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Screenshot from the PSQ Game Project Liberosis, made by Carolina Elvelin.

Game Artist

Visualize the future

Game Graphics include the visuals of the game. As a 3D Graphical Artist, you create what is visible.

As a Game Artist you will learn how to model and texture worlds and characters for games using industry standard 3D tools. Bring your characters to life using animation or motion capture techniques, and utilize lighting, shading and effects in modern game engines.

At PSQ you'll learn everything you need to know to be able to work as a Game Artist in the gaming industry. Here you'll get the basics in 3D modeling, texturing, animation, concept development, and more. During the education you'll get a lot of time to create your own assignments as well. Doing that, you can develop the knowledge and experience for a top notch portfolio to land that perfect job at that amazing studio you always wanted to work at.

Olivia Grönlund, PSQ Game Artist student, 2021.

Olivia Grönlund, Game Artist student | 2021

I have drawn a lot before, but 3D art was completely new to me. After just a few months at PSQ, I'm amazed over what I've learned and how much I've developed! Getting trained for your dream job by having fun and creating is the best combination there is.
  • When is the last day to apply?
    It's usually in mid-May, but it varies each year. Make sure to keep yourself updated through our website or via our Facebook and Instagram.
  • Can I apply even though I haven't got my High School Degree Certificate?
    Yes you can. The applications closes on May 7th but you can add information to your application to June 12.
  • Which work samples do you want?
    Read here. The work samples can be done in English or Swedish - it's up to you to decide.
  • don't have full grades, can I still apply?
    Yes. You can be accepted at PlaygroundSquad based on only your work samples. This means that if we see that you have big potential in the gaming industry we can ignore the fact that you don't have the grades.
  • How do I apply?
    Write to us if you don't understand or speak Swedish and want to apply. We accept international students but the application site is managed by a third party company which don't support English yet.
  • Can I visit the school before applying?
    Sure! Write to us and we'll figure something out.
  • Is there a fee for international students?
    If you're a EU resident the education wont cost you a penny. If you live outside the EU, the cost is 40 thousand SEK per year. Your right to Swedish student finance Read about your right to student finance if you want to study in Sweden as a foreign citizen: https://www.csn.se/languages/english/the-right-to-swedish-student-finance.html
  • What qualifications are needed to apply for Game Artist?
    You don't need any prior knowledge or previous experiences of working with 3D or animations to apply to PSQ Game Artist. Although, we want you to have finished High School and can show us a Graduation Certificate.
  • What qualifications are needed to apply for Game Designer?
    You don't need any prior knowledge or previous experiences to apply to PSQ Game Designer. Although, we want you to have finished High School and can show us a Graduation Certificate.
  • What qualifications are needed to apply for Game Programmer?
    Programmer applicants will need prior knowledge in a programming language such as C, C++, C#, or Java - but any programming language will also suffice, as long as you've got a logical mind. Knowledge in object-oriented programming or rendering programming is meriting. We also want you to have finished High School and show us a Graduation Certificate.
  • Can I study remotely?
    No. We do all courses on-site here in Falun.
  • Is there student accommodation?
    Yes! Read more about it here: https://www.kopparstaden.se/student/international-students
  • How long is the Internship period?
    The Internship starts in November and ends in June. The internship period takes place during your last six months of the education, which gives you very good conditions for getting a job immediately after the education. So take the chance and try to get your internship place at a studio/company where you really want to work, it could be your first job right after graduation! Read more about the Internship here: https://www.playgroundsquad.com/praktik?lang=en
  • Can I study individual courses at PSQ?
    No. We currently only offer our program educations that are two years long.
  • What qualifications are needed to apply to PSQ?
    Game Artist: You don't need any prior knowledge or previous experiences of working with 3D or animations to apply to PSQ Game Artist. Although, we want you to have finished High School and can show us a Graduation Certificate. Game Designer: You don't need any prior knowledge or previous experiences to apply to PSQ Game Designer. Although, we want you to have finished High School and can show us a Graduation Certificate. Game Programmer: Programmer applicants will need prior knowledge in a programming language such as C, C++, C#, or Java - but any programming language will also suffice, as long as you've got a logical mind. Knowledge in object-oriented programming or rendering programming is meriting. We also want you to have finished High School and show us a Graduation Certificate.
  • Can I do an internship at PlaygroundSquad?
    If you're interested in doing your internship at PlaygroundSquad, write to: Lotta@tension.se!
  • What does a game programmer do?
    As a game developer, you create all functions in games, so that characters move and which rules in physics etc. should work. If you can interact with something in a game, it is a programmer who has made that function possible.
  • How long does it take to become a game programmer?
    At PlaygroundSquad, it takes 2 years from the time you start the training until you are a finished game developer in your chosen field: Game Design, Game Artist or Game Programming.
  • What qualifications are needed to apply for Game Programmer?
    Programmer applicants will need prior knowledge in a programming language such as C, C++, C#, or Java - but any programming language will also suffice, as long as you've got a logical mind. Knowledge in object-oriented programming or rendering programming is meriting. We also want you to have finished High School and show us a Graduation Certificate.
  • Which Work Samples are needed?
