BA (Hons) Games Art

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Games Art program at Leeds Arts University offers an intensive and industry-focused undergraduate experience for individuals passionate about bringing virtual worlds and characters to life through captivating visuals. This program is meticulously designed to equip students with a comprehensive skillset in 3D modeling, character design, environment art, texturing, lighting, and visual effects, specifically tailored for the demands of the games development pipeline. It emphasizes the development of both artistic creativity and technical proficiency, alongside a strong understanding of storytelling principles and their application within game environments and characters. Students are encouraged to specialize in areas such as character art, environment art, or technical art, developing a strong personal artistic identity within the games context. The program fosters a collaborative and project-based learning environment, mirroring industry workflows and preparing graduates for a wide array of artistic roles within the global games industry. Students will develop a professional portfolio showcasing their visual design skills and understanding of game art production.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Games Art program at Leeds Arts University is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive understanding of games art creation. It typically includes core modules focusing on 3D modeling (characters, environments, props), digital sculpting, 2D art and illustration for games, texturing and material creation, character rigging and animation fundamentals, environment design and worldbuilding, lighting and composition for games, visual effects, technical art (pipeline optimization, engine integration), and portfolio development. A strong emphasis is placed on hands-on experience using industry-standard software and game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity. Students will engage in individual and collaborative projects, creating game-ready assets and environments. The curriculum often incorporates workshops on industry best practices, asset optimization, and version control. Critical analysis of existing games and game art styles forms an important part of the curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of visual language and artistic trends within the games industry. Students are also encouraged to explore emerging technologies such as virtual reality workflows for game art.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Games Art program at Leeds Arts University encourages a research-informed approach to creative practice, prompting students to explore the theoretical, historical, and technical aspects of games art. Research within the program often involves investigating visual styles in games, analyzing character design principles, studying environment art techniques for immersion, and exploring the impact of technology on game aesthetics. Students are supported in developing their own research questions and using their artistic projects as a form of inquiry. This might involve researching different rendering techniques, studying the anatomy of real-world creatures for believable character design, or analyzing the use of color and lighting to evoke mood in game environments. Practice-based research is central, with students using their developing game art as a means of generating new knowledge and understanding. The program fosters critical reflection on the creative process and encourages students to articulate their artistic choices through research and analysis.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a vital component of the BA (Hons) Games Art program at Leeds Arts University, providing students with invaluable connections to the professional games industry. The university actively fosters relationships with game development studios, both local (including Rockstar Leeds) and national, as well as industry organizations like Game Republic. Students benefit from opportunities to participate in collaborative projects with BA (Hons) Games Design students, live briefs set by industry partners, workshops and masterclasses led by experienced games artists, portfolio reviews with industry professionals, and potential internships or work placements. The Industry Speaker Programme invites gaming professionals to share real-world insights and build connections for students' future careers. The annual graduate showcases provide a key platform for students to present their portfolios to potential employers.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Games Art program at Leeds Arts University incorporates a global perspective by examining the diverse visual styles and artistic trends within the international games industry. The curriculum often explores game art from various cultural contexts, analyzing different approaches to character design, environment art, and visual storytelling across different regions and genres. Students are encouraged to be aware of global trends in game development and to consider the international audience for their work. The presence of international students and faculty contributes to a rich and cross-cultural learning environment, fostering an exchange of global perspectives and ideas within the field of games art. Students are encouraged to research and analyze international game art styles and to develop a portfolio that demonstrates an understanding of global visual trends within the games industry, preparing them for careers in a globalized entertainment market.