Hello everyone,

Did you miss us?
Because we truly missed you.

After a small holiday pause (yes — Santa Claus, Christmas food, and festive chaos were very much involved), we’re back and returning to what this space is really about: honest conversations on how to survive, enter, and stay in the industry.

~ This week — Live community podcast

Tomorrow, at our usual time, [4:00 PM Greece time (EET) — that’s 3:00 PM CET (Europe), 2:00 PM UK, 9:00 AM ET / 6:00 AM PT (USA).] we’re going live again on Discord for our weekly How to Survive in the Industry community live podcast.

This week’s guest is our beloved Linux wizard, who will share some of his crazy magic, unconventional workflows, and lessons learned the hard way. From there, we’ll continue the discussion around the realities of working in creative and tech industries today.

As always, I’ll be hosting together with my dear co-host and friend Patricio — and we’re very happy to be back in the room with you.

~ Portfolio reviews are back (!!!!!!)

We’re also bringing back:

  • Portfolio reviews

  • Industry discussion

  • Career survival topics

If you want your portfolio reviewed or your work featured, please submit it using the form below:

[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeayEEcJuqj0PzhBrqXMcFySLoJXW_BYn_npGEW9ECXl-4gpg/viewform?usp=dialog]

~ Big news — a Game Jam is coming

And now for something exciting

This week, we’re also announcing a super-duper great Game Jam.
More details will be shared very soon on the Game Jam page, but here’s what you need to know already:

  • By participating, you’ll get free classes from us

  • You’ll work, learn, and experiment together with the community

  • And yes — more announcements and surprises are coming

This is about learning by doing, not pressure.

More info will announced tomorrow live!!!! If you miss it we will inform you via the newsletter here.

~Industry reality check (curated)

A few interesting things happened in the industry recently that are worth reflecting on:

  • NVIDIA continues to push AI-assisted rendering forward.
    Nvidia pushes GPU tech forward with DLSS 4.5.At CES, Nvidia unveiled the next evolution of their AI-powered DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution, now available to all users via the Nvidia app. This update brings enhanced image quality and smarter frame generation across over 400 games and apps, helping older and newer RTX cards alike deliver smoother visuals with less artifacting. The improvements are especially notable on the RTX 40 and 50 series, and hint at how AI-assisted rendering is becoming standard for real-time graphics workflows something professionals and artists should watch closely as tools continue to leverage this tech.

  • Studios are drawing clearer lines around AI usage.
    Developers like Larian Studios have publicly clarified their stance on generative AI: no use for art or writing, but selective use for internal workflows such as idea iteration and production efficiency. The takeaway is clear AI is not disappearing, but intention, transparency, and boundaries are becoming essential at both studio and individual levels.

  • Language and labels are under scrutiny.
    Ubisoft recently drew attention after the term “AAAA game” was used publicly by a company producer, sparking skepticism and debate across the community and industry press. The reaction serves as a reminder that labels and buzzwords don’t guarantee quality, stability, or long-term success for studios or for the people working inside them.

  • Gaming Hardware Isn’t Forgotten. Although Nvidia did not announce new consumer GPU models at CES 2026 — a first in several years — it did showcase expanded RTX partner solutions (new cards, laptops, and displays) and highlight technologies like G-SYNC Pulsar that enhance motion clarity in gaming. This reinforces a broader industry trend: even as AI takes center stage, hardware that directly improves creative and gaming workflows continues to evolve

~ What This Means for You

For creators, artists, and technical artists working in real-time engines like Unreal, these trends matter because:

  • AI-assisted graphics tools (like DLSS) are entering mainstream pipelines

  • GPU capabilities are shaping next-gen workflows

  • Hardware advances inform what’s possible in real-time visualization and simulation

Staying informed isn’t optional !! it’s part of survival in our industry.

~Where everything happens

The previous recording isn’t ready yet (holiday season happened 😅), but this week we’ll deliver:

  • the previous session recording

  • tomorrow’s recording

  • and more exciting content very soon.

~P.S. One last note

For those of you who’ve been asking:
registration is now open for the upcoming February Unreal Engine / Game Art Bootcamp.

This will be a focused cohort, built around real projects, direct feedback, and long-term industry survival — not shortcuts or hype.

More details here~~

From Zero to Hero - UE Game Creator Bootcamp — Elenadmpl Studio

—BOOTCAMP IN UNREAL ENGINEFROM ZERO TO HERO UNREAL ENGINE CREATORS BOOTCAMP Course Start:   February  2, 2026 Formats: Hybrid (Live...

elenadimopoulou.com/From-Zero-to-Hero-UE-Game-Creator-Bootcamp

We’re building this space to help you survive, enter, and stay in the industry ~together.

Thank you for being here and for your patience.

Aloha 🌊
Elena

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