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School of game development
Show the world that
you're in the game.
Our Game Development classes help prepare you for various careers such as a Game Designer, Systems or Gameplay Programmer, or a Character Concept Artist.
We have graduates working at these respected companies, among others:
"We have to create something but not just make it nice but we have to actually make it work. To create a character, set up the controls, and animate it and see somebody out there playing our game and see it come to life - It's just a lot of fun"
MFA graduate student
Andrew Miller
Executive Director, School of Game Development
David Goodwine
"He has been in the industry for 17 years. His credits include projects such as 25 to Life, Legacy of Kain: Defiance, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Project: Snowblind, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, and Tomb Raider: Legend."
Programs
Our hands-on Game Development degree courses are taught by experienced instructors. Classes reflect the latest industry standards and utilize the newest technology to help shape the future of gaming.
Game Development Areas of Study
As a game designer, you’ll balance gameplay elements and in-game economy to keep games engaging. You will also improve systems, contribute to features, as well as participate in testing to create immersive worlds and evoke emotions.
Game Designer
As a user interface/user experience designer, you’ll create the interfaces and mechanisms for a user to directly interact with a game. Use your knowledge of game features, design, motion graphics, and user paths to create an immersive experience.
UI/UX Design
Design and create characters for interactive games as a character concept artist. Working with art directors and designers, you’ll imagine the visual look of interactive characters with contextual details to bring them to life.
Character Concept Art
As an environment concept artist for games, you’ll combine a playful imagination with a high degree of artistic skill. Concept and flush out all aspects of environmental design, from small props to full culture kits.
Environment Concept Artist
Bring characters to life as a 3D character modeler. You’ll build complex character models, organic meshes, and work across teams to rig, light, texture, and animate your creations.
3D Character Modeler
As a 3D environment modeler, you’ll help develop levels, architecture, vehicles, objects, textures and materials for gameplay. Work with other teams to bring the story to life and create immersive worlds for interactive media.
3D Environment Modeler
Our successful students, graduates, and faculty
Whether you're interested in 3D modelling, animation, or UI/UX design, our School of Game Development will teach techniques used by the industry to create cutting edge games.
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Game of Thrones
Molly Maloney -
MFA, Game Development
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Titanfall 2
Eric Simard -
BFA, Game Development
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League of Legends
Duy Nguyen -
BFA, Game Development
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Rise of the Tomb Raider
Taylor Holmes -
BFA, Game Development
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Mafia 3
Ben Nadler -
BFA, Game Development
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The Walking Dead
Kelsey Martin -
BFA, Game Development
Online degrees available!
Learn from some of the finest creative minds working in Game Development today.
Updated September 8, 2020
Covid-19 update from Art Academy University:
In preparation for the Fall 2020 Semester, the Academy’s covid-19 Task Force has been hard at work ensuring safety for anyone visiting our campus through the following measures:
- Friendly safety reminders are posted throughout Academy buildings.
- Sanitation stations are provided in buildings.
- Social distance stickers are clearly marked in elevators, lobbies and on floors.
- Plexiglass shields are at host desk and in restroom.
- Buses are cleaned often and thoroughly.
Also, to stop the spread of COVID -19, wearing a mask is important. Masks are required to be worn at all times when in Academy buildings. but can be removed When the wearer is eating. Seated alone at their personal workstation or at least six feet away from another individual. Please note that a face mask must cover both the Nose and Mouth. Academy of Art University will also provide receptacles for used/soiled face coverings.
We recommend cloth/fabric masks or a 3-ply disposable medical grade mask. Bandannas and neck gaiters are not recommended as studies show these are not effective.
The face mask types and wearing protocols outlined above are designed in accordance with CDC guidelines and the city of San Francisco. We ask that you follow them so that we can all remain safe and healthy.
I am staying in the residence halls: may I remain in on-campus housing during Thanksgiving and/or the Intercession?
Yes you may request to remain in on-campus housing during the breaks. Please notify campus housing at 415-618-6335 or email: housing@academyart.edu . During halls are open to all students.
Are any studios, Labs and woodshops/workshops open to students.
Yes the University is making available specific studios, Labs, and woodshops and workshops to student to reserve to complete projects and advisor on how to access facilities and to find out about associated fees and to make a reservation.
