Today we’re proud to introduce you to Forrest Stephan, Technical Artist on Star Citizen. Forrest was responsible for much of the environmental art you saw during the campaign… and he’s working on some spectacular new things now that we can’t wait to share with you! You’ll be able to meet Forrest this Friday, live on Wingman’s Hangar (11 AM CST.)





How did you get started in the game industry?

CAD

I started by working in architecture convertingplans into 3D scenes. Then created materials, lighting and rendered out fully 3D renderings. This lead to a career change as a game artist doing environment art.





Were you familiar with Chris Roberts’ games before Star Citizen?

I was, being a fan of the Wing Commander series when I was younger. I was a big PC gamer, so each game in the franchise was a must have for me.





What will you be doing for Cloud Imperium?

I will be concentrating on the technical art aspects throughout the development of the project.





Being a Technical Artist on Star Citizen/Squadron 42 what are some of the exciting elements of development?

By far working with CryEngine 3. It has allowed us to create gameplay elements never thought possible over a decade ago. Graphically, we have been able to push modern hardware and have had incredible results. When the crowdfunding trailer first launched it was a lot of fun reading people’s debates on whether or not the cinematic was in-game… when it was all captured in the game!





What are you most excited to see in Star Citizen/Squadron 42?

PVP

I am most excited to seedogfighting in space… in an asteroid field… in stereoscopic 3D!





What are you playing right now?

When I find the time I’ve been playing Borderlands 2 and Mass Effect 3.