🌟💖 Hey everyone! Let's take a moment to celebrate the fantastic world of gaming and the exciting shifts happening right now! 🎮✨ Have you noticed how Digimon is quietly eating Pokémon's lunch? 🍽️🐉 It's such an exhilarating time to be a fan of these beloved franchises! With the recent buzz around games like Palworld, it feels like we might finally see some healthy competition that could push The Pokémon Company to step up its game! 🚀💪 Remember the excitement when Palworld made waves? It reminded us all of how competition can ignite passion and innovation. It's like a breath of fresh air blowing through our gaming universe! 🌬️🌈 Digimon has always held a special place in the hearts of many, and it's gaining momentum as a serious contender. 🦖💫 This rivalry can only mean good things for us, the players! With more options on the table, developers are encouraged to create experiences that are not just good, but *great*! Imagine a world where both Pokémon and Digimon are constantly trying to outdo each other, bringing us thrilling adventures, stunning visuals, and immersive gameplay! How amazing would that be? 🎉🤩 Think about it: competition drives progress! It's not just about which franchise is better; it's about the creativity that emerges when companies are motivated to improve. 🖌️🎨 We, as fans, stand to benefit immensely from this! More quality games, more innovative ideas, and more fun experiences to share with friends and family. 💞👾 So let's embrace this wave of change! Let's cheer on our favorite franchises and support the ones that challenge the status quo! Whether you’re Team Pokémon or Team Digimon, remember that we all share a love for gaming and adventure! 🌍💖 There's enough room for everyone to shine in this amazing universe. ✨🌟 Let’s keep the conversation going! What are your thoughts on this exciting rivalry? Are you feeling the hype? 💬🔥 Share your favorite moments from both franchises, and let's uplift each other with positivity and excitement! Together, we can create a vibrant community that celebrates the magic of games! 🎊😄 #Digimon #Pokemon #GamingCommunity #HealthyCompetition #GameOn

✨🌟 Dive into the mesmerizing world of VFX with the epic drama series "Shōgun"! 🌟✨ Have you ever wondered how stunning visual effects can transform a story and make history come alive? 🌍💖 Well, the groundbreaking series "Shōgun," set in the enchanting Japan of the 1600s, is a perfect example that showcases the magic of storytelling through incredible visuals! 🎬✨ I recently watched an inspiring interview with the talented team from Important Looking Pirates (ILP VFX) during SIGGRAPH Asia, and I can’t help but feel excited about the future of visual effects in the entertainment industry! 🎉🙌 Philip Engström and Niklas Jacobson shared their insights on how they brought the captivating scenes of "Shōgun" to life, blending artistry with technology to create breathtaking moments that enthrall audiences. 🌈💡 What struck me the most was their passion for their craft! 💪💖 It’s a beautiful reminder that when we pour our hearts into what we love, we can create something extraordinary. Just like the intricate VFX in "Shōgun," our efforts can weave a tapestry of inspiration that uplifts others! 🌺✨ So, whether you're an aspiring VFX artist, a storyteller, or simply someone with a dream, let this be a call to action! Don't hesitate to dive into your passions and explore the endless possibilities that lie ahead! 🌊💫 Use your creativity to transform your visions into reality and inspire those around you. Remember, every masterpiece starts with a single step! 🚀🌟 Let’s celebrate the power of visual storytelling and the incredible work of studios like Important Looking Pirates! Together, we can elevate the art of VFX and inspire future generations to dream big and create boldly! 💖💪✨ Keep shining and let your creativity flow! 🌈💖 #Shogun #VFX #ImportantLookingPirates #VisualEffects #Inspiration

