SideFX Labs on the Horizon - Biomes, Pipelines, and Plugins | Mai Ao | Houdini Horizon

Learn about the latest developments in SideFX Labs in 2024. Project Dryad is a large-scope, robust biome system designed for both real-time and cinematic purposes. The first vertical slice of the toolset has been released for alpha testing. The team has recently created new pipeline tools, as well as learning materials, that will help you find the best practices when working procedurally across Houdini and Unreal Engine. We will also introduce three new exciting plugins coming to Labs. They will help you integrate smoothly with Perforce, Gaea 2.0, and ZibraVDB –for your source control, terrain generation, and high-quality FX needs. Mai Ao is the Senior Technical Lead of SideFX Labs with many years of game development and Houdini experience. With a master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University, he has a background in computer science, graphics, and fine art. Mai went on to work in game production on high-profile projects with Industrial Light & Magic and Walt Disney Imagineering, responsible for building procedural pipelines, physics simulations, VFX, shaders, and optimization. At SideFX, Mai is passionate about serving the community and helping to push the boundaries of real-time technologies.