.Since I handled a lot of tasks myself, it was simpler to work with large files where everything was imported. In each file, I made extensive adjustments to assets. For example, when setting up lighting, I tweaked materials for the assets in each shot, making them slightly lighter or darker to get the right look. I know this could be done with library overrides, but I was also working across different computers: my desktop PC and my MacBook.Switching between operating systems sometimes caused issues with linked assets, even when using relative file paths. To avoid breaking links, I found it easier to keep everything within the file itself. Some of the smaller scenes were around 300 MB compressed, while a few of the largest ones reached nearly 2 GB compressed.Maybe I could have figured out a better way to link assets, but during production, speed was the priority. The production timeline required me to move fast, so I opted for the most efficient workflow rather than experimenting with alternatives.Learn more about the animation of Flow in this Blender Conference presentation by Animation Supervisor Lo Silly-Plissier.A glimpse into the water surface system used in Flow.As an early adopter of Blender 2.8, did you upgrade as new releases became available?I started with Blender 2.8 alpha while it was still in development, and I was constantly updating things. I think when the team joined, we were using 2.9 or maybe 3.0.With each major version, we decided to update since there were only a few of us at the time, and we werent sharing files. That made it safer because everyone was working on their own files independently, without links. The last version we used was 3.6. EEVEE definitely improved over time, but it wasnt just EEVEE. Geometry Nodes and other features made upgrading worthwhile.Of course, before each update, we ran a lot of tests, opening different files to check for issues. Some things did break, but overall, our workflow remained stable.Early on, when the team was small, updating wasnt a big deal. But once all the animators started in 2023, they worked in 3.3 and stuck with it throughout production. After they finished animation and I moved on to lighting, I imported everything into 3.6, which wasnt a problem.Which add-ons were part of your workflow?We used a few. One of them was GeoScatter, a popular scattering add-on for distributing plants and other environmental elements. We also used Animation Layers, not for character animation, but for the camera, specifically to create handheld, shaky camera movements.I created separate layers for a standstill shot, for walking in place, and for running. This allowed me to mix and adjust them as needed. I believe some add-ons have been developed since then specifically for this kind of workflow. To generate camera motion, I also tested VirtuCamera. I experimented with recording live camera movements by walking around, but I found it too imprecise. Instead, I preferred keyframing and layering different types of motion.For fluid simulations, we sometimes combined different techniques, starting with large-scale waves using Cell Fluids and then adding details with FLIP Fluids.Other tools we used included Bagapie Vegetation Generator, Bagapie Rain Generator, and Copy Global Transform.What I love is how fast the files open. It might seem like a small thing, but it actually saves a lot of time and frustration.EEVEE is great. Also, I love how customizable everything is. I created a lot of custom keyboard shortcuts, which worked really well when I was working alone. However, once we started working in the studio, it caused some issues, especially when I had to demonstrate something on someone elses computer. But we figured it out.I also love the amount of resources available online. There are so many tutorials and tools, and I can quickly find answers to almost anything.What could improve in Blender for indie filmmakers?Well, there were some challenges with using Blender, but we solved them.Sometimes things werent clear at first, but once you actually put your mind into it, you can figure it out. Thats often the case with Blender: you encounter obstacles, but with enough effort, you find a way through.What Id love to see and I think its already happening is more focus on NPR (non-photorealistic rendering) workflows, which is great. Further improvements to interactive and real-time rendering would also be a huge benefit.I havent worked much in Blender over the past six months, but Im already working on my next project, and I plan to use Blender for it.Final thoughts?Ive never worked in a big studio, so I dont really know exactly how they operate. But I think that if youre working on a smaller indie-scale project, you shouldnt try to copy what big studios do. Instead, you should develop a workflow that best suits you and your smaller team.In our case, we didnt rely heavily on concept art. We modeled the characters directly in 3D and found ways to skip certain steps. Many of us wore multiple hats, figuring out how to streamline tasks rather than having separate departments for everything.For me, its also easier to handle the camera and lighting simultaneously rather than treating them as separate stages. Having a smaller team made the process more flexible and efficient.When developing my first feature, I structured the story around elements that were relatively easy to animate. I avoided large crowds and complex effects because, in the end, most viewers dont think about how difficult something was to create. I think its valuable for filmmakers to collaborate with tool developers early on to understand which things are challenging and which are easy. This can actually spark creative ideas rather than feeling like a limitation.Storytelling offers infinite possibilities, but sometimes constraints can be beneficial. For example, deciding to use only four characters and a handful of locations can lead to stronger creative choices. Some of my favorite films take this approach. They dont need an epic scope to be powerful.That said, I think a certain level of naivety is necessary when starting a project. If I had known how difficult it would be, I might never have started. But because I didnt fully grasp the challenges ahead, I just dove in and figured things out along the way.

