Games Art

Games art is the visual discipline at the heart of video game development, responsible for the environments, characters, props, textures, lighting and visual effects that give a game its world and aesthetic identity. While game design determines how a game works and what a player does, games art determines how it looks and feels, and in an industry where visual quality is a major commercial driver, the artists who can create compelling, technically appropriate and stylistically coherent game assets are among the most valued professionals in the development pipeline.

At the University of the Arts London, specifically London College of Communication, this three-year full-time programme is delivered in a cutting-edge facility at Elephant and Castle, giving you access to industry-standard equipment and a creative environment that reflects the professionalism of the sector you are entering. You will develop skills in 3D modelling, texturing, character design, environment art, lighting and the use of game engines, building a professional portfolio of work that demonstrates your capability across the full range of games art disciplines. A sandwich year gives you extended professional experience in a studio environment, and a work placement provides further hands-on exposure alongside your studies.

A typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects the creative preparation the programme expects, and the UAL context gives you access to a community of artists, designers and creative technologists that extends well beyond the games industry.

Graduates pursue careers as 3D artists, environment artists, character artists, concept artists, technical artists and lighting artists across games studios of every scale, from independent developers to major publishers. The skills developed through games art are also transferable to visual effects, animation, film production and immersive experience design. Some graduates pursue postgraduate study in games art, animation or visual effects, while others build their careers through continued professional development in studio environments.