Preparing for your course

Welcome to the world of Games Art and Design at AUB. Your summer project is to create an original game character, allowing you to explore and showcase your creative talents and skills. This project is designed for all skill levels, so whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, there's plenty of room for you to shine. Begin by brainstorming and developing a unique character concept, considering their background, personality, and role in a game. You can choose any genre or style — fantasy, sci-fi, or something entirely different — whatever sparks your imagination.

Create a visual representation of your character using any medium you're comfortable with, such as traditional drawing, digital illustration, or even 3D modelling. If you're more inclined toward writing, feel free to include a detailed character backstory or design a character sheet outlining their traits and abilities. Additionally, consider adding colour schemes, costume designs, and any accessories that make your character stand out.

Compile your work into a five-page digital portfolio, including sketches, final designs, and a brief description of your creative process. This project will not only help you assess and develop your skills but also set the stage for an exciting journey in Games Art and Design at AUB.

Please aim to have this completed before your first day of term. The work from this project doesn't carry any credit to your Year 1 marks, but it's a good way for us to meet you through your ideas and creativity.

During the first week, you'll share your ideas with Alina. We'll collaborate to create a wall of ideas in the studio and use this as a great opportunity to meet each other and share work.

The Library at AUB is extremely well resourced and includes all key texts that you'll need. The list below indicates the key texts that will be useful throughout your studies. All of these are available from our Library. You might want to borrow a copy from your local library to look at before you arrive. Reading lists will be supplied in your course handbook and at the start of each unit on the course.

• The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses by Jesse Schell – This book offers a comprehensive guide to game design, presenting practical advice and 100 different lenses through which to view and improve your game.
• Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design by Scott Rogers – A highly accessible book that covers a broad range of topics in game design, from conceptualising ideas to the final stages of development.
• Drawing Basics and Video Game Art by Chris Solarski – This book bridges the gap between traditional art fundamentals and video game art, focusing on character design, environment design, and storytelling through visual art.
• Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman – This book delves into the theory and principles of game design, exploring the rules, play, and culture surrounding games. It’s an essential read for understanding the broader context of game creation.

Over the summer, please try to look at some of these:

• Develop
• Edge
• 3D World
• ImagineFX
• Wireframe

Over the summer, please try to look at some of these:

• Game Developer
• ArtStation
• Polycount
• CGSociety