Streamlining the preliminary texturing workflow with automations in Blender

Abstract

Game development pipelines consist of interconnected processes that require both technical precision and artistic vision. Within these pipelines, the preliminary texturing workflow involves repetitive, time-consuming technical tasks that can become significant bottlenecks in production. How to streamline these technical processes while maintaining production efficiency and artistic control are challenges that developers face. Automation represents a promising solution to reduce technical burden without replacing creative work. The objective of this thesis was to develop an automated solution to the preliminary steps required for texturing, and to investigate how automating the preliminary texturing setup in Blender benefits the game development pipeline compared to manual workflows. During the thesis, both qualitative and quantitative research methods were utilized to investigate the subject. A theoretical framework was established of the game development pipeline specifically the preliminary texturing workflow in Blender. An automated tool was developed using Python scripting to streamline the preliminary texturing setup. Workflow testing was performed with participants of varying skill levels to measure completion time differences between manual and automated approaches. The data collected was analysed comparatively to evaluate efficiency gains. Due to lacking data research results remain preliminary findings. With that in mind the tested automated solution for preliminary texturing setup in Blender, condensed 45 manual steps into 5 automated actions and reduced the workflow completion time. The automated workflow demonstrated 100% consistency in processing models with minimal error rates.

Keywords: 3D graphics pipeline, Blender Python API, automation tools