3D Development Techniques for Digital Artists in Gaming

The gaming industry is estimated to reach £147 billion by the end of 2022. This represents an annual growth rate of 5.97%, meaning there will be plenty of employment opportunities for graduates. The BA (Hons) Games Art degree at the University of Bolton equips you with job-ready skills to start a lucrative career in gaming.  
 
The course offers highly practical tuition to improve your digital asset creation skills for game development. Our games students have access to the latest 3D game development tools that will position them as a great candidate in the gaming industry.  
  
Let’s explore some of the marketable skills you can learn about by applying to study a games art degree at Bolton University. 

High-polygon modelling/sculpting 
 
High-polygon modelling is a CGI asset creation method involving the manipulation of edges, vertices, and polygons to create virtual 3D models. It involves starting a design by creating a deformed polygonal surface and setting data points by scanning the real object. Mastering the technique allows you to work in multiple industries: 
 
- Video game creation 
- Architectural visualisation 
- Real estate 
- Social media marketing 
 
High-polygon sculpting involves using 3D game development tools to manipulate digitised clay into detailed computer-generated objects. You will have access to mesh-based geometry and voxel-based geometry software to help perfect your creations in the following areas: 
 
- Character design for different games 
- Design objects for 3D printing 
- Improve your surface modelling and texture mapping techniques 
 
Retopology 
 
Heard of retopology? If the answer is no, it refers to a technique involving converting high-resolution 3D models into simpler models for animation. Retopology software allows you to overlay low-polygon meshes on high-polygon 3D objects. The result is a high-resolution, smaller file that is easier to fine-tune and will not slow down your computer's processor. 
 
Retopology allows you to paint, texture, and UV unwrap your creations better. Most game developers and movie producers use retopology in their creations for easier workflow. For example, it allows you to add clothes to your character, resulting in a more natural look.    

Texturing 
 
Texturing is a 3D development technique that allows you to add details to your 3D models. It involves wrapping 2D photos on the 3D object's surface to ensure they appear as realistic as possible. For example, 3D texturing allows you to add details such as reflections and shadows to your landscapes without overloading your software and computer.  

Studying BA (Hons) Games Art at Bolton 
 
At the University of Bolton, our BA (Hons) Games Art degree is a three-year course that students can enrol on if they aspire to learn how to design and develop the next best-selling game. The programme was developed following consultations with gaming industry experts; providing our students with the quality teaching supported by our creative and experienced lecturers who care about offering the best possible education. Preparing students for a career creating interactive worlds and charismatic characters for the games industry. 
 
At Bolton, we share our students passion for gaming and we are proud to offer a supportive learning environment where they can show their work; that’s one of the reasons why we love being one of the first UK universities to offer games courses.  
 
By taking a practical approach that is designed to mimic the working environment in gaming, we aim to develop our student's understanding of the creative and technical possibilities of games art. We achieve this by collaborating with development companies on games usability testing; offering our students the opportunity to test upcoming games before they go to market. Some of our past students have even had the pride of having their names mentioned in the game's credits! One Bolton University alumni member that we are proud to name is Rodney Mutanga; a digital effects artist and digital creator who works at Fabric Games in Manchester! Check out his work on Instagram; @rodneytm_fx.  
 
By the time students reach their third and final year, they get the chance to make an all-important impression to potential employers by working with students from other games courses to create a complete game demo that will be available to industry employers to view; no better way to build your professional network.  
 
Feel as if the University of Bolton could support you towards your dream career? Find out more about our BA (Hons) Games Art degree by viewing our full course details. You will find information on course requirements, funding opportunities, and why our students love life at Bolton! 
 
If you need more information, you can find out how we can support your ambitions and turn your hobby into a career by contacting us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or calling us on 01204 903807.  
 
Come and explore #UniAsItShouldBe!