Take a look at the worlds first material library for Unreal Engine created by The Pixel Lab, featuring materials that are crafted for high-end professional motion graphics.The library offers a dynamic blend of motion graphics effects, including neon materials with various animated styles, LED screen materials, and tools that allow easy adding features like customizable imperfections, paint splatters, and subsurface scattering.The collection includes 8 master materials, over 340 material instances, plenty of 4K textures, and a scene comprising all the materials, making it easy to explore the assortment.The material categories are:Glass ColoredGlass FrostedGlass Frosted (Path Tracer)ImperfectionsLED ScreensMetal PaintedMetal PatternedMetal TexturedMetal with TransparenciesPlasticRetro ReflectiveCheck out a video tutorial on using the pack:Get the library here anddont forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our new Discord server, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, and Threads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Create Captivating Motion Graphics in UE5 with This Materials Library appeared first on CG SHARES.

When I reviewed Overwatch 2 back in 2022, I expressed a sentiment that I would soon hear echoed by peers and players alike; Although Overwatch 2 introduced a handful of solid changes to the critically-acclaimed hero shooter, there was very little there that truly justified the "2" that Blizzard seemed so eager to add. A new, shiny lacquer had been poured atop the game, that much was clear, but beneath its sleek exterior was a game that was largely the same--albeit with more aggressive monetization practices.Over the past two years, I've held out hope that Blizzard would find some way to once again captivate fans (myself included) and harness the magic that made Overwatch so beloved. Across the game's 14 Seasons, it's abundantly clear that the team has been actively listening to its players and trying. Contentious anti-consumer practices have been reverted, fan service has been served hot and with plenty of 6v6 nostalgia on the side. We've even seen a few Fortnite-style collaborations come to the game. Sure, I don't know how many of us truly cared about the Porsche-inspired D.Va skin, but My Hero Academia, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Le Sserafim, and Transformers? All cool as hell. And yet, things have still felt off.Turns out, fans aren't the only ones who think so. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Blizzard Studios, attend its 2025 Spotlight event, and discuss what's next for the series. Though I went in expecting the kind of frantic and/or defensive energy that comes with heightened (not to mention Marvel-backed) competition and a diminishing ROI, that wasn't what I was met with. Across my discussions with game director Aaron Keller, lead hero designer Alec Dawson, and other key team members, I saw a studio that was hard at work on one thing in particular: dismantling the protectiveness they had over their own creation. And it's about damn time.Continue Reading at GameSpot

In a shocking announcement, Amazon MGM Studios has announced that it is taking over creative control of the James Bond series as part of a deal with series stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. What does this mean for Hitman developer IO's new James Bond game, or any other future Bond projects? We don't know as of yet, but given just how long Broccoli and Wilson have led the franchise, changes could be afoot.Broccoli and Wilson had managed the James Bond franchise for almost 60 years, following it being passed down from their father, Cubby Broccoli. The pair have been the driving force behind the entire Bond franchise during that period, including selecting the actors who would play the iconic spy.Their work has extended beyond just the movies, as Broccoli at least has been involved in decision-making for the games; it recently came to light that Broccoli raised a number of concerns about the GoldenEye game for Wii.In a statement, Amazon said Broccoli and Wilson have created a new joint venture where the James Bond IP rights will live, and they will continue to co-own the James Bond series. However, Amazon MGM Studios will "gain creative control of the James Bond franchise" once it closes the deal. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Developer Game Science has released a brand-new update for its popular action game Black Myth: Wukong that fans can download right now across PC and PS5. Black Myth: Wukong was one of 2024's most successful new releases. The game wildly exceeded sales expectations and earned mostly positive reviews, even netting itself a Game of the Year nomination at The Game Awards 2024.

A Helldivers 2 developer has hinted that the games next crossover event is in the works, leaving players to wonder which universe could be the next one to collide with Super Earth. Over a year after its initial release, Helldivers 2 continues to add fresh content, and additional collaborations give players even more chances to spread freedom across the galaxy.

