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Updated in [March 06th, 2023]

This course, Pixel Art for Video Games, is designed to provide students with the tools and knowledge they need to create simple art for video games made in the Unity game engine. Through the aesthetic of pixel art, students will explore artistic principles such as shape language, color theory, and composition, as well as learn a step-by-step workflow for creating assets. The course is divided into four main modules: props, environments, characters, and animation. Each module will include a series of video lessons that alternate between artistic and technical skills, culminating in a peer-reviewed project-based assignment. The last module will challenge students to use the knowledge gained in the previous four modules to create their own pixel art asset pack.

This course is suitable for art novices who are interested in creating art for their own games or contributing to game projects. Game designers and programmers will find this course helpful in gaining insight into the world of game art, and will be able to better work with artists or create their own prototype or final artwork. Artists and visual designers who are interested in bringing their style to the world of video game development will benefit from the workflow taught in this course, which will help them properly interface with a game engine and understand how their artistic sensibilities can enable gameplay.

If you have ever wanted to start making art for video games but have no idea how to start, this course is the perfect place to begin. It will provide students with a solid foundation and teach them usable, practical skills. The goal of this course is to give students a sense of the entire pipeline, from creation to setting up in a game engine.

[Applications]
Those who have completed this course will be able to apply their knowledge to create art for video games made in the Unity game engine. They will have the tools and knowledge to create simple art assets, such as props, environments, characters, and animations. They will also have a better understanding of artistic principals such as shape language, color theory, and composition. Additionally, they will have a step by step workflow for creating assets that can be used to make their own games.

[Career Paths]
1. Video Game Artist: Video game artists create the visuals for video games, including characters, environments, and props. They use a variety of tools, such as 2D and 3D software, to create the assets that will be used in the game. As the gaming industry continues to grow, the demand for video game artists is increasing.

2. Video Game Animator: Video game animators create the animations for characters and objects in video games. They use a variety of software, such as 3D animation software, to create the animations that will be used in the game. As the gaming industry continues to grow, the demand for video game animators is increasing.

3. Video Game Designer: Video game designers create the gameplay for video games. They use a variety of tools, such as game engines, to create the game mechanics that will be used in the game. As the gaming industry continues to grow, the demand for video game designers is increasing.

4. Video Game Programmer: Video game programmers create the code for video games. They use a variety of programming languages, such as C++, to create the code that will be used in the game. As the gaming industry continues to grow, the demand for video game programmers is increasing.

[Education Paths]
1. Bachelor of Arts in Game Design: This degree path focuses on the design and development of video games, including the use of art and animation. Students will learn the fundamentals of game design, including game mechanics, level design, and storytelling. They will also learn how to use game engines, such as Unity, to create and implement their designs. As the gaming industry continues to grow, this degree path is becoming increasingly popular and in demand.

2. Bachelor of Arts in Animation: This degree path focuses on the art and animation of video games. Students will learn the fundamentals of animation, including character design, storyboarding, and 3D modeling. They will also learn how to use animation software, such as Maya, to create and implement their designs. As the gaming industry continues to grow, this degree path is becoming increasingly popular and in demand.

3. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: This degree path focuses on the programming and development of video games. Students will learn the fundamentals of computer science, including algorithms, data structures, and software engineering. They will also learn how to use programming languages, such as C++, to create and implement their designs. As the gaming industry continues to grow, this degree path is becoming increasingly popular and in demand.

4. Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media: This degree path focuses on the design and development of digital media, including the use of art and animation. Students will learn the fundamentals of digital media, including web design, graphic design, and video production. They will also learn how to use digital media software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, to create and implement their designs. As the gaming industry continues to grow, this degree path is becoming increasingly popular and in demand.