Games Art

Games art is the creative discipline concerned with the visual world of digital games, encompassing concept art, character design, environment creation, texturing, lighting and the technical skills needed to bring two-dimensional ideas into three-dimensional interactive spaces. It requires practitioners who can generate compelling visual ideas and execute them within the constraints of real-time game engines and production pipelines, combining artistic sensibility with technical competence. As games have become one of the world's largest creative industries, the demand for skilled games artists continues to grow.

At Teesside University, this four-year programme includes a foundation year, providing additional preparation in design fundamentals, digital imaging and technical skills before you enter the main degree. The university's own description of the foundation year captures its purpose: introducing the creative possibilities of image-making using digital tools, establishing fundamental principles of design and composition, and building technical proficiency in graphics software. The main degree then builds on this foundation over three further years, developing your skills in 3D modelling, environment art, character art, texturing, lighting and the full production pipeline used in professional games development.

A sandwich year and work placement opportunities are also part of the programme, providing structured routes to develop professional experience in a studio or related environment.

You will build a professional portfolio throughout your studies, which is the primary way games art graduates demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers and studios.

Graduates go on to work as concept artists, environment artists, character artists, texture artists, technical artists and art directors in games studios, animation companies, virtual reality experience producers and other digital creative industries. Further study at masters level in games art or a related area is an option for those seeking specialist expertise.