GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Art Direction Summit: Breaking Out of the Comfort Zone: A Journey from AAA to Indie Development
Sebastien Primeau (Art Director, Yellow Brick Games)
Location: Room 2016, West Hall
Date: Tuesday, March 18
Time: 4:10 pm - 5:10 pm
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Summits Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Visual Arts
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
After two decades in a leading AAA studio, the time came for a change—an opportunity to step outside the comfort zone and face new challenges in the world of indie game development. In this session, Sebastien, Art Director at Yellow Brick Games, shares his experiences transitioning from managing large teams and big budgets to navigating the constraints of independent production. He'll explore the creative processes, cultural shifts, and the surprising benefits of limited resources, which forced tough decisions but unlocked new opportunities.
Join Sebastien as he delves into the art direction of Eternal Strands, discuss the evolution of my mindset, and share insights on building trust, managing external teams, and embracing the challenges of indie development.
Takeaway
Gain insights into transitioning from AAA to indie game development, including managing limited resources, evolving art styles, and building effective external collaborations. Learn how to adapt creatively and grow personally and professionally while navigating the unique challenges of independent projects.
Intended Audience
This session is ideal for game developers, art directors, and industry professionals interested in transitioning from AAA studios to indie projects. It's perfect for those seeking practical advice on managing limited resources, evolving art styles, and building effective collaborations in a smaller, more autonomous development environment.