Games Art

Games Art is the visual creative discipline that underpins the interactive experiences of video games, encompassing character design, environment art, concept art, 3D modelling, texturing, animation, and the visual design systems that give games their distinctive look and feel. It is a field at the intersection of fine art, graphic design, and technical production, requiring both a strong artistic sensibility and the practical ability to work within the constraints of game engines and production pipelines. The games industry is one of the most significant sectors of the global creative economy, and games artists are among the most in-demand creative professionals within it.

At the University of Gloucestershire, this three-year full-time programme develops your game art skills across the full range of visual production disciplines needed in the industry. You will develop expertise in concept art, character design, environment art, 3D modelling and texturing, visual effects, and the technical knowledge needed to work within game engines. The programme also offers a year-long work placement in the games industry as an optional component, giving you the opportunity to experience professional studio life and to make the personal and professional connections that can define a creative career.

Gloucestershire's creative arts environment and its connections to the games industry provide a supportive context for developing your practice.

Graduates of Games Art programmes work in game studios as character artists, environment artists, concept artists, 3D modellers, technical artists, and visual effects artists. Many work across the spectrum from independent and mobile games to large-scale console and PC productions. Others move into adjacent areas such as film and television visual effects, animation, and interactive media.

Portfolio quality is the primary currency of the games art job market, and the programme is designed to help you build a compelling body of work.