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GAME ART & DESIGN
Our two-year Game Art & Design program is an intensive course that focuses on the artistic and design aspects of video game creation. Encompassing a wide range of subjects and skills, the program prepares students for diverse roles in the gaming industry, such as game artist, level designer, character designer, and environment artist. It provides a strong foundation for students to enter the competitive and rapidly evolving world of game design and development.
Program Details
Program Name: Game Art & Design
Code: CAMGAD
Credential: College Diploma
Method of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Starting Months: September
Domestic Tuition: $10,693.97**
Location: Saint John Campus View on Map
PROGRAM AVAILABILITY
Semester | Domestic Applications |
|---|---|
Fall 2025 | Open |
Fall 2026 | Not Available |
Fall 2027 | Not Available |
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Game Art and Design Program is a dynamic and immersive course designed to prepare students for exciting careers in the video game industry. This program blends creativity, technical skills, and storytelling, enabling students to conceptualize, design, and create visually stunning and engaging game worlds. From character and environment design to level creation and game mechanics, students gain the expertise needed to bring their imaginative ideas to life in the rapidly evolving gaming industry.
Technology Requirements
You will have access to the latest technology on campus, essential for completing this program.
Educational Pathways
Opportunities to receive transfer credits toward further study to attain a degree are available.
Alumni Impact
We take immense pride in the global impact of our alumni, whose contributions span major sectors such as construction, entertainment, and industry, shaping the future in Canada and beyond.
Term | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|
Semester 1 | 15 | This semester offers a hands-on introduction to 2D digital production, animation, sound design, and game engines. Students will gain essential skills in multimedia creation, interactive storytelling, and digital workflows. Key areas of focus include designing 2D assets, mastering animation principles, exploring sound editing and integration, and working with game engine technology for real-time rendering and interactivity. By the end of the semester, students will have a solid foundation in digital media, preparing them for advanced studies in animation, game design, and interactive content development. |
Semester 2 | 15 | This semester provides students with essential skills in 3D modeling and game design, focusing on asset creation, texturing, shading, lighting, and rendering. Through hands-on learning, students will develop high-quality models and integrate them into interactive game environments. Key areas of study include hard surface modeling for mechanical and architectural assets, organic modeling for lifelike characters, and texturing & shading to enhance visual realism. Students will also explore lighting and rendering techniques for high-quality visuals and gain practical experience in game design and creation, learning gameplay mechanics, asset integration, and interactive design. |
Term | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|
Semester 3A | 15 | This semester provides students with essential skills in 3D modeling and game design, focusing on asset creation, texturing, shading, lighting, and rendering. Through hands-on learning, students will develop high-quality models and integrate them into interactive game environments. Key areas of study include hard surface modeling for mechanical and architectural assets, organic modeling for lifelike characters, and texturing & shading to enhance visual realism. Students will also explore lighting and rendering techniques for high-quality visuals and gain practical experience in game design and creation, learning gameplay mechanics, asset integration, and interactive design. |
Semester 3B | 15 | This course explores the advanced principles of game design, level creation, and interactive prototyping, equipping students with the skills to develop immersive gaming experiences. Through hands-on projects, students will delve into world-building, game art, advanced lighting, and project management, refining their ability to create dynamic and engaging gameplay environments. Key topics include level design, focusing on player flow and game mechanics, and game art and architecture, which covers environmental modeling and visual storytelling. Students will also master advanced lighting and texturing techniques to enhance realism and mood, develop project planning and teamwork skills through game project – management, and gain practical experience in interactive prototyping to test and refine game mechanics. |
Semester 4 | 15 | The final semester of the Game Art & Design program is structured to equip students with the skills and experience needed to transition seamlessly into professional roles in game development, digital media, and interactive entertainment. This phase focuses on advanced game art techniques, portfolio refinement, and industry exposure, ensuring graduates are job-ready and competitive in the evolving gaming industry. Students will create a high-quality, industry-standard portfolio, showcasing their expertise in environment and character design, asset creation, texturing, lighting, and level design. This portfolio will be tailored to industry expectations, supporting applications for studio roles, freelance work, or independent game development. Additionally, students will gain practical studio experience through internships or cooperative placements, applying their skills in a professional game development environment. This hands-on experience enables them to work on real-world projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and deepen their understanding of production pipelines and industry workflows. |
Adobe Photoshop
Figma
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Premier
Adobe Express
Tuition
Term | Domestic Tuition |
|---|---|
Per Semester | $10,693.97 * |
Fees / One time
Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | C$ 75.00 |
| Confirmation Deposit (non-refundable) | C$ 1000.00 |
| Late Payment Fee | C$ 25.00 |
Certificate/Diploma (per copy) | C$ 25.00 |
Transcript Fee (up to 5 copies) | C$ 25.00 |
Additional Costs
** The listed amounts are estimated totals for tuition, materials, student services, and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs beginning in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 or later. All fees are subject to change without notice. Please note that these estimates do not include the cost of books, which must be purchased separately by the student.
Financial Assistance
At CAM Institute of Design, we understand that financing your education is a crucial aspect of your academic journey. Here are various available options for financial support.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty.
All tuition & fees are charged and refunded in compliance with the CAM Student Contract
Career Opportunity
Graduates of the Game Art and Design Program are equipped with specialized skills to excel in creative and technical roles within the gaming industry and related fields, such as animation, film, advertising, and virtual production. Career opportunities include:
- Game Artist: Develop assets and visuals tailored for interactive gaming environments, including characters, props, and user interface elements.