So, let’s all take a moment to collectively swoon over the latest masterpiece from the animation wizards at Fortiche, shall we? I mean, who doesn't dream of seeing Ekko and Jinx, two characters from "Arcane," perfectly encapsulated in a music video called "Ma Meilleure Ennemie"? Because nothing says "best enemies" like a catchy tune and a sprinkle of dramatic flair, right? I can just imagine the brainstorming session: “What’s more engaging than a deep dive into the emotional turmoil of our beloved characters? Oh, I know! Let’s throw in some upbeat music and let Stromae and Pomme serenade us while we watch our favorite chaos agents battle it out!” Because nothing spells emotional depth quite like a dance-off, am I right? And let’s not forget the rich tapestry of character development we’ve all come to know and love. You know, the kind that leaves you with existential questions about life, love, and, well, the very nature of friendship—perfectly overshadowed by some catchy beats. Who needs character arcs when you can just have a colorfully animated clip of Jinx throwing bombs and Ekko winking at the camera? By the way, I can’t help but wonder, how many times can we repackage a song before it becomes *the* soundtrack of our lives? “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” is apparently the anthem for those tumultuous relationships we all have but don’t really want to talk about. I mean, let’s face it—nothing says “I value our friendship” quite like a little friendly rivalry dressed up in a flashy music video. And sure, the clip was 'teased' during a particularly memorable sequence of Season 2, but who needs context when you have visuals that are as dazzling as a glitter bomb? It’s almost as if the creators said, “Let’s take everything we love about these characters and throw it into a blender, hit ‘puree’, and see what comes out!” Spoiler alert: it’s a visually striking yet emotionally confusing smoothie. But hey, kudos to Fortiche for giving us this delightful distraction. With Ekko and Jinx at the helm, we’re in for a ride that promises to be as wild as the characters themselves—with a side of existential dread wrapped in a catchy melody. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and prepare to enjoy the latest spectacle that’s sure to leave you questioning your life choices while humming along. #Arcane #Ekko #Jinx #MaMeilleureEnnemie #Fortiche

In a world where the line between reality and digital wizardry is blurrier than ever, the recent revelations from the VFX wizards of "Emilia Pérez" are nothing short of a masterclass in illusion. Who knew that behind the glitzy allure of cinema, the real challenge lies not in crafting captivating stories but in wrestling with software like Meshroom, which sounds more like a trendy café than a tool for tracking and matchmoving? Cédric Fayolle and Rodolphe Zirah, the dynamic duo of visual effects from Les Artizans and MPC Paris, have bravely ventured into the trenches of studio filming, armed with little more than their laptops and a dream. As they regale us with tales of their epic battles against rogue pixels and the occasional uncooperative lighting, one can't help but wonder if their job descriptions should include "mastery of digital sorcery" along with their technical skills. The irony of creating breathtaking visuals while juggling the whims of digital tools is not lost on us. It's like watching a magician pull a rabbit out of a hat, only the hat is a complex software that sometimes works and sometimes… well, let's just say it has a mind of its own. Honestly, who needs a plot when you have VFX that can make even the dullest scene sparkle like it was shot on a Hollywood red carpet? As they delve into the challenges of filming in a controlled environment, the question arises: are we really impressed by the visuals, or are we just in awe of the technology that makes it all possible? Perhaps the true stars of "Emilia Pérez" aren’t the actors or the storyline, but rather the invisible hands of the VFX teams. And let’s face it, if the storyline fails to captivate us, at least we'll have some eye-popping effects to distract us from the plot holes. So, as we eagerly await the final product, let’s raise a glass to Cédric and Rodolphe, the unsung heroes of the film industry, tirelessly working behind the curtain to ensure that our cinematic dreams are just a few clicks away. After all, who wouldn’t want to be part of a film where the biggest challenge is making sure the virtual sky doesn’t look like a poorly rendered video game from the '90s? In the grand scheme of the film industry, one thing is clear: with great VFX comes great responsibility—mainly the responsibility to keep the audience blissfully unaware of how much CGI magic it takes to make a mediocre script look like a masterpiece. Cheers to that! #EmiliaPérez #VFX #FilmMagic #DigitalSorcery #Cinema

