Modern gaming companies, including both indie studios and major publishers, are actively integrating artificial intelligence into their work processes in order to remain competitive in the market. In this regard, many of them are looking for employees with experience in generating AI images. Although this skill may not be explicitly stated in the job description, you may well be asked at interviews if you know how to work with neural networks. If you want to stand out from other candidates, it's worth mastering new technologies and understanding their capabilities.

Vacancies for a game artist with a requirement of experience working with AI

Below, G5 Games experts will share practical tips on how to grow into a profession using artificial intelligence. Save the article in bookmarks and add your recommendations in the comments.

Neural networks allow you to automate processes, speed up information processing and get rid of intermediate stages of development. This frees artists from routine tasks that previously took days and weeks, leaving more time for creativity.

It has become much easier to make edits to a finished work. Previously, even minor changes could demotivate artists and other professionals, as it required switching between tasks and returning to previous work. Now edits can be made with lightning speed, without having to fully immerse yourself in the project.

Examples: "Using artificial intelligence helps the team devote more time to detailing the environment, minimizing routine, which is especially important for HOG scenes," says Vladislav, Principal AI Artist.

"Previously, we could offer one or two design options for discussion. Today, thanks to AI, we can create up to five high—quality variants in the same period, which allows us to process more requests and experiment with images," says Roman, Product Art Director.

One example of the generated assets of the Evil Queen using AI

Practice:

• Generate multiple variants of a single object for comparison. Compare them with the results of manual work to understand where artificial intelligence helps save time.
• Use neural networks to quickly generate ideas and create references.

Artificial intelligence is trained on huge amounts of data. It offers unlimited opportunities to explore compositions, proportions, and color schemes, which is especially important for aspiring artists. By analyzing the generated images, you will learn to see details and understand how to improve the dynamics of the composition. 

Example: "AI helps to find unexpected solutions that inspire experimentation. We used neural networks to analyze lighting and color solutions in game locations, which helped improve the quality of the final design," explains Andrey, Game Creative Director.

AI becomes an indispensable participant in brainstorms, helping to find unexpected and original solutions.

Creating variations of styles based on a 3D dummy using AI

Practice:

• Generate images in different styles and analyze successful options.
• Create a mudboard based on the generated references for future projects.

The more accurate your query is, the better the result will be. The ability to create scripts is the basis of working with AI. If it doesn't work out very well, then try to approach the task from a different angle.

Example: "It is extremely difficult to get an image of a bicycle with square wheels from a neural network — the AI understands the query, but there may not be the necessary references in the database," explains Marina, New Game Research Manager.

Practice:

• Start with simple queries and gradually complicate them.
• Experiment to find the best approaches.

Artificial intelligence cannot generate a production-level image. The final result depends on the professionalism of the artist and his skills. An AI model and advanced engineers won't do any magic on their own, it's just a tool in the right hands.

Example: "An artist can use AI for the basics, but correcting the anatomy or adding details is left to him. The result is a combination of automation and creativity," says Alexandra, Lead 2D Artist.

Stages of collaboration with AI: sketch, rendering and making edits

Practice:

• Use neural networks for sketches and complete the work manually to add unique elements.

Artificial intelligence helps not only to speed up work processes, but also to develop skills. Artists can focus on learning new styles and techniques that they haven't mastered yet. You can also ask for a professional development plan.

Examples:

"If a Junior artist already has great sketching skills, but he hasn't mastered rendering yet, then AI will help him quickly upgrade to Middle," says Roman, Product Art Director.

"When artists spend a long time honing a certain style within the framework of one project, the transition to a game with a different visual range can be difficult. Neural networks greatly facilitate this process: the generated images serve as a reference," says Alexandra, Lead 2D Artist.

Practice:

• Use AI to teach new techniques and analyze mistakes.

Artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of the work of artists in the gaming industry, opening up new opportunities for improving the quality of work and speeding up processes. For artists seeking to develop and grow in their profession, mastering AI technologies is not only a way to increase their competitiveness, but also the key to creating innovative content. By working with neural networks, you can not only speed up routine tasks, but also learn new creative approaches, expanding your professional horizons. It is important to remember that AI is a tool that requires a skillful and creative approach, and the combination of automation and art will lead to outstanding results.

At G5 Games, we have already established work with AI tools and are happy to welcome candidates who want to try working with neural networks and achieve excellent results. Join our team.