Render Network Foundation Monthly Report — May 2026
May saw expanded Dispersed node onboarding, new cloud storage integrations for Render Network, enhanced rendering workflows, exciting artist showcases, and the release of the most technically detailed case study in Render Network’s history.
Ecosystem metrics
The Render Network Foundation tracks various metrics on its network. Below is the aggregate view of the month’s activity, previous month’s activity, and month-over-month change for a few key metrics.
Looking for definitions of each of these terms? Check out our previous monthly reports.
Product updates
Dispersed gets both Global and Windows OS Node Support, plus Website Updates
For Dispersed, the distributed compute network launched specifically for AI workloads, we’re now onboarding Windows OS GPUs now (in addition to Linux). If you’ve got a high performance GPU you’d like to put on the network, apply here.
We’re also accepting node applications from countries beyond the US or Canada.
For details on hardware specs and rewards, read RNP-021.
If you previously applied, we will be reviewing your application.
If you’re a builder, you might be pleased to know that we’ve recently added functionality that allows you to select the region they’d like to hire GPUs from.
Lastly, check out the newly added pages and content to the website, including a Product page, an About Us page, and a Resources page where you can read through our blog announcements, case studies, and more.
Render Network Product Updates
Manager App Enhancements
The Render Network Manager App received two releases in May, delivering a range of usability improvements, download workflow enhancements, and bug fixes designed to streamline the rendering experience.
Version 1.48.24 introduced significant upgrades to the downloads workflow, including bulk download functionality for selected jobs, download path validation, disk space verification, automatic retries for failed downloads, and the ability to prioritize downloading first and last frames.
New options such as “Skip Existing Frames” help users avoid unnecessary downloads and improve efficiency when managing large projects.
The release also improved the Open Cloud Storage (OCS) workflow, adding asset compression progress tracking, notifications for missing assets during hashing, and relocating hashed asset lists to a more accessible scene details view. Additional updates included support for displaying the latest render engine and plugin versions during job creation, improved folder naming for downloaded outputs, enhanced cross-platform drive handling, performance optimizations for projects with large frame counts, and clearer error reporting for API scope issues.
Version 1.48.31 followed with targeted fixes to the downloads system, resolving issues that could cause incorrect file formats to be saved to output folders and ensuring output lists reset properly after selective downloads.
Together, these updates continue to improve reliability, visibility, and efficiency across the rendering workflow.
Insydium Fused for Cinema 4D Now Available
Following a successful beta period announced at RenderCon 2026, support for the Insydium Fused package for Cinema 4D is now generally available on Render Network.
Cinema 4D creators can now render projects using the full Insydium Fused toolset, including X-Particles and other Fused modules, expanding the range of supported creative workflows available on the network.
Expanded Cloud Storage Integrations
Render Network has expanded its Cloud Storage Uploads feature with support for both Google Drive and Amazon S3.
Users can now connect Dropbox, Google Drive, or S3 storage to automatically upload scenes to the network through watch folders, simplifying project management and reducing manual file transfer steps. These additions provide greater flexibility for studios, teams, and individual creators working across a variety of cloud storage environments.
Artist Spotlight Number 1: Kasper Steernberg
Kasper Steernberg is a 3D artist and designer who has created visuals for artists like Victoria Monét, Marshmello, Tiesto, Jonna Fraser, and Zedd.
For one of his latest projects, Kasper created a series of intricate, neon-sign inspired stage visuals for Cardi B’s Little Miss Drama tour, rendered on Render Network:
Watch the full stage visual animation:
Check out Kasper’s Instagram for more of his work.
Artist Spotlight Number 2: Lit Candle
Render Network Foundation grant recipient Adnan of Lit Candle recently released a stunning cinematic reinterpretation of the original Need for Speed: Underground trailer, showcasing the level of craftsmanship possible with modern 3D workflows powered by Render Network.
Eight months in the making, the project features meticulously rebuilt vehicle assets, custom rain and atmospheric simulations in Houdini, look development and lighting in Blender and OctaneRender, and fully in-house sound design and color grading. Created as a tribute to the video game franchise that inspired Adnan’s journey into 3D, the piece reflects a commitment to technical excellence, manual artistry, and creative dedication.
The project serves as both a technical showcase and a celebration of a decade of growth as a 3D artist, with Render Network helping make the final cinematic vision possible.
Check out the trailer:
Announcements
SUBMERGE: Beyond the Render Case Study Now Available
In May we published our SUBMERGE: Beyond the Render case study. This case study is the most in-depth and technically detailed behind-the-scenes look we’ve ever published. The 18K, cinematic-quality exhibit is the largest immersive experience ever rendered on the decentralized Render Network.
The case study dives deep into the project’s production pipeline, covering everything from asset creation and scene optimization to rendering strategy and infrastructure considerations. It covers a lot of ground, from practical realities of producing high-end animated content to how decentralized GPU rendering can help creators scale ambitious projects without compromising quality.
Whether you’re an independent artist, creative studio, or production team, the case study walks through how decentralized rendering can support demanding 3D, animation, VFX, and digital content workflows.
Interested in using Render Network for your own cinematic, animation, VFX, or 3D graphics projects? Reach out to the team (on X, Instagram, LinkedIn or via email). We’d love to explore how we can support your next production.
RenderCon 2026 sessions are now available on demand
All 23 sessions from RenderCon 2026, the two-day event that bright together artists, technologists, and builders in April, are now available to watch on demand.
Check out the sessions:
