Computer Games Art

Computer Games Art is the discipline concerned with creating the visual content that brings video games to life: the characters, environments, props, textures, animations and interface elements that players see and interact with. It sits at the intersection of fine art, design and technology, requiring both strong visual sensibility and technical proficiency in the software tools and pipelines that professional games studios use. As the games industry has grown into one of the world's largest entertainment sectors, the demand for skilled games artists who can work to industry standards and within collaborative development teams has grown correspondingly.

At the University of Portsmouth, this full-time three-year programme includes a sandwich placement year, a year abroad and work placement opportunities, with established relationships with acclaimed national and international games companies providing a direct connection to industry practice. You will develop skills in drawing, 3D modelling, animation, texturing and composition, learning how game assets are created and integrated into game engines while working within the technical constraints and creative demands of real game development. You will have opportunities to collaborate with fellow students on live industry projects and to work professionally on an optional placement, building the portfolio and industry experience that games employers look for.

Computer Games Art graduates go on to careers as games artists, 3D modellers, character artists, environment artists, texture artists and technical artists in games studios ranging from large commercial publishers to independent developers. The skills developed in the degree also translate to visual effects and animation for film and television, advertising, architectural visualisation and immersive media. Many graduates enter the industry through junior or associate roles and progress relatively quickly as they develop experience and portfolio depth.

Postgraduate study in games art, animation or digital design is available for those who wish to develop further specialist expertise.