In the quiet corners of my heart, I feel the weight of a world that has lost its colors. The once vibrant album covers that used to speak volumes about the music they adorned have faded into obscurity, replaced by the sterile glow of digital screens. The story of music album covers is not just a tale of art; it's a mournful journey of disappearance and standardization, echoing the loneliness that now fills our lives. With the dawn of the iPod in 2001, music transformed into something intangible, something without a face or a body. I remember the thrill of holding a physical album, the anticipation of unwrapping it, and the joy of discovering the artwork that encapsulated the artist's soul. Those visuals were a window into the emotions of the music, a glimpse into the artist's world. But now, as I scroll through endless playlists, I can't help but feel a profound sense of loss. Each click feels hollow, devoid of the beauty that once was. Where are the stories behind the covers? The creativity that flourished in the analog era has been replaced by a monotonous stream of pixels. The uniqueness of each album has been surrendered to a sea of sameness, and in this standardization, I find myself feeling more isolated than ever. It’s as if the music I once cherished has become just another commodity, stripped of its essence. Alone in a crowd, I find myself yearning for the connection that music used to bring. I miss the days when I could flip through a record store, each cover telling a story, each spine a promise of something beautiful. Now, I’m left with a digital library that feels more like an archive of forgotten memories than a celebration of creativity. The loneliness creeps in when I realize that the art of the album cover, the very visual representation of the music, has been lost in the noise of progress. Every time I play a song, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m missing something vital. Music should embrace us, should touch our hearts, should tell us that we are not alone. But instead, I feel a haunting emptiness, a reminder that we have traded depth for convenience. In this digital age, I search for meaning in a world that seems to have forgotten how to connect. As I sit in silence, surrounded by the echoes of melodies that once brought me joy, I can’t help but mourn the loss of the album cover. It was more than just a visual; it was a piece of art that held the spirit of the music within. Now, I am left with a collection of songs, but the stories behind them have vanished like whispers in the wind. #MusicMemories #AlbumArt #Loneliness #DigitalEra #LostConnection

🎮✨ Hey, amazing gamers and anime lovers! 🌟 Today is a day full of excitement and inspiration, as we dive into the thrilling world of **Code Vein II**! After five long years of anticipation, Bandai Namco has truly outdone themselves! They’ve not only given us a sequel, but they’ve also woven a tapestry of captivating gameplay that promises to take us on an unforgettable journey! 🎉🔥 If you loved the first installment, you’re in for a real treat! Code Vein II is shaping up to be a stunning blend of souls-like gameplay with that anime flair we all adore. Imagine the breathtaking artwork, the dynamic combat mechanics, and that deep, immersive story that keeps us on the edge of our seats! 💖🌌 The recent gameplay reveals have shown us just how much effort and passion Bandai Namco has poured into this project. From stunning visuals that look like they jumped straight out of an anime to thrilling battles that test our skills, it’s a true feast for the senses! 🥳💪 Let’s not forget about the characters! Each one is crafted with such depth and uniqueness that we can’t help but feel connected to them. The emotional storytelling will resonate with us long after we put down the controller. Who’s ready to forge powerful bonds and face epic challenges? 🙌💔 And remember, every great adventure comes with its challenges. Just like in life, we may stumble and fall, but it’s all part of the journey! With Code Vein II, we have the chance to rise, learn, and grow stronger, both in the game and in ourselves. Every boss we defeat and every level we conquer is a testament to our resilience and determination! 🌈✨ So, let’s rally together, fellow gamers! Let’s support each other as we embark on this new quest! Share your excitement, your strategies, and your victories! Together, we can create a vibrant community that thrives on positivity and encouragement! ✨🤝 In conclusion, get ready to unleash your inner warrior in **Code Vein II**! This is our time to shine! Let’s make every moment count and enjoy every pixel of this incredible journey! 🌟❤️ #CodeVeinII #GamingCommunity #AnimeLovers #BandaiNamco #SoulsLikeAdventure

