Games Art

Games art is the creative discipline that shapes the visual world of digital games, encompassing concept art, character design, environment creation, texturing, lighting and the technical processes that bring two-dimensional ideas into real-time three-dimensional spaces. It sits at the intersection of fine art, illustration, design and software, requiring practitioners who can generate compelling visual ideas and execute them within the technical constraints of game engines and production pipelines. As games have become one of the largest creative industries in the world, the demand for skilled games artists has grown substantially.

At the University of Westminster, this three-year programme prepares you to concept and develop unique and engaging visual experiences across a wide range of creative industries and emerging technologies. You will develop skills in life drawing and observational study, digital painting, 3D modelling and sculpting, texturing, rigging and animation, as well as an understanding of the game development process and the role of the artist within production teams. The programme includes a sandwich year, giving you time in a professional environment, and also incorporates a year abroad and work placement opportunities, providing multiple routes to develop practical experience and international perspective alongside your studio practice.

You will build a professional portfolio throughout your studies, which is the primary currency of a career in this field.

The degree develops both technical proficiency and creative confidence, and Westminster's emphasis on emerging technologies means you will also explore how new platforms, including virtual reality, augmented reality and real-time rendering, are expanding what games art involves.

Graduates work as concept artists, environment artists, character artists, technical artists and art directors in games studios of all sizes, as well as in animation, film, virtual production and immersive experience design. Further study at masters level in games art or related disciplines is an option for those interested in specialisation or research.