General provisions

The course is part of the minor field of study Expression in Convergent Media.

The course is part of the Bachelor program Game Design and Graphics, 180 Credits

Entry requirements

Expression with 3D Environment Art for Games 1, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

This course focuses on 3D-Graphic environment elements for digital games, with an in depth focus on real-time 3D game graphics.

Upon successful completion of the course, a student will be able to:

• Create their own custom material networks and texture sets implementing optimization techniques such as texture atlases and material layering,
• Implement advanced lighting for 3D-games and VFX and particle effects as well as being able to demonstrate knowledge on how VFX is used to achieve the i ntended aesthetic of the game,
• Effectively apply real-time physics simulations such as rigid bodies,
• Create indoor and outdoor digital game environment elements that demonstrate knowledgeable use of artistic principles and of composition and staging,
• Discuss and implement visual elements within the game environment that enforce the aesthetic of the game and help guide the player towards the game objectives, and
• Extend software features with scripts

Content

This is an intermediate level course which focuses on key aspects of more advanced environment art, including

VFX and optimization techniques. Course content is structured with individual assignments focusing on theoretical, technical and artistic content and the parallel application of both practical and theoretical skillsets and knowledge.

Content includes, but is not limited to:

• Custom materials and textures
• Procedural materials
• VFX and particles
• Reproduction of nature elements such as vegetation
• Physics simulations of hard and soft bodies
• Composition and staging applied to environments
• Scripting.

Instruction

This course combines classroom activities and individual study. Classroom activities focus on the theoretical, artistic and technical aspects of the course in the form or seminars and workshops.

Assessment

Examination is in the form of practice based assignments and a written component. Grading is based on the degree to which the submissions demonstrate an understanding and application of the theoretical, technical and artistic content in the course as specified in the goals and requirements for each assignment.

To achieve the overall grade of Pass with distinction, a Pass with distinction grade is required for the majority of the submissions as well the final assignment

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Plagiarism and Cheating

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.