Recommended Software
During this course you will likely spend most of your time using software for drawing and modelling as well as researching various topics relating to video game art and mechanics.
It is therefore important that you prepare yourself ahead of time and acquire some of the software that we will be using on your home machine. Below is a list of programs you will be required to use. Where a program requires a licence, a free alternative is listed so that you can try something similar.
Photoshop - you will use this software widely for image manipulation as well as digital drawing. It is a part of Adobe Creative cloud for which you will require a licence.
As an alternative, please download Autodesk Sketchbook.
https://www.autodesk.com/products/sketchbook/overview
Autodesk 3Ds Max - This software will be used for 3D modelling when we are creating video game assets. This software requires a licence, but it can be obtained free for students. You must apply for a student licence yourself.
https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/overview?sorting=featured&page=1
Blender – Like 3DS Max, blender is a 3D modelling software with various capabilities such as sculpting which we will make use of. Unlike 3Ds Max, it is free and requires no licence.
https://www.blender.org/download/
Unreal engine - Unreal engine is a powerful suite of tools to build working video games. It can be heavily modified to suit many different needs and can be freely scripted to create various functions within games. Any 3d models we make can be imported into it to create environments. The Licence for Unreal is free.
https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/
Artstation - this website is an invaluable tool full of concept, tutorials and portfolios of other people’s work. It will be a great source of inspiration, learning and a way to post and display your own work.
https://www.artstation.com/?sort_by=community
Transition tasks:
1. Download and install the software listed above on your home computer. At the minimum you must have Blender, Autodesk Sketchbook and Unreal engine.
2. Create an account on Artstation
3. Get a sketchbook. A4 or A3 size. Get a small set of drawing tools: A pencil, eraser, sharpener and a ballpoint pen.
4. Write a paragraph of no less than 300 words discussing the most memorable video game you have played. This should be a developed opinion considering this game’s Art style, story and gameplay and anything else that made it memorable to you.
5. Write and research an idea for a video game. This idea should include things such as: Type of gameplay, setting, theme, story.
The above should be supported by mind maps for idea generation as well as mood boards for research of visual ideas.
This needs to be your original idea with no references to other video games.