Ah, the PSVR2! The pièce de résistance of virtual reality headsets that promised to transport us to worlds so vivid, we might just forget we have to pay rent. As we wade into the futuristic wonderland of 2025, the burning question looms large: Does the PSVR2 still hold water, or is it just another fancy paperweight? Let’s be real for a second. When it first hit the shelves, the PSVR2 was the talk of the town, like the latest iPhone or a celebrity breakup. The immersion was touted as “total,” with visuals that could make a high-definition movie look like a flip book. But here we are, two years later, and the world’s moved on faster than a kid with a new toy. Meanwhile, our beloved headset sits in the corner, gathering dust and wondering why it’s not trending on social media. In the wild, wild world of gaming, what was once cutting-edge quickly becomes yesterday’s news. Remember when we couldn’t get enough of those pixelated graphics and 8-bit sounds? Now, we’re spoiled with hyper-realistic experiences that make you question if you’re playing a game or just scrolling through someone’s vacation photos. So, the big question remains: does the PSVR2 still pack a punch in 2025, or has it been eclipsed by the latest, shiniest tech? If we’re being honest, the PSVR2 was like that trendy café everyone raved about until they found out the coffee was brewed with dreams and unicorn tears. Sure, it looked great on paper, but how many of us have actually used it regularly? It feels like one of those impulse buys that seemed brilliant at 3 AM when you were scrolling through online reviews, but now, it just sits there as a reminder of fleeting enthusiasm. And let’s not forget that while we’re diving deep into virtual worlds, reality is still waiting for us with bills and responsibilities. So, is it worth the investment in 2025? The answer is simple: if you’re a die-hard gamer with pockets deep enough to fund a small country, then by all means, indulge! But if you’re like the rest of us—grappling with student loans or wondering when your next paycheck will come—maybe it’s time to consider if that VR headset is really your best friend or just an over-hyped acquaintance. In conclusion, the PSVR2 may still have a few tricks up its sleeve, but in the fast-paced realm of technology, it’s hard to stay relevant when new contenders are emerging faster than you can say “augmented reality.” So, if you find yourself daydreaming about those immersive experiences, just remember—sometimes, it’s okay to take a break from reality. After all, the world will still be waiting for you when you take off that headset. #PSVR2 #VirtualReality #Gaming2025 #TechTrends #GamingHumor

Is it just me, or does the phrase "Quick Tip: A Better Wet Shader" sound like the latest buzz from a trendy café, where the barista is more interested in his art than the coffee? I mean, who would have thought that the secret to stunning visuals in Blender would come down to a clearcoat? It’s almost as if John Mervin, that brave pioneer of pixelated perfection, stumbled upon the holy grail of rendering while driving—because, you know, multitasking is all the rage these days! Let's take a moment to appreciate the genius of recording tutorials while navigating rush hour traffic. Who needs a calm, focused environment when you could be dodging potholes and merging lanes? I can just picture it: "Okay, folks, today we're going to add a clearcoat to our wet shader... but first, let’s avoid this pedestrian!" Truly inspiring. But back to the world of wet shaders. Apparently, the key to mastering the art of sheen is just slapping on a clearcoat and calling it a day. Why bother with the complexities of light diffusion, texture mapping, or even the nuances of realism when you can just... coat it? It's like serving a gourmet meal and then drowning it in ketchup—truly a culinary masterpiece! And let’s not forget the vast potential here. If adding a clearcoat is revolutionary, imagine the untapped possibilities! Why not just throw in a sprinkle of fairy dust and call it a magical shader? Or better yet, how about a “drive-by” tutorial series that teaches us how to animate while on a rollercoaster? The future of Blender tutorials is bright—especially if you’re driving towards it at 80 mph! After all, who needs to focus on the intricacies of shader creation when we can all just slap on a clearcoat and hope for the best? The art of 3D rendering has clearly reached a new zenith. So, to all the aspiring Blender wizards out there, remember: clearcoat is your best friend, and traffic lights are merely suggestions. In conclusion, if you ever find yourself needing a quick fix in Blender, just remember—there’s nothing a good clearcoat can’t solve. Just don’t forget to keep your eyes on the road; after all, we wouldn’t want you to miss a tutorial while mastering the art of shaders on the go! #WetShader #BlenderTutorial #Clearcoat #3DRendering #DigitalArt

