Begin with a foundation in game design concepts, digital image making and drawing, and visual culture. From there, you’ll dive into the world of 3D modeling and game engine exploration, including virtual cinematography and principles of interactivity using visual programming tools where you’ll design and implement the functionality of artistic interactive programs. You’ll bring your ideas to life in our computer labs outfitted with gaming PCs and drawing tablets, and our virtual production and VFX studios which include motion-capture editing tools, a green screen room, and GPU render farm— comprehensive art & design facilities that are unmatched at any other school in New England.
But there’s more to games and interactive experiences than technology. You’ll also learn the elements of production including game conceptualization, story development, as well as interface, character, soundtrack, and level design. As you find your strengths and interests, you’ll choose a specialization in one of two areas—game art or game design.
Everything you learn and do in the major prepares you for the professional art & design world of interactive experiences and games. You’ll take several Interactive Studio capstone courses where you’ll apply your skills to instructor-guided projects, such as building games, simulations, and artistic installations. Working alongside accomplished faculty in all areas of art & design, gain hands-on experience working as part of a game studio production team with various departments, leads, development infrastructure, and real-world demands.
A skilled game artist and designer must also understand topics such as biology, anatomy, and geometry to create convincing characters and virtual environments. At Lesley, our College of Art & Design is situated within a larger university that has 25+ liberal arts majors and 45+ minors. That means you'll be able to study a range of topics that can enhance your practice. And with our reimagined general education curriculum, you’ll acquire knowledge and skills that employers value, which will prepare you to succeed in an increasingly complex, diverse, and global world.
Graduate with a strong base in interactive media production skills, such as design, audio production, and 3D graphics—including real-time 3D skills which are in high demand. Be ready to engage users in your creations, as well as meet the needs of the vast industries that utilize video game technologies. Located in dynamic Cambridge, MA—a few miles from Boston—you’ll be near one of the hotbeds of game development in New England. With studios such as WB Games Boston, Rockstar New England, Zero VFX, Northern Light Productions, Harmonix, FableVision, and Proletariat nearby, there are many opportunities to find internships and an amazing job.