Some general trends and areas of interest that were emerging in the VFX industry up to that point, and it's possible that some of these trends have continued or evolved:
Real-time rendering and VFX have been gaining traction, especially in the gaming industry. With advancements in hardware and software, real-time VFX can provide high-quality visual effects in real-time, allowing for more interactive and dynamic experiences in both games and other forms of media.
Virtual production techniques, as popularized by movies like "The Mandalorian," involve using advanced LED screens and real-time rendering to create immersive environments during filming. This trend may have continued to grow in 2023, influencing traditional filmmaking and VFX workflows.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been increasingly used in VFX to automate certain tasks, enhance creativity, and streamline production pipelines. AI can be used for tasks like upscaling, denoising, and even generating entire scenes or characters.
XR encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). VFX plays a crucial role in creating immersive XR experiences, whether it's for training, entertainment, or enterprise applications. This trend may have expanded further in 2023.
As holographic display technology continues to advance, VFX professionals have been exploring ways to create content specifically designed for holographic displays, offering new possibilities for 3D visuals and interactive experiences.
With the rise of deepfake technology, there's a growing need for VFX tools and techniques that can detect and prevent the misuse of AI-generated content for malicious purposes.
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the VFX industry has been working on more sustainable practices, including optimizing rendering processes and using renewable energy sources for data centers.
High-quality sound design is a critical component of VFX, and advancements in spatial audio technologies have been enhancing the immersive experience in movies, games, and VR/AR applications.
Blockchain technology is being explored for asset tracking and management in the VFX industry. This can help maintain the integrity and provenance of digital assets used in productions.