OK having worked through my initial emotions and skepticism, I actually think in the long run this is going to be great. Perhaps not great for hobbyists, due to the licensing, but I'm not a hobbyist. Anyway, most people's hobbies can get very expensive. This is mild in comparison.
There are many more talented people in the industry than myself, but I do manage to earn a decent wage doing what I do. (3D generalist and 3D/2D animator)
So for me, I'm already using Adobe CC. It's a prerequisite for anyone working in the industry professionally. Do I like that I need to stay locked in with Adobe? no. But it is what it is. And I don't understand how in the world people think it's more expensive being on CC. Unless maybe they were only updating once every 3 or 4 years at most (as a hobbyist perhaps).
Before CC I was staying on the new versions out of necessity because my clients are agencies and other artists who use Adobe products. It was MUCH more expensive before CC. Now I pay around $700 a year, not $1800 or whatever the video production bundle used to be.
I also use C4D - $725 a year. Yes it's perpetual...but I stay on top of the new versions for compatibility with other artists and agencies I work with, so perpetual means squat to me at this time. That doesn't mean I don't understand the fear and anger surrounding the licensing as it pertains to some individuals.
At first I was shocked and saddened and a little pissed about this announcement. But I do think this situation is different than the other cases people are basing their fear on. I could be totally wrong, and if so, then so be it. I'm going to keep on creating whether I'm using Allegorithmic/Adobe or Quixel or 3DCoat or whatever.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Substance suite. It's a JOY to work with and I literally giggled out loud when I first installed it and started working in it, and now 2 years later I still giggle when I look at a nice preview of a PBR I created in SD then painted it on a model in SP.
I hope for everyone else that the licensing works out to your favor. I truly do. But my biggest concerns have more to do with future plans and how it affects my pipeline.
I honestly think this future looks like it could be bright.
Thank you Wes and team for all your hard work, and for enduring the outcry (expected, I'm sure) from the userbase.
I sincerely hope that you all succeed within the mothership and continue to forge the way ahead for many years to come.
P.S. My initial reaction was not at all unlike some of the reactions here...but I vented to my wife and a few close friends about it. haha They didn't understand, but it let me get it off my chest.
I'm in a better place now.
My motto on this matter (until proven wrong):
Less complaint, more paint™
