A 3D artist has created a replica of a Steam Deck that was so convincing that many people were sure it was a real object. From time to time, pictures circulate around social media that at first glance appear to be photographs, but are then revealed to be extremely detailed images painstakingly created by an artist. A new example of this came from 3D artist Ramiz Asadullaev.

Asadullaev was working on improving his skills and familiarising himself with a new work pipeline. This involved, firstly, creating a 3D object in Nick Kallen's CAD for Artists software. Blender Bridge was then used for export, followed by Maya and RizomUV for topology and UV mapping, respectively. Substance 3D painter was then used for texturing, and Marmoset Toolbag for rendering.

If this sounds like a complicated process to you, then you are certainly not alone. However, it seems the end results were worth it. Asadullaev managed to create a 3D model of a Steam Deck that many viewers first thought was a reference photograph, instead of the finished 3D model. Below is said photograph, but with some lines/edges to clarify the fact that it is indeed a model.

“This is not a reference, but a render. The broken screen texture is taken from Reddit for this frame, as I wrote in the description.”

Ramiz Asadullayev

Astonishing detail

The aim in creating the project, Asadullaev said, was to achieve a smooth shape in a low-poly model. To better achieve this, Asadullaev added a few extra loops for a higher level of close-up detail.

When he posted his final renders, which featured a broken Steam Deck display, it was so convincing that Asadullaev had to go back and add a disclaimer explaining that it was a render, and not a reference photograph. Users were in disbelief about the model, one commenting that “I thought the second photo was the reference from which the model was made.

The renders are almost frighteningly lifelike. It is genuinely hard to tell that the image is not a photograph. More of Ramiz Asadullaev's work can be found on the ArtStation website. With this level of ability, he has a promising future ahead of him.

About the Author

Rebecca Hills-Duty

Writing and journalism experience at VRFocus, UploadVR, The Escapist, HTC, PC Gamer, Tech Radar+ and Dexerto. Can sometimes be found playing with retro tech.