FdSc 3D Art and Games Development Foundation degree at Coleg Llandrillo

Introduction to fundamentals of environment art, covering core concepts such as blockouts, trim sheets, and modular kits. Students will develop practical skills in creating realistic and stylised environment components, while also exploring key principles of storytelling within game environments.

Introduction to principles of designing engaging gameplay and interactive experiences. Covers various methods of designing games and overall gameplay, including level and world creation, best practices in UX design, designing with accessibility, gameplay, system design and monetisation strategies.

Development of student's ability to research and support their projects and justify their decisions. Through the use of sustained research, academic writing, academic conventions and the introduction to critical thought.

Introduction to wider knowledge of the games industry and how to participate within it, whilst looking at how to improve and develop student soft skills. Covers employability aspects, the growing indie scene, and benefits of being self-employed. Introduces growing projects within the industry such as Tranzfuser, UK Games Fund, Grads in Games, and Global Game Jams. Covers the economical impact of the industries and how games will shape the country/world.

Introduction to fundamental techniques of 3D modeling, focusing on creating assets for games. Explores a range of workflows, with understanding of geometric theory and a variety of modelling practices. Students develop skills to produce optimised, high-quality 3D models, suitable for both high and low poly applications.

Introduction to core skills of 3D Animation. Students explore and make use of the 12 principles of animation, focusing on preparing animations for use in game engines and other creative platforms.

Introduction to fundamental concepts and practices in games development using a games engine. Students learn how to create interactive gameplay by applying core programming techniques, including scripting and event handling. Provides a strong foundation in coding principles required for building gameplay mechanics and engaging user experiences.

Exploration of principles and practices of user experience (UX) design in games. Students develop skills to design and implement user interfaces (UI), pause systems, audio integration, in-engine animations, and visual effects. Emphasis on enhancing player engagement and immersion through intuitive and responsive game features.

Enable students to fully light, render and present their work to a professional level. Students further develop knowledge and understanding of the lighting process for varying outcomes, and the rendering process that allows them to be viewed.

Introduction to fundamental techniques and principles of character design, focusing on what makes a character suitable for games. Students explore the importance of edge flow, topology, and UV mapping in creating characters optimised for games.

Extension of students' existing knowledge of games design and development. Students develop original games that vary in complexity. Students learn how to properly scope a project, and be able to plan, create and test the completed projects to at least a beta stage of development. Includes NPC behaviours, and creating gameplay that responds to user play styles.

Application of a range of research skills appropriate to study of the creative industries in general and games development in particular. Through the creation of a proposal and academic poster, the module will prepare them for either further studies at Level 6 or career related research.

Practical experience of planning and executing a games project whilst following a chosen methodology. Students are taught a variety of current working methods and be expected to make an informed choice on which methodology would suit their group project. Highlights the importance of a coherent project plan, regular progress reviews and effective group working.

Introduction to development of applications across mobile, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) platforms. Students explore the unique features, challenges, and opportunities of each platform through practical experimentation. Students will learn the correct approach to developing content for mixed reality and the programming libraries that will need to be utilised.

Focus on the design and creation of 3D props. Students examine various design principles to create functional and visually compelling assets. Emphasis on pipeline integration and the influence of historical and cultural contexts in crafting meaningful and immersive props.

Further development of the student's ability to create textures and materials that they can apply to existing models. Students understand the processes of creating PBR materials and textures from scratch, and make use of relevant industry standard software to aid in the process.