Game Art Media Design School

Overview

The Game Art programme at Media Design School offers an intensive pathway for aspiring creatives to master the technical and artistic demands of the global gaming sector. Students engage in a collaborative environment that mirrors professional studio structures to produce industry-standard visual content.

This degree focuses on the creation of beautiful environments and believable characters, allowing students to devise interactive stories and digital illustrations. Within the first sixteen weeks, learners create their own 2D game, eventually progressing to complex 3D projects. The curriculum is designed to foster both individual artistic style and the technical proficiency required for international audiences.

Why Game Art at Media Design School?

Media Design School provides a studio-simulated environment where students collaborate across disciplines, working alongside programmers to develop high-quality games. The institution is recognised for its award-winning student projects and strong industry connections. Facilities support both traditional and digital art practices, ensuring graduates are prepared for a sector larger than the music and movie industries combined.

The teaching approach emphasises creative problem-solving and is underpinned by the history and philosophy of technology. Students benefit from a diverse cohort and dedicated faculty who provide mentorship throughout the three-year journey. This practical focus ensures that every student builds a professional portfolio that demonstrates their readiness for the competitive global market.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 34550 per year
• National fee: NZD 12300 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Year 1

• Game Design Principles
• Art and Design Foundation - Environment
• Art and Design Foundations - Anatomy
• 2D Visual Asset Generation
• 3D Visual Asset Generation
• Game Production Foundation
• Creative Technologies: Game Studies I
• Technical Art I

Year 2

• People and Games
• Rapid Game Prototype
• Advanced 2D
• Advanced 3D Modelling
• Technical Art II
• Animation
• Real-time Animation
• Professional Practice and Communication

Year 3

• World Design
• Level Design
• Creative Technologies: Game Studies III
• Game Project: PreProduction
• Game Project: Alpha
• Game Project: Gold
• Portfolio Presentation and Critique

Careers with Game Art

Graduates are prepared for various specialised roles within the interactive entertainment industry. The programme focuses on developing the specific technical skills required for high-level production pipelines. Potential career paths include:

• Character Artist
• Environment Artist
• Technical Artist

These roles involve designing visually stunning characters, building immersive 3D landscapes, and bridging the gap between art and programming teams. Graduates find opportunities in game development studios, where they balance visual quality with technical performance constraints.