Offered at The Art Institute of Dallas  and The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham  

Program Description

The process of designing and producing digital games and other types of interactive multimedia involves a variety of people utilizing specialized skills.  Some of these skills are conceptual: designing game concepts and interactions or creating stories.  Some of these skills are artistic: drawing and sketching, creating 3D models, 3D animation, and texture mapping for 3D, using industry standard software; photo manipulation and original creation of 2D art for backgrounds, and characters, and props using imaging software.  Some of these skills are managerial: determining budgets and schedules for project completion and assembling the right group of creative people.   Game artists may be specialists in one or two aspects of the total game development process, but their value as participants in that process is enhanced by a comprehensive knowledge of the entire operation.

In pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art & Design degree program, students are encouraged to master traditional skills through a rich variety of fundamental art courses while learning to use 2D and 3D design tools to create characters, backgrounds, animations, and textures used in producing digital games and related interactive media.  In addition, they have the opportunity to acquire a level of awareness and knowledge of the terminology used in programming and scripting to be able to converse intelligently with programmers. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art & Design degree program also provides a unique learning opportunity in the management of projects and game development teams. Anticipated assignments and projects include designing gameplay and back stories; creating characters and related environments; employing 3D modeling and animation software to create game art; employing 2D image software to create backgrounds and 3D textures; and applying knowledge of games to evaluate game products.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates should be able to:

• Basic Skills - Demonstrate the ability to apply traditional and digital art skills showing a solid foundation of the principles of game art and design according to professional industry standards
• Employ the principles of gaming, balance and usability to plan and create game rules, mechanics, environments, aesthetics and experiences
• Process Skills - Demonstrate the requisite presentation, interviewing, resume-building and game business knowledge critical to seeking an entry-level artist and/or designer position in the industry
• Technology and Production - Demonstrate the ability to apply the skills necessary to create game art assets for use in industry standard engines through all stages of the production pipeline
• Communication - Complete assignments and projects to include designing level play and background stories, creating characters and related environments, and applying knowledge of video and computer games to evaluate game products
• Professional Practice - Demonstrate knowledge of the managerial and developmental aspects of the game production pipeline and demonstrate knowledge of planning, scope, soft skills, problem solving, deadlines and economics that go into making a market-ready game

Requirements for Graduation

Credit Hours: 180
Number of Weeks: 132 (12 quarters)
Contact Hours: 2,488