Since TurboSquid was founded in 2000, 3D has been in our DNA.
We’ve seen a lot of changes to it over the years and it still excites us to see how 3D technology evolves. Our goal is to continue making TurboSquid the premier marketplace for 3D creators, so our team has been working diligently across the website improving our core marketplace experience, streamlining publishing specifications, and more.
Today, we wanted to tell you about what’s coming soon.
For TurboSquid
We’ve made some significant changes to TurboSquid’s infrastructure which will enable us to iterate and experiment more quickly on the site and optimize the experience for our customers. Expect to see changes to the site’s navigation, its search functions, and its product pages – among other places. When we can better connect your potential customers with the 3D content they need, we all win.
We also know exclusive content from our SquidGuild members is a huge part of what makes TurboSquid special, so we’re exploring ways to showcase the unique content our contributors bring to the website. Keep an eye out for this type of content featured in more places across TurboSquid.
These improvements are only the beginning, so stay tuned for more info!
StemCell v2 coming soon
In the first quarter of next year, we’ll also launch our second version of StemCell. This updated specification will be a great way to prioritize your 3D content in search results, plus, it will automatically convert your content to additional file formats and make it easier to publish.
All TurboSquid artists will have the ability to publish StemCell v2 models at launch. If this is the first you’ve heard about StemCell, read our previous blog post to learn more about it.
If you already know the basics of physically based rendering (PBR), you’re almost ready! However, if you feel like you need a refresher or more info, we’ve been writing a whole series on it that we’ll link below.
Learn more about physically based rendering:
- An Intro to PBR Material Workflows and Metallic/Roughness
- Explore 3D Technologies that Support PBR
- How to Find and Use PBR Materials
- PBR Best Practices and Tips
StemCell v2 is a much more streamlined and straightforward workflow compared to its previous version. We’ve beta tested StemCell v2 with more than 200 artists over the last four months and the feedback has been incredibly positive.
How will StemCell v2 benefit me as a 3D artist?
Not only is it easier to publish than CheckMate, but it also instantly prepares your models for a broader range of 3D applications. This expanded compatibility increases the potential exposure to a larger customer base. All it takes is using the metallic/roughness physically based rendering (PBR) workflow—the growing standard for materials in our industry.
When you create a StemCell model, you open it up for:
- Compatibility with today’s top 3D applications
- Compatibility with new, emerging, and expanding real-time applications e.g. AR and VR, gaming, and virtual production
- Automated conversions and version updates to keep your content relevant for years to come
As a bonus, StemCell v2 content will get you a boost in search rankings on the TurboSquid website. At launch, we’ll provide updated resources and documentation, including videos, to guide you through the process and changes—whether it’s your first or your 50th StemCell model.
Discontinuation of CheckMate certification
However, these changes also mean we’re winding down the CheckMate certification process. Starting in the first quarter of 2024, we will no longer accept new CheckMate certification submissions. We will share the specific date early next year. CheckMate solved problems early on in the 3D industry, but now that technology has evolved, StemCell is the better path to creating universal 3D content.
What does this mean for current CheckMate content?
We know how much effort artists have put in over the years to participate in the CheckMate certification process, and we want to make sure that work is rewarded. Because of this, current CheckMate content will still enjoy the boost it received when it was published.
We also understand it may take time for CheckMate artists to transition and adjust their workflows for the StemCell specification. To support this transition, those who have submitted three or more CheckMate models before December 6th, 2023, will enjoy an equivalent CheckMate search boost for any newly published models for six months after the conclusion of the CheckMate program. After that date, publishing StemCell content will be the best way to boost your content on TurboSquid.
What if I use a 3D application not currently supported by StemCell v2?
We currently support Blender and 3ds Max, which most TurboSquid contributors use. However, we know not all artists work with that software. We’re evaluating the demand for Cinema 4D and Maya as native formats, so please reach out if you exclusively work in one of those applications. We’d love to hear about your texture-based workflows in that software.
So yes, this is a change. But it’s also one that sets contributors up for more success in the future. We’d love to continue hearing your thoughts as we roll out these improvements, especially the ones designed to highlight your work. Stay in touch!
Please head to the TurboSquid artist forums if you have any questions or concerns.