6/03: Trip to Malmö

We went back to Sweden again, but in a different city. We took a train to Malmö. I heard that the train can go underwater, but what is funny is that I do not see any underwater view. It was really dark. Perhaps, we were through the tunnel. When we arrive to Malmö, the town is so gorgeous. Their walkway is not a curvy maze like Copenhagen's city. I like how people who live in their apartments hang up their clothes outside. It looks decorative and convenient to not use so much electricity from laundry. As we were browsing around some restaurants, I bought a bag of espresso as a gift for my family at Gateau cafe. Their coffee is very strong, and it made me stayed focus throughout the day. For food, I ended up getting a Poke Bowl. I had Poke Bowl at my hometown once, and I get so picky about how they work with the food. When I tried it in Sweden, it was so fresh and clean. I really love their specialty that I ordered.

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After we toured around Malmö, we visited Ustwo Studios. Ustwo Studios manage on product designs to help the world's possible impacts and to keep our lifestyle in a positive environment. I heard that they made a game called The Monument Valley. I heard about that game before from my friends but I never tried it; although, their gaming studios lives in a different country which is UK. Maybe during my free time, I will download and play through my phone. My favorite part during the visit is when they made us draw yourself on what is your superpower. They created this idea to do icebreakers and for getting to know each other. The reason why they did this routine because they mentioned about teamwork. Teamwork may be about involvement on duties but it also help gaining communication and know who we are as family. I can see the Ustwo Studios are very well-organized and supportive for their business and their team. To be completely honest, I do not know what my superpowers are, but somehow flying was all I could think on top of my head. I think flying could be my superpower because I admire freedom, and flying is convenient to gain perspective on culture, the people, and the world. After we see their presentation, we had a group photo together and I had a wonderful time getting to know them.

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I was looking forward to meet another studio after Ustwo. The last studio we visit was Massive Entertainment. It was bought and taken over by Ubisoft. I was very excited because I knew Ubisoft was one of the most popular gaming companies. Massive supports Ubisoft on Avatar and Star Wars. I know Ubisoft did Assassin's Creed, Mario, and Far Cry. When we entered in their studio, they had a nice cafeteria and well-made souvenirs of video game characters. I always dream to be a 3D Character Artist. Character modeling is one of my favorite things to do as a 3D Graphics/Animation student. Ever since I started one course for character modeling, I was so looking forward to make realistic characters for either live action or video gaming. As I came to Massive, I learned that Ubisoft has so many studios world-wide. There are Ubisoft Studios in United States, Asia, Europe, and so many places. I wander if there are any internships and career positions for 3D modeling and animation. After I become a senior at CU Denver, I am wanting to apply any open internships and/or career for 3D modeling and animation. I feel Ubisoft would be my best opportunity for me to try and apply.

When we got to know Massive Entertainment, they only presented us on how to make resumes and cover letters if we are interested to apply with them. I heard they used Snowdrop Engine. I never thought that they have a different type of gaming engine. I know for a fact that my college program focuses on Unreal Engine. I wonder if both of those have differences. I know when I start my fall semester, I will be taking Intro to Unreal Engine. I am wanting to take it because as an animator, I see that this software is one of the most significant engines the studios will be using. But for Snowdrop Engine, I also wonder if our program would have more resources on how to use it. Our meeting was pretty short. I wish we could stay longer and still get to know their studio a little more, but I am glad I got to know who they are and what are their plans for next video game.