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March 9-13, 2026
Moscone CenterSan Francisco, CA

Agenda

From Beautiful to Playable: Texture Compression Secrets Every Game Artist Should Know

Jad Deeb  (Principal Technical Artist, Jin&Jaw LTD)
Location: Room 2001, West Hall
Date: Monday, March 9
Time: 11:50 am - 12:20 pm
Pass Type: Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass - Get your pass now!
Audience Level: Entry-Level
Track: Visual Development, Design
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: Video
Audience Level: Entry-Level

This session demystifies export formats, engine import settings, and platform-specific texture handling - providing practical guidance for maximizing visual quality while keeping performance and memory in check. Attendees learn how to avoid common pitfalls, like texture bleeding and bloated builds, and explore advanced techniques such as gradient mapping and Signed Distance Fields. Whether targeting high-end PCs or mobile devices, this talk equips artists and technical developers with the insights needed to optimize texture pipelines and ensure stunning visuals don't come at a hidden cost. Real-world examples and actionable workflows make this a must-attend for anyone involved in game art production.

Takeaway

Get the scoop on texture compression and when to use each type like a pro. You'll pick up slick tips on tackling texture issues, saving memory, and making materials pop so their art looks great and runs smoothly across any platform.

Intended Audience

This session is for any artist working in Unreal—character artists, FX, UI, environment artists, and more. Anyone importing textures into Unreal, no matter their specialty, will learn how to avoid pitfalls and optimize assets for better visuals and performance across all platforms. No advanced engine knowledge required!