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Looking PurpleThe first official behind the scenes look at the Five Nights at Freddy's 2 movie mostly just shows Matthew Lillard on a staircase, but I'm sure fans will figure out what he's doing there in no timePlus a couple of other images that also don't tell us much.Image credit: Universal/ Blumhouse/ Scottgames News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Jan. 27, 2025 Fancy an official behind the scenes look at the Five Nights at Freddy's 2 movie? Well, there finally is one, but it doesn't really show all that much.The thing about the average Five Nights at Freddy's fan is that they've probably averaging five different theories about the series at any given moment. That's almost definitely because lore for the game is purposefully obtuse at points, but I can't really blame anyone for trying to uncover the games' secrets, even if they can often be quite silly. Those theories obviously extend to the films, and a recent set pic leak unsurprisingly prompted fans to question what the upcoming movie sequel will be about. Now, YouTuber Dawko, known in no small part thanks to his Five Nights at Freddy's playthroughs, has shared some official set photos from the second film, which of course has fans wondering what's going on even more.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. The YouTube shared three different photos from the set of the movie over the course of the weekend, as part of a charity stream where he was, of course, playing Five Nights at Freddy's, the first of which being some flooring showing off toy Freddy, presumably from the same pizzeria from those leaked set photos. Next up is a photo of a toy called a Faz Talker, again with toy Freddy on it, which looks like some kind of toy you talk into, with text on it that reads "you there?" To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Last of all, and probably most interesting for fans of the series, is a shot of director Emma Tammi talking to Elizabeth Lail, who played Vanessa in the first film, inside a house, with Matthew Lillard, who played the series' main villain William Afton in the first film, looking down at them from a staircase. Those that watched the first film will know that the fates of both characters are a bit up in the air, and while they're both set to return, this does look more likely to be a flashback than anything. But, knowing how Five Nights fans are, I'm sure they'll put the pieces together before the first trailer even comes out.You'll still have to wait a little while to watch the full film, though, as it's not due out until December 5, later this year.

Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)After releasing the first Tails of Iron in 2021, developer Odd Bug Studio seemingly hasnt taken a moment to rest, returning to its bleak world of anthropomorphic rats, frogs, and bats with a sequel that looks to offer fans a slightly expanded experience in Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter. And while its certainly an incredibly well-realised fantasy world with stunning visuals, atmospheric sound design, and thoughtful combat, its unfortunately also held back from greatness by lacklustre level design and excessive backtracking.Presenting what may well be a good entry point to the world of Tails of Iron if you happened to miss out on the original, Whiskers of Winter shifts the perspective over to an entirely new protagonist called Arlo, an heir to the Warden of the Wastes who must travel to multiple biomes on a quest to defeat the malicious Dark Wings clan.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)The juxtaposition of seeing cute little rats wearing armour and wielding weapons is a little odd initially kind of like when you read Art Spiegelmans Maus for the first time but like the first game, it works, as it lets you easily distinguish between the various species and factions that inhabit the world. This is bolstered by the simple fact that Tails of Iron 2 is comfortably one of the most stunning 2D games weve seen in quite some time.Seriously, the level of detail on offer here and the wide array of colours is a true sight to behold. Its a bleak game, which is well-realised through the dank environments, hostile weather conditions, and heaps of bloodied carcasses lying on the ground. But while this could have resulted in a rather dull, uninspired visual aesthetic, the bursts of colour from objects like lanterns, glowing eggs, and even the moon towering above the landscape make every environment a joy to look at.The same goes for the sound design too. Everything from the constant booms of thunder to the light clinking of your armour, as you dash across the screen, works to fully immerse you within Tails of Iron 2s foreboding world. Voice actor Doug Cockle (Geralt from The Witcher games) also returns to narrate the story, and having this take place in the background while youre playing means you can take in the story while focusing on other, more pressing matters. It allows the game to maintain momentum throughout, and we appreciate the decision.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)That said, Cockles performance here is quite literally What if Geralt of Rivia had a side job as a narrator?, and its a little weird hearing such a familiar voice here. The gravelly nature of it works in the context of the action on-screen, but a little more work to distinguish it from his most famous role would perhaps be beneficial.Combat remains more or less the same from the first game, requiring you to maintain a good defense while looking for a crucial opening to unleash your attacks. Tails of Iron 2 is an exceptionally difficult game in which even the most unassuming enemies can pack a meaty punch, so youll need to approach each encounter with extreme caution. That said, there are also three difficulty options on offer, so if youre finding things a bit too much, you can drop the difficulty down and have a slightly easier time of it.One notable addition, however, is the requirement to utilise your whetstone to sharpen your weapons to maintain their effectiveness. This is indicated via a yellow bar just below your health information, and it's crucial to keep this as full as possible if you want to take on more fearsome enemies and bosses. Youll still manage without it, but youll have a much more challenging time.