Representatives from Midway Games‘ well-known Chicago-based studio visited the VFS Main Theatre Thursday afternoon to give a packed house of 3D Animation & Visual Effects and Game Design students a presentation, Q&A, and look inside the venerable game maker.

Manager of the Central Environment and Character Groups Matt Taylor and Senior Environment Artist Joe Berger were both on hand. Oh – Joe just happens to be a 3D grad himself from 2003.

The two regaled students with an in-depth explanation of how Midway’s art groups operate, what it takes to be an environment artist, and tips on student reels. (The big one? Quality over quantity.)

Joe’s presentation was a fascinating glimpse at the role and process of an environment artist. He showed his own recent work on such games as Stranglehold, shared anecdotes, and even offered himself up to students for advice and critiques.

Joe related the rapid-fire process of making hit games to the VFS experience: “You have to learn to work fast and efficiently… and make your leads happy.”