American Sign Language is the third most prevalent language in the United States but there are vastly fewer AI tools developed with ASL data than data representing the countrys most common languages, English and Spanish.NVIDIA, the American Society for Deaf Children and creative agency Hello Monday are helping close this gap with Signs, an interactive web platform built to support ASL learning and the development of accessible AI applications.Sign language learners can access the platforms validated library of ASL signs to expand their vocabulary with the help of a 3D avatar that demonstrates signs and use an AI tool that analyzes webcam footage to receive real-time feedback on their signing. Signers of any skill level can contribute by signing specific words to help build an open-source video dataset for ASL.The dataset which NVIDIA aims to grow to 400,000 video clips representing 1,000 signed words is being validated by fluent ASL users and interpreters to ensure the accuracy of each sign, resulting in a high-quality visual dictionary and teaching tool.Most deaf children are born to hearing parents. Giving family members accessible tools like Signs to start learning ASL early enables them to open an effective communication channel with children as young as six to eight months old, said Cheri Dowling, executive director of the American Society for Deaf Children. And knowing that professional ASL teachers have validated all the vocabulary on the platform, users can be confident in what theyre learning.NVIDIA teams plan to use this dataset to further develop AI applications that break down communication barriers between the deaf and hearing communities. The data is slated to be available to the public as a resource for building accessible technologies including AI agents, digital human applications and video conferencing tools. It could also be used to enhance Signs and enable ASL platforms across the ecosystem with real-time, AI-powered support and feedback.Whether novice or expert, volunteers can record themselves signing to contribute to the ASL dataset.Supporting ASL Education, Exploring Language NuanceDuring the data collection phase, Signs already provides a powerful platform for ASL language acquisition, offering opportunities for individuals to learn and practice an initial set of 100 signs so they can more effectively communicate with friends or family members who use ASL.The Signs learning platform could help families with deaf children quickly search for a specific word and see how to make the corresponding sign. Its a tool that can help support their everyday use of ASL outside of a more formal class, Dowling said. I see both kids and parents exploring it and I think they could play with it together.While Signs currently focuses on hand movements and finger positions for each sign, ASL also incorporates facial expressions and head movements to convey meaning. The team behind Signs is exploring how these non-manual signals can be tracked and integrated in future versions of the platform.Theyre also investigating how other nuances, like regional variations and slang terms, can be represented in Signs to enrich its ASL database and working with researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technologys Center for Accessibility and Inclusion Research to evaluate and further improve the user experience of the Signs platform for deaf and hard-of-hearing users.Improving ASL accessibility is an ongoing effort, said Anders Jessen, founding partner of Hello Monday/DEPT, which built the Signs web platform and previously worked with the American Society for Deaf Children on Fingerspelling.xyz, an application that taught users the ASL alphabet. Signs can serve the need for advanced AI tools that help transcend communication barriers between the deaf and hearing communities.The dataset behind Signs is planned for release later this year.Start learning or contributing with Signs at signs-ai.com, and learn more about NVIDIAs trustworthy AI initiatives. Attendees of NVIDIA GTC, a global AI conference taking place March 17-21 in San Jose, will be able to participate in Signs live at the event.

Wield magic and steel as GeForce NOWs fifth-anniversary celebration summons Obsidian Entertainments highly anticipated Avowed to the cloud.This first-person fantasy role-playing game is ready to enchant cloud gamers, leading the charge of six titles joining the over 2,000 games in the cloud gaming library.GeForce NOW day passes are available to purchase again, in limited quantities each day. Members can currently purchase one day at a time, based on available capacity. Day pass users get 24-hour access to powerful cloud gaming with all the benefits of a GeForce NOW Ultimate or Performance membership. Stay tuned for updates as more membership options become available.Choose Your Own AdventureCloudy with a chance of dragons.Embark on a thrilling adventure in Avowed, set in the captivating world of Eora. As an envoy of Aedyr, explore the mysterious Living Lands, an island teeming with ancient magic and shifting secrets, as a dire threat looms over the realm: a mysterious plague that defies nature and reason, spreading chaos across the sprawling wilderness.The Living Lands offer a diverse array of environments to explore, each with a unique ecosystem. Engage in visceral combat by mixing and matching swords, spells, guns and shields. Companions of various species, each with their own abilities and quests, will join the adventure, their fates intertwined with the players choices. As the story unfolds, every decision will ripple across the Living Lands, shaping the future of its inhabitants and testing the players resolve in the face of intrigue, power and danger.GeForce NOW members can dive into this immersive fantasy world with the power of GeForce RTX-powered gaming rigs in the cloud. Ultimate members can stream the game at up to 4K resolution and 60 frames per second with high dynamic range on supported devices. These members enjoy additional benefits like NVIDIA DLSS 3 technology for enhanced frame rates and NVIDIA Reflex for ultra-low latency, delivering a seamless and visually stunning adventure through the Living Lands.Time to PlaySome mixtapes are better left unplayed.Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is the recently released narrative-adventure game by Dont Nod, the creators of Life Is Strange. Set in the fictional Michigan town of Velvet Cove, the game follows four friends Swann, Nora, Autumn and Kat during the summer of 1995, as well as 27 years later in 2022.Explore Swanns world through a nostalgic 90s lens, complete with a camcorder for capturing and reliving memories. The story unfolds across two timelines, delving into themes of friendship and identity, as well as a mysterious secret that tore the group apart. With its immersive storytelling, interactive environments and choice-driven gameplay, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage promises a captivating journey through time, nostalgia and the complexities of lifelong friendships.Look for the following games available to stream in the cloud this week:Avowed (New release on Steam, Battle.net and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, Feb. 18)Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (New release on Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, Feb. 20)Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (New release on Steam, Feb. 18)Abiotic Factor (Steam)HUMANITY (Steam)Songs of Silence (Steam)What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.What's a gaming promise you made to yourself this year? NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) February 19, 2025