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)That said, to mitigate this somewhat, the game heaps loads of additional gear on you as you progress through the environments. Whether it be from a fallen corpse or a gift from a friendly faction, theres almost always an opportunity to check out your latest loot from your inventory screen and ensure youre as prepared as possible for the dangers ahead.Our biggest disappointment, however, came from the levels themselves; not from a visual standpoint, but rather their layout and distinct lack of variety. Theres a temptation to say that Tails of Iron 2 has elements of Metroidvanias in the way that you explore the world and organically encounter items and foes, but theres very little verticality, so exploration is very much a case of continue left or right until you reach your goal, then go back. As a result, theres a load of backtracking involved which could have been alleviated with some shortcuts or alternative routes.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)Moving through the world is improved a bit thanks to a new grappling hook that lets you launch yourself up to nearby platforms. Its used sparingly and it does little more than offer a neat little visual flair to exploration, but its a cool little addition. Save points are also dotted around generously, so if you do find yourself in a situation where youre perishing quite frequently, youll never have to go very far if you wish to jump straight back into the fight.ConclusionIf you enjoyed the original, then Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winters offers up more of the same brutal combat and stunning visuals, introducing minor yet welcome new additions like the whetstone and the grappling hook. Its basic environment layout can lead to a lot of excessive backtracking, which is a shame, but the world itself is so well-realised that we find ourselves compelled to recommend you check it out regardless. Just be warned; it's not for the faint of heart.Stunning 2D visualsThoughtful, challenging combatHuge variety of enemies and gearGood narration from Doug Cockle...... Though he sounds too much like GeraltLack of environment variety leads to excessive backtrackingGood 7/10

Image: NintendoAs Nintendo continues to take its good old time revealing details about its upcoming console, other companies have been quick to cash in on everyone's desperation for Switch 2 news. The price point is a key talking point right now and Italian site Games And Movies has taken a punt and put limited Switch pre-orders live for 364,99.The retail site doesn't put a date on the launch, instead carrying the 31st December 2025 placeholder, but it's the price point that has caught people's attention. 365 puts the console at just 15 more than the Switch OLED's RRP - the price you pay if you get the current model from Nintendo itself.Obviously, this isn't confirmation that the final recommended retail price for Switch 2 will be 365 (around 307 / $384), merely that this site feels comfortable opening up limited pre-orders at that price. The smell of marketing stunt is strong, of course, almost as strong as the revelations from case and accessory manufacturers before Nintendo officially pulled the curtain back on the console.Some analysts are predicting a higher price tag for the new console, and while nobody's expecting an 800 monster like the PS5 Pro, this figure is certainly more reasonable than many expect. We'd be very pleasantly surprised if the official cost came near this.Image: gamesandmovies.itThe pre-order page has a fan-made render of the console alongside official pics, but the Google-translated note says that the retailer "guarantees the discounted price" for anyone who pre-orders.By pre-ordering it now you can guarantee the discounted price!Delivery is always scheduled for the official release day, however GamesAndMovies.it cannot guarantee it as it is not responsible for any delays by the courier or the distributor.Hmm. Given that Nintendo is rumoured to be stocking up to satiate the launch-day thirst for the console, a pre-order probably isn't necessary, but we shall see.A Nintendo Direct scheduled for 2nd April should reveal more details about the console and its games - we'll have to wait and see if that will include a release date and a price point. In the meantime, let us know below if you think Nintendo's MSRP will be lower (surely not?) or higher than this. "so long as the launch price isn't some egregious amount"A complete guide to Switch 2 - official details, rumours, leak history[source gamesandmovies.it, via gagadget.com]See AlsoShare:231 Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 before joining the site full-time the following year, rising through the ranks to become Editor. He can currently be found squashed beneath a Switch backlog the size of Normandy. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesRandom: Donkey Kong Country's Artist Reacts To Nintendo's Redesign"Everything changes!"Opinion: My Daughter Made Me Realise That Mario Wonder's Difficulty Options Need WorkYoshi or Nabbit, make your choiceNintendo Joins 'Fuji TV' Commercial Boycott Following Sex ScandalOne of many companies pulling adsBanjo-Kazooie Has The Potential To "Rival 3D Mario", Says Ori DevIf a "really talented developer" has a crack at itAnalyst States That Switch 2's Price Won't "Really Matter" For Early Adopters"so long as the launch price isn't some egregious amount"