Games Art and Design

Games art and design is the creative discipline that gives games their visual identity and spatial character. Game artists and designers are responsible for the characters, environments, objects, and interfaces that players see and interact with, working across concept art, 3D modelling, texturing, animation, and visual effects to realise the artistic vision of a game and deliver an experience that is both visually compelling and practically navigable. The discipline demands technical mastery of digital tools alongside a strong creative sensibility and an understanding of how visual design and game design interact.

This three-year, full-time programme at Teesside includes a placement year that gives you professional experience in the games industry before you graduate, building contacts, portfolio work, and understanding of how games are made commercially. You will develop your skills in creating computer-generated 3D models and learn to apply materials, textures, lighting, and rendering to produce the finished assets that go into games. You will also work on concept art, environment design, character design, and the visual storytelling that gives games their atmosphere and appeal.

Teesside has a strong reputation in games education and industry connections that support student careers.

Graduates work in the games industry as environment artists, character artists, concept artists, level designers, and visual effects specialists, as well as in adjacent creative technology fields including visual effects for film and television, virtual reality, and interactive media. The placement year is typically important in securing the first professional role, and the portfolio of work developed during the degree and placement is the primary way studios assess creative applicants. Further study in games art, digital arts, or visual effects is an option for those who wish to develop specialist expertise.