There are a lot of surprises in Avowed decent combat despite the lack of a lock-on button, a gorgeous and distinctive visual style, and the same voice actor who played Garrus in Mass Effect voicing Kai, the first companion you run into. But one of the best surprises for me was an early side quest that involves helping out some sex workers who are simply trying to survive and do their damn jobs in a city that has (cruelly and stupidly) outlawed birth control.The name of the quest is A Lady Never Tells, and you can collect it from a woman named Giuliana who owns a bath house in the city of Paradis called The Mermaids Den thats actually a brothel. Youll meet her if you notice her courtesans getting hassled by members of the Sparrowhawks, one of the in-game factions that apparently enjoys picking on the disenfranchised. Once you talk to Giuliana, youll learn the Sparrowhawks have intercepted a shipment that was supposed to go to her. She doesnt tell you what the shipment contains, only that she could really use some help getting it back.If you agree to this, youll have to continue to contend with the Sparrowhawks to get it back, but that seems fine because these guys are clearly jerks whove got another thing coming to them. Once you go to the place where theyre hiding the shipment, you can talk your way through it and avoid fighting them, or just do some ass-kicking to secure the package once again. When you collect it, your character will notice the crate has been tampered with already, and so youll automatically see the contents. In a text box that pops up on the screen, youll learn the shipment contains sachets of woodsy, bracing-smelling herbs. The scent identifies them as Hyleas parsley, common to the Aedyran mainland. Small doses can prevent a pregnancy. A large dose can end one.When you return to Giuliana, youll have the option to tell her you know what the shipment contains. (Other sites Ive read about this questline say this option only appears if you have the Arcane Scholar background, but my character is a War Veteran and I still got a version of this dialogue option, so I suspect it appears in some form for everyone.) If you tell Giuliana youre aware of the contents, however, shell get upset and fear that youll reveal her secret, since this contraceptive herb is actually illegal in Paradis. If you arent playing as a complete asshole, you can reassure her that youll keep her secret. If you successfully manage to convince her of this, shell reward you with a neat item: the Night-Mistress Favor Trinket, which will slowly regenerate your essence whenever youre close to a companion.The cool thing about this quest and about Avowed in general is that it does a lot with a little. Its short but it still tells you something important about the type of place that Paradis is. Youll even have the option later on at your campsite to discuss the politics of Paradis with your companion Kai, for example, and reinforce your characters point of view on the matter. The characters in this game talk about sex in ways that real people do they tell jokes and rib each other about it, but they also take into account the seriousness of situations like birth control access. This particular quest may be short, but it goes a long way in both showing what kind of place your character is visiting but also, letting you decide what kind of person youre going to be.