- 3D Modeler: Create detailed and optimized 3D models for characters, environments, weapons, and in-game objects.
- Texture Artist: Design realistic or stylized textures and materials that enhance the visual quality of in-game assets and environments.
- Environment Artist: Craft immersive and visually stunning 3D game environments, such as landscapes, cities, and interiors.
- Lighting Artist: Implement lighting setups to create mood, atmosphere, and realism in gaming worlds, ensuring an engaging player experience.
- Character Artist: Design and develop high-quality, expressive characters for games, focusing on anatomy, proportion, and artistic style.
- Material Artist: Create complex materials and shaders tailored for game engines, optimizing them for real-time performance.
- Level Designer: Design and construct engaging, interactive game levels that balance gameplay mechanics, challenge, and visual storytelling.
- Technical Artist: Serve as a bridge between artists and programmers, ensuring game assets are optimized for performance and visual appeal within the constraints of game engines.
- VFX Artist: Create dynamic in-game visual effects, such as explosions, weather systems, and magic spells, to enhance player immersion.
- Motion Graphics Designer: Design animated user interfaces, HUDs (heads-up displays), and motion graphics for in-game cinematics and menus.
- Virtual Production Artist: Work with real-time rendering tools, such as Unreal Engine, to create game cinematics and immersive virtual environments.
- Freelance Game Artist: Offer specialized services in modeling, texturing, lighting, or concept design to gaming studios or indie developers.
- Concept Artist: Develop initial artistic concepts for characters, environments, and props to guide the production process.
These roles provide opportunities to collaborate on cutting-edge projects in the gaming industry, contributing to visually stunning and interactive worlds that captivate players. With the gaming industry’s growth, graduates of this program have ample potential for creative and technical success in this dynamic field.
Criteria for Selection
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- High school graduate or equivalent **
- Completion of relevant courses in art, design, or computer studies is an asset.
- A portfolio showcasing creative work, such as sketches, 3D models, or digital artwork, is encouraged to demonstrate interest and aptitude will be an added benefit.
- Basic knowledge of 3D software or design tools (e.g., Blender, Maya) is a plus but not mandatory.
- A brief statement outlining your interest in the program and career goals. **
- Mature student status (16 years of age or older) **
- Students must go through 3 phases of tests. **
- Studio Test
- Aptitude Test
- Final Interview
- Ability to complete college assignments on time.
- Openness toward learning
- Ability to do team workshops
Please note that CAM is dedicated to supporting applicants in achieving success in their chosen program. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as higher grades than those specified may be necessary for acceptance.
Course exemptions
College credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Game Art & Design Program will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Design High-Quality Game Assets Create detailed, accurate, and optimized 3D models, textures, and environments tailored for interactive and cinematic gaming applications.
- Apply Advanced Texturing Techniques Develop and implement realistic and stylized textures using industry-standard tools such as Substance Painter, Photoshop, and game engine-compatible workflows.
- Master UV Mapping and Material Creation Efficiently unwrap UVs to create seamless textures and avoid distortion, while designing complex materials and shaders to enhance visual fidelity in gaming assets.
- Develop Effective Game Lighting Use advanced lighting techniques to create mood, atmosphere, and visual focus within game environments, ensuring both artistic and technical accuracy.
- Understand Game Engine Workflows Work proficiently within game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity to create and implement assets, lighting, and effects for real-time applications.
- Optimize Assets for Real-Time Performance Balance detail and efficiency in modeling, texturing, and lighting to meet the performance requirements of real-time game engines while maintaining visual quality.
- Apply Principles of Visual Design Utilize color theory, composition, and light behavior to create visually compelling game assets and environments.
- Create Immersive Game Environments Design and build game-ready environments that enhance gameplay and storytelling, incorporating elements such as terrain, architecture, and interactive props.
- Collaborate in Production Pipelines Work seamlessly with game designers, animators, programmers, and other team members in a collaborative production environment.
- Develop Portfolio-Ready Projects Produce high-quality, portfolio-ready game assets and levels that demonstrate expertise in design, modeling, texturing, and lighting.
- Integrate Emerging Technologies Stay current with advancements in gaming technologies such as real-time rendering, procedural asset creation, and PBR workflows.
- Solve Creative and Technical Challenges Apply problem-solving skills to overcome technical and artistic challenges in game art production.
- Simulate Realistic and Stylized Elements Create photorealistic or stylized materials, characters, and environments, depending on the artistic direction of the project.
- Enhance Gameplay with Visual Storytelling Use game art assets, lighting, and environmental design to support narratives, evoke emotions, and engage players.
- Understand Industry Standards Ensure all game assets, textures, and lighting setups meet professional standards and technical requirements for gaming platforms.
- Adapt to Industry Trends Stay updated with evolving tools, techniques, and trends in game art and design, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications.
- Manage Projects Effectively Deliver high-quality game assets and designs within deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and adhering to project scopes.
- Foster Inclusive and Ethical Practices Apply ethical design principles that respect diverse audiences, cultures, and perspectives in game art.
These outcomes equip graduates with the creative and technical skills to succeed in roles such as Game Artist, 3D Modeler, Environment Artist, Texture Artist, Lighting Artist, or Technical Artist, contributing to high-profile projects in the gaming and entertainment industries.
