11 a.m. ET

Futureproofing: Game Design Beyond Games

Panelists: Connie Kennedy, head of LA Lab, Epic Games; Raegan Levan (B.F.A., film and television, 2020); Lauren Nishikawa, studio lead, Deloitte Digital
Moderated by: Caleb Kitchings, SCADpro account lead

Join panelists from Deloitte Digital and Epic Games, and SCAD film and television grad Raegan Levan as they discuss SCADpro's process for developing creative solutions to business challenges, and the varied applications of game design software for real-time entertainment.

Noon ET

Industry Insights: Real Time Visualization

Panelists: Adam Avenali (M.F.A., interactive design and game development, 2013), visualization artist, Cortland; Austin Bonang (B.F.A., computer art, 2005), senior supervisor, The Third Floor; Daniel Plemmons (B.F.A., interactive design and game development, 2011) 3D and immersive experience designer, Adobe; Christina Yother (B.F.A., fashion, 2018), sustainable fashion designer
Moderated by: Nye Warburton, SCAD associate chair of interactive design and game development

In recent years, game engines and visualization software tools have empowered artists to develop virtual solutions in real time. These interactive and narrative experiences merge cutting-edge technology with disciplines in traditional cinema, fashion design, and architectural planning. In this SCAD GamingFest session, innovators and pioneers discuss the broad range of industries using these technological tools offline and in real-time rendering.

1 p.m. ET

Unlock Artistry Tools in Quixel

Presented by: Luis Cataldi, global evangelist, Epic Games
Moderated by: SuAnne Fu, SCAD chair of interactive design and game development

Quixel is best known for Megascans, an extensive library of 2D and 3D photogrammetry assets, supported by companion applications Bridge and Mixer. Game developers, filmmakers, and visualization specialists use Quixel Megascans assets to craft blockbuster games (Metro Exodus, Destiny 2, Battlefield V), animated entertainment (The Jungle Book, Black Panther, The Lion King, Pacific Rim: Uprising), and lifelike scenes through high-quality content and access to a vast array of tools. Learn how Quixel works with Unreal Engine to unlock triple-A artistry tools for all game developers.

1 p.m. ET

SCAD School of Digital Media Info Session

Presented by: SCAD admission office

Discover how the SCAD School of Digital Media prepares students for innovative careers across the spectrum: as level designers, web developers, texture artists, creative directors, motion design producers, and much more. Hear from SCAD faculty about how classes connect with industry experts visiting every quarter who interview students for positions and review portfolios. Recent visitors include representatives from Blizzard Entertainment, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Riot Games, and more — opportunities that reflect SCAD's status as one of the world's most acclaimed universities for the study of interactive design and game development. Explore student work from the SCAD interactive design and game development and motion media design programs and join a live Q&A with SCAD School of Digital Media dean Max Almy, SCAD associate chair of interactive design and game development and motion media design Eric Allen, and SCAD professor of motion media design Duff Yong.

2 p.m. ET

Screenwriting for Games: The Challenge of Choice-Based Narratives

Panelists: Patric Verrone, writer, The Simpsons: Tapped Out, Futurama: Game of Drones, and Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow; Sande Chen, writer, The Witcher, Terminus; Marianne Krawczyk, writer, God of War franchise, Skylanders, Knack-2, Far Cry, Prince of Persia, Shank, Shank 2
Moderated by: Lauren O'Connor, librarian, Writers Guild Foundation

From huge triple-A games to interactive online novels, engaging storytelling requires the right mix of imaginative prose and strategic writing. Join successful game writers as they talk about pitching and writing choice-based narratives, how the writers' room in a game company differs from television series or films, and the various ways writers are utilized in the game development process.

This session produced in partnership with the Writers Guild Foundation.