After I read R. F. Kuangs debut novel The Poppy War in 2021, I knew Id read anything else the author had published a belief which has proven true, and has never led me astray even four years later. If you havent yet read Kuangs Poppy War trilogy and want to join me in my fandom, Amazon is offering the entire series on Kindle for only $3.99. If you prefer physical copies, the paperback box set is currently $33.49, which is 44% off its list price of $60.The Poppy War trilogy is historical fantasy that follows Rin, a teenage war orphan at an elite military academy who discovers she holds the ability to call upon the powers of the vindictive Phoenix god. When war between her homeland and their long-standing enemy breaks out, Rin realizes that her shamanic powers could turn the tide but only if shes willing to pay a steep price. While this may sound similar to a typical Chosen One YA fantasy, The Poppy War trilogy is extremely dark, and draws inspiration from horrific periods in Chinese history, including the Opium War, Second Sino-Japanese War, and Chinese Civil War. The antihero Rin is even inspired by Mao Zedong, and following her journey will pull you between rooting for her, fearing her, and fearing that rooting for her at all makes you somewhat complicit in her actions.The trilogy is boldly violent, brutal, and grim, yet utterly compelling and hard to put down. And Im not the only Polygon staffer who thinks so. Our guides editor Ari Notis recently described the series in Slack as a 10/10 before immediately amending his assessment to 11/10, and I have to agree with him.In the years since The Poppy War was released in 2018, Kuang has established herself as one of the top names in publishing. 2022s historical fantasy Babel, another personal and Polygon favorite, won the Nebula Award for Best Novel though its political themes landed it in the center of the Hugo Awards censorship scandal. 2023s Yellowface, a satirical metafiction about the publishing industry, was a massive conversation starter in the industry, on BookTok, and in book clubs, and showed Kuangs prowess extends beyond any single genre. And her upcoming fantasy, Katabasis, is one of the most anticipated releases of the year.So whether youre already a fan of Kuangs recent works, want to dive in to her books for the first time, or just revisit this epic series, this deal is a great excuse (and a great bargain).

Following its most successful year since launching in 2020, Brooklyn-based lighting design studio Wooj is set to significantly expand its catalogue in 2025 with the introduction of monthly collections. This ambitious initiative will see the brand more than double their product offerings, unveiling a new line up each month that builds upon its signature blend of sustainability, cutting-edge 3D printing, and innovative design. If these upcoming releases reflect the same ingenuity as past collections, design enthusiasts can expect a year filled with bold creations that push the boundaries of modern lighting. With the January and February collections already released, Wooj has set the stage for a year of continuous experimentation and fresh design perspectives.Photo: Matthew GordonPhoto: Matthew GordonFor their January drop, Wooj is leaning into textures found in nature and biomorphic forms inspired by previous designs. The new Coral Lamptakes inspiration from the cerebral-looking brain coral, as well as the one-of-a-kind pattern of a fingerprint. The lamps intricate surface was generated using AI and then meticulously reconstructed in modeling software. This gives the lamp a tactile, sculptural effect that evokes the rarity of holding a piece of coral.Photo: Matthew GordonPhoto: Matthew GordonPhoto: Matthew GordonIn its third partnership with designer Christopher Merchant, Wooj introduces the Baleine Lamp inspired by the majestic Baleen Whale. This piece explores the interplay between the inner and outer layers of recycled plastic, creating a fluid, organic form that highlights the material potential for transformation.Photo: Matthew GordonPhoto: Matthew GordonPhoto: Matthew GordonRounding out the January drop, the Echo Sconce builds on the success of Woojs best-selling Helios Sconce; this time with a renter-friendly plug-in design with a striking concentric circle motif, offering both versatility and dimmable functionality. The precise spacing of the circles enhances the diffusion of light, creating a soft, ambient glow.Photo: Sean KimPhoto: Matthew GordonPhoto: Sean KimFor its February drop, Wooj continues its exploration of materiality and form with a collection that refines past ideas while introducing bold new silhouettes. Leading the lineup is the Mini Allium Lamp, a scaled-down version of one of Woojs best sellers, the Allium Lamp by Christopher Merchant. Despite its smaller footprint, this little fixture makes a big impression, offering the same sculptural presence in a more compact form. Its size makes it an ideal choice for bedside tables, shelves, or any space in need of a subtle but striking glow.Photo: Sean KimPhoto: Sean KimPhoto: Grace RiveraA collaboration with Walmen Dumaliang, the Prima Lamp captivates from every angle. When illuminated, its translucent finish diffuses a soft, ambient light, highlighting its geometric, radially arrayed layers that flow seamlessly from shade to base. This poetic interplay between light and shadow makes Prima as much a sculptural object as it is a functional fixture.Photo: Grace RiveraPhoto: Grace RiveraPhoto: Matthew GordonRounding out the collection, the Lotus Lamp designed by Jason Wu Bergeron features a multi-functional element to its design: its shade can be positioned in either orientation, allowing the user to direct light upwards or downwards. This simple yet clever feature creatives a subtle shift in ambiance, making it easy to adapt the lighting to different moods and spaces.Photo: Matthew GordonThe January and February collections offer a glimpse into the studios evolving design language one that merges organic inspiration with cutting-edge technology. As each month brings new additions to the catalog, Wooj continues to redefine modern lighting, proving that thoughtful design can be both experimental and accessible. If these first two releases is any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be the brands most exciting year yet.Photo: Matthew GordonTo stay up to date with Woojs monthly drops, visit wooj.design.