In an exciting announcement on Saturday, May 4, 2024, software giant Autodesk, with Disney and Lucasfilm, launched a droid design competition fittingly named “May the Fourth.” The competition, organized in commemoration of Star Wars Day, invites individuals over 18 to showcase their design skills using Autodesk’s software lineup: Maya, 3ds Max, and Fusion.
The contest, which runs until August, offers participants a grand stage to flex their software proficiency and imaginative mettle. Autodesk, Disney, and Lucasfilm expect a multitude of unique and dynamic droid designs. The entries will be judged on creativity, originality, and innovative Autodesk software application.
Apart from the exciting opportunity to have their design featured in a future Star Wars project, winners stand a chance to win exclusive Disney merchandise and a software bundle from Autodesk. All the contest and prize related details are available on Autodesk’s official website.
The contest is open to both professional designers and Star Wars enthusiasts alike, and illustrates the historic collaboration shared by the Star Wars franchise and Autodesk. Contestants can upload their droid designs, which can be medical, exploration, or combat-themed, on a designated website from May 4 till June 4.
A panel of distinguished judges from Lucasfilm and Autodesk will evaluate the entries based on creativity, technical complexity, and aesthetics.
Autodesk’s Star Wars-themed droid contest
The winners’ announcement will take place mid-June on the contest’s website and official Star Wars platforms.
Prizes for winners include a VIP tour of Lucasfilm and a meeting with a Lucasfilm executive. There’s also the chance to have the winning droid brought to life and displayed at Lucasfilm. Other prizes include exclusive Star Wars merchandise and early access to Star Wars events. Participation is also recognized and appreciated, signaling that everyone has a voice in the Star Wars universe.
Autodesk’s software, the backbone of the contest entries, was integral in creating the latest Star Wars droid for the upcoming Disney+ series Star Wars: The Acolyte. Showcasing the powerful capability of Autodesk, the software effortlessly integrated the complex droid designs into the rich Star Wars galaxy narrative.
Autodesk marked the contest kickoff with an inspiring video for fans eager to participate. In-depth tutorials, relevant guidance, and masterclasses from proficient mentors were also bundled in the video, which was well-received in the fandom community.