    You will need prior knowledge in C, C++, Java, or C#. Knowledge of object-oriented or graphical programming is meriting. ​ Your work samples should contain source code and executable files, as well as a description of your items. The files you submit can be anything - graphical applications, small games, utilities, or scripts. ​ You may also provide any other relevant material such as applications, scripts, or mods written in other languages. Written material such as technical papers and presentations are also accepted.
  • Is it easy to get a job as a Game Programmer?
    The entire game industry in Sweden (and in the world) is currently crying out for skills and talent to hire, so there is a shortage of game developers out there in the professional world. Of course, companies don't hire just anyone. You have to show the quality that the studio or company you're applying to is looking for. So yes, it is easy to get a job in game programming - if you have the right skills.
  • What is the salary of a game programmer?
    It can vary what you get as a starting salary as a game programmer. The market salary in 2022 for developers and programmers in games and digital media in Sweden is between SEK 36,000 and 60,000 per month, according to Unionen, a Swedish labor union.
  • What does a Game Designer do?
    Game designers create the framework for the game experience and what the goals of the game are. Within Game Design, you create rules, challenges, events and everything in between that happens in the game. At PSQ game design training, you learn basic principles in game design that can be applied to any game.
  • How long does it take to become a game designer?
    At PlaygroundSquad, it takes 2 years from the time you start the training until you are a finished game developer in your chosen field: Game Design, Game Artist or Game Programming.
  • What qualifications are needed to apply for Game Designer?
    You don't need any prior knowledge or previous experiences to apply to PSQ Game Designer. Although, we want you to have finished High School and can show us a Graduation Certificate.
  • Which Work Samples are needed for Game Designer?
    There are two required tasks which you have to perform as part of your work samples: Analyze gameplay in a game. Choose a game to write about and explain how the gameplay elements affect the rest of the design such as levels, characters, and story. Create a game concept. Create your own game concept based on a specific game mechanic. In this case, there are three different ones to choose from, these are: Water physics. Create a game concept where the physics surrounding water behavior (movement, density, floating/sinking, etc) is a core mechanic. This means that it is vital for the games' core gameplay. Focus on explaining this mechanic in detail. Manipulate time. Create a game concept where the core mechanic is that the player can, in some way manipulate/control time. What you can do and how it works is up to you. However, the time manipulation/control must be a part of the games core gameplay. Focus on explaining this mechanic in detail. Rewarding exploration. Create a game concept where exploration and the system to reward players for exploration is the most vital part of the game experience. How does the game encourage exploration and reward the players for doing it? Where is the risk/reward? Focus on explaining this mechanic in detail. Optionally, you may also provide samples of your previous work such as modding, scripting, writing (short stories, character portraits, RPG-related design), and similar design documents.
  • Is it easy to get a job as a Game Designer?
    The entire game industry in Sweden (and in the world) is currently crying out for skills and talent to hire, so there is a shortage of game designers out there in the professional world. Of course, companies don't hire just anyone. You have to show the quality that the studio or company you're applying to is looking for. So yes, it is easy to get a job in game design - if you have the right skills.
  • What's the salary for a Game Designer?
    It can vary what you get as a starting salary as a game designer. The market salary in 2022 for game designers and developers in games and digital media in Sweden is between SEK 36,000 and 60,000 per month, according to Unionen, a Swedish labor union..
  • What does a Game Artist do?
    A Game Artist, 3D Artist or 3D Graphic Designer creates everything seen in the games - the graphic and artistic. It can be about characters in games or the environments or specific objects seen in the games. As a Game Creator Artist, you can choose for yourself what you want to specialize in!
  • How long does it take to become a Game Artist?
    At PlaygroundSquad, it takes 2 years from the time you start the training until you are a finished game developer in your chosen field: Game Design, Game Artist or Game Programming.
  • What qualifications are needed to apply for Game Artist?
    You don't need any prior knowledge or previous experiences of working with 3D or animations to apply to PSQ Game Artist. Although, we want you to have finished High School and can show us a Graduation Certificate.
  • Which Work Samples are needed for Game Artist?
    You will need to demonstrate any or all of the following: Skills in traditional art or media. An artistic background means that you know how to paint, sculpt, or design and have an understanding of perspective, value, form, function, color, lighting, composition, etc. ​ Technical knowledge in graphics-related software. This might manifest itself as a thorough understanding of a 3D application such as Maya, 3D Studio Max or Blender. Prior experience scripting or modding games and 3D software is also meriting. Please take pictures or scan your work if you have analogue work samples like sculptures, photos, or paintings.
  • Is it easy to get a job as a Game Artist?
    The entire game industry in Sweden (and in the world) is currently crying out for skills and talent to hire, so there is a shortage of game artists out there in the professional world. Of course, companies don't hire just anyone. You have to show the quality that the studio or company you're applying to is looking for. So yes, it is easy to get a job as a game artist - if you have the right skills.
  • What's the salary for a Game Artist?
    It can vary what you get as a starting salary when you start working as a 3D Artist in the game industry. The average salary for a 3D graphic artists in Sweden is SEK 38,600 per month according to the 2023 salary statistics, according to the Swedish website Yrkeskollen.se.
A character likeness model of Indiana Jones by PSQ student Eddie Cyrillus.

