The CG Channel website has a short piece opening up a discussion on next gen digital humans. I tend to agree with the author: building virtual characters will become increasingly simple. Where I also agree (of course) is that there will be rising demand for designers. Over the past few years I’ve been watching the videogame job market and I’m finally now noticing a big jump in calls for “Environment Artists”. Translation: as game worlds become increasingly immersive, there is a need to fill them with 3D objects; not just copies of real-life products (which raises some sticky IP issues), but newly designed objects. It’s a trend I’ve been expecting for some time and it’s nice to see it finally kick in. The next ten years are going to be a blast.