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Subject · 108 verified programs

Game Art and Design degrees

Degrees on the visual and design side of games: concept art, character and environment art, level and interaction design.

Also called: Game Design, Game Art, Video Game Art, Interactive Media Design, Games and Interactive Design.

40 BFA · 31 BA / BA (Hons) · 17 Other bachelor’s award · 8 MA · 5 Other master’s award · 5 MFA · 2 BDes · 12 official concentration, 92 dedicated degree, 4 named major

108 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About game art and design study

Game art and design degrees focus on the creative side of making games: how they look, how they are structured and how players experience them. Study commonly covers concept art, character and environment modeling, animation, user interface, level design, game mechanics and narrative. Students learn to develop ideas on paper and then realize them in a game engine.

Programs usually combine drawing and design foundations with project-based production. Students work individually and in teams to prototype, test and refine playable work, learning iteration, feedback and production planning. Critique, history of games and visual culture, and discussion of player experience and ethics are common elements, along with portfolio development.

This directory lists art-focused and design-focused programs. Computing and software engineering degrees, which emphasize programming, graphics engineering and systems, are not included, though art-focused students often learn some scripting. Game art differs from animation and film, which are non-interactive, and from digital arts, which has a broader scope. Some programs emphasize art, others game design, and some cover both.

What study typically involves

  • Concept art, drawing and visual design
  • 3D modeling, texturing and environment or character art
  • Level design and game mechanics
  • Prototyping and playtesting
  • Game engine use and basic scripting in many programs
  • Narrative design and game history
  • Team production and portfolio development

Award titles. Game art and design is commonly studied within BA, BA (Hons), BFA or BDes programs and, at postgraduate level, MA, MFA or MDes degrees. Research degrees may exist in some countries. Award titles vary, so rely on the official program page.

Game art and design may appear as a degree, a major in a media school or a concentration within animation or digital arts. The directory lists a program under this subject only with a verified dedicated degree, major, official concentration or documented pathway.

Portfolio and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Applicants to game art and design programs are often asked for a portfolio that shows drawing, visual thinking and creative projects, which may include digital work, models, level sketches or game prototypes. Sketchbooks matter, and advanced technical experience is not always expected at entry.

Requirements vary by country and program. Some ask for a design task, written response or interview, and some specify formats or platforms for digital work. Postgraduate programs commonly look for a focused portfolio and a statement of interests.

Confirm formats, limits and deadlines on each official admissions page. Admission is never guaranteed, and no universal template applies.

See also the guide to preparing an art portfolio.

Funding and costs

At MFA and PhD level, funding in some programs may include teaching assistantships, lab roles, research assistantships, tuition remission or competitive scholarships.

Terms vary by program, country and year, and many students receive partial or no support. Verify details directly with the program and funding bodies.

Costs beyond tuition. Students often pay for a capable computer, software licenses, drawing tablets, storage and sometimes hardware for testing on different platforms.