In early-stage start-ups, the pitch deck is often the first thing investors see. Sometimes, it’s the only thing. And yet, it rarely gets the same attention as the website or the socials. Most decks are pulled together last minute, with slides that feel rushed, messy, or just off. That’s where designers can really make a difference. The deck might seem like just another task, but it’s a chance to work on something strategic early on and help shape how the company is understood. It offers a rare opportunity to collaborate closely with copywriters, strategists and the founders to turn their vision into a clear and convincing story. Founders bring the vision, but more and more, design and brand teams are being asked to shape how that vision is told, and sold. So here are five handy things we’ve learned at SIDE ST for the next time you’re asked to design a deck. Think in context Designers stepping into pitch work should begin by understanding the full picture – who the deck is for, what outcomes it’s meant to drive and how it fits into the broader brand and business context. Their role isn’t just to make things look good, but to prioritise clarity over surface-level aesthetics. It’s about getting into the founders’ mindset, shaping visuals and copy around the message, and connecting with the intended audience. Every decision, from slide hierarchy to image selection, should reinforce the business goals behind the deck. Support the narrative Visuals are more subjective than words, and that’s exactly what gives them power. The right image can suggest an idea, reinforce a value, or subtly shift perception without a single word. Whether it’s hinting at accessibility, signalling innovation, or grounding the product in context, design plays a strategic role in how a company is understood. It gives designers the opportunity to take centre stage in the storytelling, shaping how the company is understood through visual choices. But that influence works both ways. Used thoughtlessly, visuals can distort the story, suggesting the wrong market, implying a different stage of maturity, or confusing people about the product itself. When used with care, they become a powerful design tool to sharpen the narrative and spark interest from the very first slide. Keep it real Stock photos can be tempting. They’re high-quality and easy to drop in, especially when the real images a start-up has can be grainy, unfinished, or simply not there yet. But in early-stage pitch decks, they often work against your client. Instead of supporting the story, they flatten it, and rarely reflect the actual team, product, or context. This is your chance as a designer to lean into what’s real, even if it’s a bit rough. Designers can elevate even scrappy assets with thoughtful framing and treatment, turning rough imagery into a strength. In early-stage storytelling, “real” often resonates more than “perfect.” Pay attention to the format Even if you’re brought in just to design the deck, don’t treat it as a standalone piece. It’s often the first brand touchpoint investors will see—but it won’t be the last. They’ll go on to check the website, scroll through social posts, and form an impression based on how it all fits together. Early-stage startups might not have full brand guidelines in place yet, but that doesn’t mean there’s no need for consistency. In fact, it gives designers a unique opportunity to lay the foundation. A strong, thoughtful deck can help shape the early visual language and give the team something to build on as the brand grows. Before you hit export For designers, the deck isn’t just another deliverable. It’s an early tool that shapes and impacts investor perception, internal alignment and founder confidence. It’s a strategic design moment to influence the trajectory of a company before it’s fully formed. Designers who understand the pressure, pace and uncertainty founders face at this stage are better equipped to deliver work that resonates. This is about more than simply polishing slides, it’s about helping early-stage teams tell a sharper, more human story when it matters most. Maor Ofek is founder of SIDE ST, a brand consultancy that works mainly with start-ups.  #sharpen #story #design #guide #startups

In this quick clip, we explore how to adjust the ribbon width and scale for stunning particle trails in Unreal Engine 5. Watch as we transform our visuals with simple tweaks!#UnrealEngine #NiagaraVFX #ParticleTrails #GameDevelopment #VFXTips #enhancing #particle #trails #ue5 #shorts