What Are the Core Courses in a Game Art Degree Program?
Game designers create games that can be played online, on handheld devices, and on video game consoles. An undergraduate game art program teaches artistic techniques and programming skills to prepare you for an entry-level position as a game tester or designer supporting the senior game design team. Read on to find out more about the core courses you'll likely take in a game art degree program. Schools offering Game Production degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Core Courses in a Game Art Program
Game art courses vary with the type of school you could attend. Colleges and universities where game art is just one component of a digital media curriculum have different requirements from those of a technical school that offers specialties in programming, art, and teaching game design.
Important Facts About Game Art Programs
| Education Fields of Study | Digital media, computer programming, game design and development, computer science |
| Degree/Certificate Levels | Certificate, associate's, undergraduate, and graduate |
| Concentrations | Computer science, digital arts, game play programming, systems programming, game audio, game art |
| Online Availability | Full online programs and coursework available |
| Median Salary (2018) | $72,520 (multimedia artists and animators) |
| Job Outlook (2016-2026) | 8% (multimedia artists and animators) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Game Design and Development
Game design courses focus on the process and theory of game development. Content generally covers the following areas:
- History of gaming
- Gaming skills, software and other tools
- Developing concepts and content
- Project management
- Visual appeal
- Modeling, prototyping and testing
- Consumer-friendly documentation
Animation
Animation is the means by which game artists create virtual environments that simulate the real world. Most animation courses begin with two-dimensional (2D) sketching and design before advancing to the three-dimensional (3D) animation used in games. Instruction usually covers these topics:
- The physics of motion
- Object manipulation and modeling
- Virtual worlds and background creation
- Animated sequences and lighting
Programming
Some game art degree programs require you to have a basic understanding of computer programming. Game art programming applies data systems, algorithms, trigonometry, geometry, coordinate systems, vectors and matrices to the development of gaming programs.
Character Development
Facial expressions, body language, motivation and motion are key topics in a course on character development. Also, using 3D animation, students are taught to apply their knowledge of muscular and skeletal structure to bring virtual characters to life.
Storyboarding
All game art involves telling a story that incorporates plot, conflict, action, character development, and pacing. Game designers need to understand those elements and be able to translate them onto storyboards that flesh out the concept of the game. Some schools require you to take a creative writing class, in addition to storyboarding.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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