About the Courses
Course overview
During your studies you will be taught how to develop game ready assets for computer games and real-time simulations. A key focus is on guiding you on how to successfully combine the traditional and technical skills required to produce computer games art. The work you create in each module contributes to your overall portfolio.
Students benefit from free access to our dedicated high-spec computer games lab, where they can make use of industry-standard software including; Unreal Engine 5, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, Adobe Substance Painter, Adobe Substance Designer, Adobe Suite (inc Photoshop), Marvelous Designer and Maxon ZBrush.
Using these facilities, students build up a varied portfolio of creative work. From character models and level design to environment rendering and textures, this portfolio help
Course overview
During your studies you will be taught how to develop game ready assets for computer games and real-time simulations. A key focus is on guiding you on how to successfully combine the traditional and technical skills required to produce computer games art. The work you create in each module contributes to your overall portfolio.
Students benefit from free access to our dedicated high-spec computer games lab, where they can make use of industry-standard software including; Unreal Engine 5, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, Adobe Substance Painter, Adobe Substance Designer, Adobe Suite (inc Photoshop), Marvelous Designer and Maxon ZBrush.
Using these facilities, students build up a varied portfolio of creative work. From character models and level design to environment rendering and textures, this portfolio helps students to demonstrate their competencies to potential employers.
At Solent, our excellent industry links play a key part in student development, and past students have had the opportunity to work on live briefs for real clients. In addition, our academic team is formed of expert professionals who have wide-ranging experience in the gaming industry.
Modules
Core modules
Game Art Assets
This module explores three essential skills required to create game art assets: hard surface modelling, UV unwrapping and texturing. Using existing visual references and concepts you will be shown how to use these to model ‘game ready’ assets quickly and efficiently. We will discuss good practice, and the defining features of a game art model. Next, you will be shown to successfully unwrap 3D models and how to ‘bake’ maps from these. Finally, you will be shown how to paint 2D textures onto your own, unwrapped, 3D models.
Game Art Engines
In this module you will develop your understanding of the relationship between 3D artwork and industry-standard game engine software This will include explorations of: 3D artwork optimized for real-time rendering; lighting; BSP and in-built tools for block outs; creating static meshes; creating textures and materials; key-framed animation; and software solutions designed to further optimise the game art production pipeline.
Digital Visuals
This module sets the groundwork for your journey as a digital artist. It provides a global overview of the production pipelines used in different sectors of the digital art industries. This module also aims to help you start to develop your visual intelligence and understand the various ways in which visual intelligence is embedded in digital art in specific sectors.
Game Art Environments
This module will focus on building game world assets for believable game environments using industry-standard tools. You will learn about developing both hard surface assets for urban and industrial environments and organic assets for natural scenery; alongside standard landscape and atmospheric tools to create a living, breathing game worlds.
Game Art Actors
This module will explore several new game art theories, tools, and techniques. You will be taught how to digitally sculpt organic form, including anatomy, and how to retopologise, unwrap and texture a game ready character. You will also learn how to rig assets, and successfully apply existing animations to these. Finally, you will you be shown how to script a real time character so that they are able to interact with a game environment. You will use what you learn to develop a showreel demonstrating your own completed game character(s) in engine.
Collaborative Games Development
This is a group-based module where games design and programming students develop the skills and knowledge needed for prototype game development, learning about working in a team, and further strengthen their understanding of game engines and game development processes. This module will simulate the experience of working in a game studio to develop a small game project using a game engine. You will make important development decisions such as game direction, task delegation, managing and cutting scope, as well as learning how to handle tools such as source control and task management. The module culminates in a final game demo that goes straight to your portfolio.
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IELTS Academic
6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
Requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels. A portfolio is also required for most of our art and design courses. Students should hold a bachelor's degree (two or three years' duration).
For postgraduate courses, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British bachelor's degree. Students should hold a master's degree.