Curriculum

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You don’t need any prior knowledge or previous experiences of working with 3D or animations to apply to PSQ Game Artist. The discipline starts off with a quick intro to 3D modeling. Then there’s an increased focus on practical work within game production where you get to work with game engines with a deadline. 

 

At the end of each semester, you will be showcasing your new knowledge and skills in a game project that you create together with other Designer and Programming students.

Game Projects

During your time at PlaygroundSquad, you will participate in three gaming projects. For each game project, you get to create a game with other students. In the project, you will use your new knowledge that you’ve learned to create a game, free for anyone to play, on PC or console.

 

As a Game Artist, you’re responsible for the visuals in the game. You’re accountable for animations, effects, environments, interfaces, and everything in between. The game projects usually include four to six artists working together to create an appealing and cohesive look. You collaborate with Game Programmers and Game Designers to make the visuals you create work well with the other game mechanics.

 

You will work primarily in Autodesk Maya and Adobe, but we would love for you to work with the tools and software you are comfortable with (or want to learn to manage).

Moomin Valley, created by PSQ student John Gustafsson.
PlayStation controller with blue lights on a table.

PlayStation First

As PlaygroundSquad is part of PlayStation First, you are able to work on PlayStation hardware. This will give you an extra edge when starting your internship at a real company.

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Career

After graduating as an artist you are able to work as a Game Graphic Designer on an advanced level in any field or as a 3D generalist. 

 

Our students are encouraged to develop skills in areas they find fun or have talent in. By doing so, the student has the opportunity to make a career within the framework of a specific work profile. However, many choose to start their career as a general 3D Artist, and then develop into a more specialized professional role.

Toys on a desk with keyboards.

COURSES

With a focus on practical learning, the artist courses at PlaygroundSquad are carefully constructed to get you into a real production as soon as possible.

Term 1

  • Introduction to 3D Graphics
    Laying the foundation for things to come, this introductory course will teach you the basics of how 3D graphics work and how they are created. Artists and designers take this course together which helps build a common vocabulary and fundamental understanding of some of the very core concepts in 3D graphics.
     

  • 3D Graphics for Games 1
    The 3D Graphics for Games courses are the real meat and potatoes of the artist curriculum, focusing on practical applications of 3D graphics theory in a game development context. Starting on a basic level, this first course will teach you to work within the limitations of real-time rendering, and incorporating models, textures and animations in a game engine.
     

  • Game project 1
    Your first game project! As an artist, you and your fellow artists will apply your new skills and knowledge to create a cohesive look and functional graphics for your game. You will learn how to work together as a team, with other artists as well as programmers and designers, using various tools to help along the way. The first game project is usually created exclusively for the PC.
     

  • Ethics and morals in games
    With two seminars and a written assignment, you will talk about emerging issues in games and the various morality choices you may encounter during your career.

Term 2

  • Motion capture
    Making use of the professional-grade motion capture facilities at PlaygroundSquad, artists will learn the basics of capturing a real-life motion performance and implementing it as animation in a game. In addition, you will be given the opportunity to organise your own Mocap recordings for this course, as well as future game projects.
     

  • 3D Graphics for Games 2
    The second 3D Graphics for Games course builds on the previous one, and revisits topics such as materials and texturing going into greater depth. With more of the basics covered, you will also have more freedom to explore and immerse yourself in more specialized fields.
     

  • Game project 2
    Your second game project. With a longer time frame than the first project, you will get the chance to create art in a grander scope. This is also usually the first multi-platform game you will be making, which means creating art assets that work on both PC and a PlayStation platform.

Term 3

  • 3D Graphics for Games 3
    The last graphics course before the final game project, this relatively open-ended course is designed to give you room to really sink your teeth into your area of choice, letting you build a specialized portfolio to show off your skills.
     

  • Game project 3 (graduation project)
    Your third and last game project, which is also your graduation course before moving on to your internship. Make it count!

Term 4

  • Internship
    The remainder of your education is spent at a games studio as part of your internship, starting in November and continuing until your graduation.

Kurser
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