Games Art

Games art is the specialism within the games industry concerned with the visual world of digital games, from character design and environment art to user interface design, concept art and the textures and assets that fill game worlds with detail and atmosphere. While games design focuses on systems and gameplay, and games programming focuses on code, games art is the visual craft that makes games worlds feel real, distinctive and compelling. It is a discipline that requires both strong traditional artistic skills, including drawing, composition and colour theory, and proficiency with the digital tools that professional games artists use.

At Northampton, this four-year programme includes a foundation year, providing an accessible academic entry route for students who want additional preparation before engaging with degree-level games art study. The foundation year develops your foundational artistic skills and your understanding of digital creativity before you enter the main programme. Across the degree you will develop expertise in 3D modelling, texturing, concept art, character and environment design, working with the professional software used in the games industry and building a portfolio that demonstrates your capabilities to potential employers.

Games art is a field where your portfolio is as important as your qualification, and the programme is designed to help you develop a body of work that reflects genuine creative skill and professional standard.

Graduates work as games artists, 3D modellers, environment artists, character artists, texture artists, concept artists and art directors in games studios of all sizes, as well as in adjacent industries including animation, film, virtual reality and digital media. The combination of artistic skill and digital proficiency is valued across the visual effects and interactive media industries. Some graduates develop freelance practices alongside studio roles.