Constraints breed creativity

Following the success of the 2019 X-Particles Challenge, this year we're keeping the template file with a fixed camera and base geometry. To make sure it’s all about the particles, you don’t animate the camera or include any other text / logos etc.

Use the base spline in the template to create geometry which can be used as an emitter or to collide with or cull particles. However the particles interact is up to you.

This year the judges will be taking note of artistic or technical execution so if you’ve got a particular setup you want to submit, go for it – or if you want to design an entry that looks super pretty follow that path! If you’re the kind of artist who has both your technical and creative skills down then go for broke and combine the two!

You can explore either direction, but you can only submit one (1) entry. Within the direction you choose to follow you can use multiple systems, but we do not want to see smaller sims cut together i.e. the output should be one overall simulation.

To be clear; you can use multiple systems in the same scene that when combined, produce one overall effect i.e. no cuts of the camera to different setups.

Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd. These positions will be determined by ranking the top 3 Artistic and top 3 Technical entries and then choosing the overall top 3 winners from those shortlists.

Be sure to read the full rules below.

Rules

1. Using the Cinema 4D template file provided, entrants will produce one (1) movie file which is up to 150 frames in duration rendered at 30fps at 1920x1080 pixels.
   

2. Do not apply any text overlays or additional copy to an entry. Do not adjust the framing of the camera. Do not animate the camera or cut between different scenes. Submissions can include sound but it is not required.
   

3. Only one (1) entry will be accepted per entrant containing one continuous shot which can use multiple systems.
   

4. Entrants can work with any version of X-Particles including the trial version and can render their animation using any compatible renderer. If using trial versions, refer to the respective website for any limitations.
   

5. To help identify your entry, name your file: XPC2020-[YourVimeoUsername] or XPC2020-[YourTwitterUsername] or XPC2020-[YourInstagramUsername]
   

6. Submit your entry by completing the Google Form and uploading a single MP4 movie file through the form. You will also need to include your project file and anything needed to open it so a zipped folder is recommended, but please do not include cache files!
   
   Once you've uploaded your entry via the Google Form, you can also add it to the Vimeo group  You can also post on Twitter and mention @xpchallenge – this helps us promote your entry. Entries will also be cross-promoted via @xpchallenge on Instagram.
   

7. The closing date for entries is: 4th January 2021 at 23:59:59 PST. Refer to the website homepage for a countdown timer. Entries submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
   

8. Submissions which are a direct copy of a tutorial will be rejected.
   

9. The organiser reserves the right to change these details without notice.