3 p.m. ET

The Narrative Designer's Toolbox

Presented by: Jolie Menzel (B.F.A, sequential art, 2012), lead narrative designer, The Coalition
Moderated by: Greg Johnson, SCAD professor of interactive design and game development

Much like a novelist, the narrative designer focuses on structure, character, and setting as primary elements, but with one key difference: The narrative designer's hero in the story is the player, and the experience is interactive. SCAD grad Jolie Menzel offers lessons on how to champion a story, outline compelling narrative elements, and visualize the tone of games through narrative design in games.

4 p.m. ET

What I Wish I Knew: Insights From a Career in VSFX

Presented by: Jeff White (M.F.A., computer art, 2004), VFX supervisor and creative director, Industrial Light & Magic
Moderated by: Garrett Ilardi, SCAD visual effects professor

Do you ever wish your future self could give you a call with some good career advice? Would you then tell your future self, "OK, that's great, but how about a few stock tips while you're at it?" If so, this session is for you. Jeff White will cover behind-the-scenes creation of Transformers, The Avengers, Kong: Skull Island, Aquaman, and new frontiers integrating real-time graphics on The Mandalorian. White will share many of the lessons learned more than 20 years working in the visual effects industry at Industrial Light & Magic, minus the investment advice.

4 p.m. ET

Georgia Game Development: Immersive Tech in 2021

Panelists: Dana Dojnik, senior vice president, Create ATL; Annie Eaton, executive producer, Amebous Labs; Kathryn Hicks (M.F.A., animation, 2017), AR/VR designer and illustrator
Moderated by: Teri Yarbrow, SCAD professor of digital communication

Whether you call it "The New Normal," "The Great Reset," or any number of other names, the past year has given the immersive technology and game development sectors in Georgia a much different look. Learn how innovative storytellers from Women in XR Atlanta are developing immersive, engaging, and interactive digital experiences to position the state as a leading contributor to new technology and industry growth in immersive reality.

5 p.m. ET

AI in Gaming

Panelists: Armando Kirwin, co-founder, Artie
Moderated by: Nye Warburton, SCAD associate chair of interactive design and game development

Recent advances in the field of artificial intelligence have begun to move from experimental labs into playable products and usable development tools. These advances broaden the possibilities in content creation and offer unprecedented benefits. Join futurist and filmmaker Armando Kirwin for a conversation about how advanced-edge rendering and AI technology are revolutionizing game development.

5 p.m. ET

Behind the Scenes: 'Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet' (Apple TV+)

Panelists: Megan Ganz, creator and executive producer; Imani Hakim, actor; Ashly Burch, actor; Jason Altman, head of film and television, Ubisoft Film & Television; Liz Loverso, vice president of product development, Ubisoft's Red Storm Entertainment
Moderated by: Michael Chaney, SCAD professor of film and television

The hit Apple TV+ series Mythic Quest returns for its sophomore season Friday, May 7. The critically hailed workplace comedy centers around the team behind the biggest multiplayer video game of all time, but in a workplace focused on building worlds, molding heroes, and creating legends, the most hard-fought battles do not occur in the game — they happen in the office. Season 2 finds everyone back in the office (well, almost everyone) attempting to build upon the success of Raven's Banquet by launching an epic new expansion, but Ian (Rob McElhenney) and the newly promoted co-creative director, Poppy (Charlotte Nicdao), struggle with the game's direction. Meanwhile, C.W. (F. Murray Abraham) reconciles some unresolved issues from his past, the testers (Ashly Burch and Imani Hakim) test the bounds of an office romance, and David (David Hornsby) loses yet another woman in his life as Jo (Jessie Ennis) leaves him to assist Brad (Danny Pudi). Mythic Quest is created by Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Megan Ganz.

6 p.m. ET

SCAD GamingFest Spotlight Award Presentation: Wil Wheaton

Moderated by: Michael Chaney, SCAD professor of film and television

Wil Wheaton will be presented with the SCAD GamingFest Spotlight Award followed by a conversation with SCAD professor of film and television Michael Chaney.

