Video Game Artists, also known as Computer Game Artists, are professionals who utilize their imagination and artistic abilities to design and produce the visual components of a video game. This includes animated characters, their attire, the game’s setting, objects, vehicles, surface textures, and even interface elements. Video Game Artists are also responsible for creating concept art and storyboards to aid in communicating the proposed visual elements during the pre-production stage of the video game development.
As the cornerstone of any new game, the artwork is the most critical aspect of any video game, making Video Game Artists the most valuable among all the professionals involved in the development process. Thus, Video Game Artists must possess a high degree of innovation and expertise in the latest technology.
How to become Video Game Artist?
Video Game Artist Eligibility
To become a Video Game Artist, candidates must complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts or a related subject after passing the 10+2 class in any stream. After completing a Bachelor’s degree, aspiring Video Game Artists can go for job training, join a game development company, or opt for a Master’s degree in Fine Arts to gain a thorough knowledge of the field. A Master’s degree can be followed by a Ph.D. (Fine Arts).
Video Game Artist Required Skills
Drawing skills are a must-have requirement for aspiring Video Game Artists. In addition, they should have excellent computer skills, knowledge of computer games, creativity, imagination, and a logical approach to problem-solving. They must be able to work well in a team and alone, work well under pressure, and meet deadlines. Video Game Artists should also have a basic understanding of 3D design and drawing skills and know software packages such as Maya, Max, Photoshop, Z Brush, Substance Designer, and game engines such as Unreal or Unity. They should have a thorough understanding of the market and target audience for computer games and have storytelling ability.
List of some of the related courses required to become a Video Game Artist
| Foundation Diploma Course in Fine Arts | Advance Diploma in Fine Arts (Digital Arts and Animation) |
| B.A (Fine Arts) | B.F.A |
| B.F.A (Applied Arts) | B.F.A (Commercial Arts) |
| B.F.A (Hons.) | B.F.A (Drawing & Painting) |
| M.A (Fine Arts) | M.F.A (Applied Arts) Arts |
| M.Phil (Fine Arts) Arts | Ph.D. (Fine Arts) |
Institutes offering Courses for Video Game Artists
- National Institute of Design – NID Ahmedabad
- Government College of Arts, Chandigarh
- University of Delhi, Delhi
- Indian School of Design and Innovation, Mumbai
- MAEER’S MIT Institute of Design, Pune
- Asian Institute of Gaming and Animation (AIGM), Bangalore
- The Indian Institute of Digital Art & Animation (IIDAA), Kolkata
- Creative Mentors Animation College (CMAC), Hyderabad
- ANITECH College of Technology and Management (ANITECH), Bangalore
- Seamedu School of Pro-Expressionism (SSPE), Pune
- Image Institute of Multimedia Animation and Graphic Effects (IMAGE), Himayat Nagar Hyderabad
- Global Institute of Gaming & Animation (GIGA), Chennai
- Toonz Academy, Trivandrum
Video Game Artist Job Description
The Video Game Artist job description involves creating animated characters, clothing, scenery, objects, vehicles, and surface textures of the game under the guidance of senior Video Game Artists. Their work profile also includes analyzing games from all over the world, reference gathering, attending meetings to discuss work status, and playing games they are working on or those created by competitors to enhance their creative skills and generate new ideas for improvement in their work.
Video Game Artist Career Prospects
The Video Game industry is growing fast globally, and especially in India, there is ample scope for Video Game Artists to earn a great living. Owing to the huge gap between demand and supply, there is a constant demand for skilled game artists in India. Besides, there is great scope for establishing a new gaming industry in India in the coming times. Video Game Artists have good career progression within games development, and many who enter the industry at the junior level end up at the leadership level within a few years, such as Senior Artists (at least 4 to 5 years), Lead Artists (talented artists with team management skills who can lead an artist team in specific areas), and Art Director (apex in the Arts Division).