Games Design and Art

Summary

Games are more than entertainment. They are a way to tell stories, explore ideas and create meaningful experiences.

On this course, you will design and make games from day one, combining creativity with technical skill. You will explore areas such as game design, art, interaction, storytelling and coding, developing a broad understanding of how games are created.

You will take a research led approach to your work, experimenting with ideas, prototyping and testing your games as you develop them. You will also explore emerging areas such as serious and purposeful games, considering how games can create social impact and cultural value.

As you progress, you will build a portfolio of work that reflects your interests and strengths, preparing you for a career in the games and creative industries.

Key features of the course

Study at Winchester School of Art, combining creative practice with technical development.

Work in dedicated games studios in our Capital House building, a centre for games and creative technology.

Have your own workspace within a collaborative studio environment that reflects industry practice.

Explore a wide range of game formats, from video games and AR and VR to tabletop, location based games and escape rooms.

Visit games studios, attend conferences and present your ideas to industry professionals.

Student support

You will be part of a close knit community of game makers and artists, supported by tutors who are committed to helping you develop your creative and technical skills.

Working closely with your peers, you will collaborate, share ideas and build confidence in your practice within a supportive studio environment.

Further information

BA Games Design and Art is a three year full time course based at Winchester School of Art. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a year in industry.

Find out more on our course page.

Over the three years of this Games Design and Art course, you will explore a broad range of concepts in the field and you'll get the opportunity to create and build your ideas into the next generation of games.

Year 1: GET CURIOUS - develop the skills required to generate innovative game ideas through experimentation and exploration. Working both independently and in small teams, you will produce various articles of documentation and reflection on your thinking through making, coupled with various prototypes and outputs.

Year 2: PIPELINES, PROCESSES, AND INNOVATION - become increasingly familiar with games documentation, games project management, asset building skills, and the practical knowledge required to develop a game within industry-understood standard conventions. In Year 2, the focus is on digital games and looking for innovative approaches to what a digital game could be, as well as on experimental game ideas and outcomes.

Year 3: UNIQUE IMPACT GAMES - develop your games design & art ideas and skills to a higher theoretical and professional level through working competently as an independent learner and practitioner. You will use this year to create a passionate finished game for presentation to the public and games industry. You will also connect directly to the games industry via directed industry events, talks, and engagement. The production of your Major Project will be supported with promotion and exposure to the industry and the public through a directed online campaign, and the ability to show your work at various stages throughout the year at external public and industry-facing events. The year will culminate in the launch of your Major Project, a fully realised game, completed, downloadable and playable as well as featuring in at least two public arcade exhibitions where you will be able to talk passionately about the concepts and the project directly with the games and creative industries.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page.

The learning activities for this course include the following:
Lectures
Classes and Tutorials
Coursework
Individual and group projects

How we'll assess you:
Essays
Individual and group projects
Oral presentations
Portfolios