Wheaton broke out playing Gordie Lachance in Rob Reiner's Stand by Me followed by his role as Wesley Crusher on the hit TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation. Wheaton has appeared in dozens of films and TV series, including playing a fictionalized version of himself on CBS's The Big Bang Theory, one of the most highly rated and watched sitcoms of the last decade. He is the creator, producer, and host of the wildly successful web series Tabletop, credited with reigniting national interest in tabletop gaming, and the host of Rival Speak for Facebook Watch. An accomplished voice actor, Wheaton has lent his talents to animated series including Family Guy, Teen Titans, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. His video game credits include four installments each of the Grand Theft Auto and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon series, as well as Fallout: New Vegas, DC Universe Online, and Broken Age. His audiobook narration of Ernest Cline's Ready Player One debuted at number one on The New York Times bestseller list, and he is the author of six novels. Wheaton will host the forthcoming reality competition series GameMaster for Amazon Prime, scheduled to begin production in Atlanta in 2021.

On-demand screenings are available 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Friday, April 9 and Saturday, April 10.

SCAD Animation Showcase

SCAD animation students learn and work in a growing field that has ascended to preeminence in the entertainment industry. See how it all comes together and enjoy animated storytelling at its finest in this SCAD animation student showcase, featuring a range of styles and techniques in short films produced entirely by students. Watch anytime during the designated screening window.

'The Teahouse Drama'

Director: Xiaoying Li, M.F.A., animation, 2020

While watching a puppetry drama in a Chinese teahouse, a little boy falls in love with the puppets and wants to play with them himself. This no-dialog hybrid animation has two kinds of scenes: One is created in a 2D space and the other in 3D, connecting to each other through the storytelling.

'Plucky Pudge and the Breakneck Pug'

Director: Paige Newman, B.F.A., animation, 2020

Pudge, the comfiest little bearded dragon, leaves his cozy room to embark on a chase of hilarity after a delicious cricket that enters an unforgiving, deadly kitchen.

'Stabby'

Director: Jess Paolo, B.F.A., animation, 2020

A comedic short about a klepto-crab that runs off with a woman's wedding ring and stirs up trouble.

'To Love a Ladybug'

Director: Mikael Trench, B.F.A., animation, 2020

A dying cockroach in the alleyways of Paris reminisces about the time he fell in love with a ladybug and reflects on what that relationship means to him in his final moments.

'Just Say Yes'

Director: Katie Narsavage, B.F.A., animation, 2020

A lonely beaver searching for love finds a ring and decides to propose to everyone he meets. After being met with rejection and deflection countless times, he resigns himself to being alone. With a little help from a friend, however, he finds his long awaited "yes" after all.

'The Lost Gesture'

Director: Olivia Decherd, B.F.A., animation, 2019

A mixed media film about an artist haunted by the ghost of a missing arm.

'Hidden Blessings'

Director: Betsy Pippen, M.F.A., animation, 2020

A 3D narrative short film about a guardian angel assigned a particularly difficult human to bless. Struggling to lift the human's spirits, the angel learns a few lessons himself and is able to understand what humans need to heal.

'Monkey Thief'

Director: Zachary Ates, B.F.A., animation, 2020

Myles, a shy boy, musters the courage to face his bully Dolores and rescue his favorite toy from her. The ensuing battle ends prematurely as Myles makes a life-changing discovery.

Festival Extra: The Making of 'Bearly'

Get an inside look at Bearly, the first film from SCAD Animation Studios. In this musical film, a bear fights the natural instinct to hibernate and explores the beauty of the changing seasons. SCAD chair of animation Chris Gallagher guides viewers through the film and SCAD Animation Studios, where SCAD students create and animate movies over a yearlong production cycle in collaboration with faculty and fellow students in dramatic writing, performing arts, sound design, and more — and experience real-world roles before they graduate.

This event is a replay from SCAD AnimationFest 2020.