Game and Virtual Space Design is a course offering a practical programme that was set up in 2012 at the University of Silesia in Katowice – the Faculty of Art in Cieszyn.

The first and second cycle studies are full-time programmes offering two specializations: Video Game Graphics and Game Audio. The programmes of the specializations are prepared in consultation with academic staff of the Institute of Art and the Institute of Music respectively. The graduates are awarded the Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts degrees.

The mission of the Game and Virtual Space Design course is to educate creative designers representing a high intellectual and artistic level, a broad knowledge of digital culture and solid competences in the area of game design. The programme is constantly updated and it works on different levels. By combining academic education with business, it seeks the most effective ways of exchanging experience between these two sectors. In order to achieve the above mentioned objectives, a team of academics and specialists from the video game industry co-operate in searching for the most appropriate forms of training and providing professional experience (placements).

The model graduates are aware of their own potential and are well-prepared for the challenges of the future, finding their way in the ever-changing reality without fear. They are creators and visionaries capable of setting new directions and executing ambitious projects.

The education received constitutes a solid basis for future activities. The knowledge, practical skills and experience will allow graduates to develop their own individuality, prepare them to work in teams and to create original projects with interesting solutions. rozwiązań.

Description of the Video Game Graphics specializations.

The Video Game Graphics specialization is founded on three pillars providing for a didactic balance:

• the development of manual skills that shape the range of professional techniques in the field of visual arts, necessary for visual expression and communication in the process of game design,
• practical education associated with the technology of game production. The courses introduce students to game design and the software used for advanced purposes, such as: art direction, concept art, storyboard, environment art, level design, 3D modeling, 2D and 3D animation. The basics of programming and projects done with the use of graphics engines, such as Game Maker, Unity 3D and Unreal Engine 4 are an integral part of this module,
• the theory of the interactive entertainment industry (games, movies, VR, AR, new media), the history of art and culture, copyright law, perception and language of visual communication in the form of lectures and classes.

Bachelor’s degree

Graduates of the Game and Virtual Space Design first cycle studies, Video Game Graphics specialization, gain the technical skills necessary to perform tasks in various areas  including: character design, drawing concept arts, game mechanics, product presentation. The graduate also receives knowledge of designing the graphical environment of 2D and 3D games. After graduation, graduates will be able to create a 2D game containing interactive elements and animated elements of gameplay. Graduates will be able to create a complex 3D video game environment in a chosen game engine, but without the interactive elements of gameplay.

Graduates will gain team work experience through regular events dedicated to the creation of video games such as Global Game Jam or Summer Games Academy – to be held in 2016-2019 as part of the Festival of Art and Independent Games in Cieszyn.
Master’s degree

Graduates of the Game and Virtual Space Design second cycle studies, Video Game Graphics specialization, acquire specialist, in-depth education in the fields of concept art, graphic environment design of 2D and 3D games, character design and practical teamwork skills acquired during end-of-term group projects. Students after graduation are able to create and manage complex 2D and 3D environments within a game engine containing advanced interaction and character animations. Graduates are able to develop a complete concept of a game including the graphic layer of the game and gameplay mechanics.

Graduates will gain professional experience during the work on student projects in cooperation with companies producing video games and during workshops conducted by experts associated with the video game industry or related industries.

Graduates will gain team work experience through regular events dedicated to the creation of video games such as Global Game Jam or Summer Games Academy – to be held in 2016-2019 as part of the Festival of Art and Independent Games in Cieszyn.

Students of the second cycle studies will be particularly focused on complex production of video games by actively participating in all stages of the process.

A Master’s diploma testifies to the graduate’s high qualifications and readiness to take up work as a specialist in the dynamically developing video game industry. The diploma gives the graduate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform creative and independent, specialist jobs associated with the production of high quality video game environments.

A Bachelor’s diploma testifies to the graduate’s high qualifications and readiness to take up employment in the dynamically developing sector of multimedia, game, movie and interactive entertainment industry on multiple positions, such as: 2D animator, storyboard artist, environment artist, level designer, light artist, textures artist, illustrator, etc.

The education at the Video Game Graphics specialization is based mainly on such software as: Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash (2D animation), After Effects (2D animation), 3dsMax (3D modeling), Zbrush (3D modeling), Maya (3D animation) Motion Builder (3D animation), Quixel (3D textures), Substance Painter (3D textures), Mudbox (3D textures and modeling).

The number and types of software used in the didactic process are subject to change.