Discover the art and technology behind creating rich, immersive worlds for games and interactive experiences. This course covers a wide range of tools and techniques used in world-building, from 3D modeling and rendering to game engine fundamentals.

Students will explore how to use software like Blender, ZBrush, and VRChat to bring their creative visions to life. The course also delves into the conceptual aspects of world-building, examining how to create coherent, engaging environments that support narrative and gameplay. By the end, students will have a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of world-building in game-based art.

Learn how to create lush, interactive digital environments using Blender. Taught by Rachel Li, an interdisciplinary game designer and artist whose work has received critical acclaim, including a BAFTA Student Award nomination. Rachel, currently a VR Game Designer at Skydance Interactive, will guide you through 3D modeling techniques specific to creating organic, plant-based environments, drawing from her experience in creating emotion-driven and autobiographical projects.

Get started with ZBrush and develop your personal artistic style. Led by Nicole Ruggerio, an acclaimed multimedia artist known for her work exploring internet culture. Nicole will introduce core ZBrush tools and workflows while encouraging participants to develop their unique artistic voice.

Understand the basics of real-time rendering for interactive media. Instructed by Prashast Thapan, founder of Pariah Interactive, an independent games and XR development studio based in Brooklyn. Prashast will demonstrate how to leverage real-time rendering techniques for dynamic video content, drawing from his experience in transforming narratives into digital immersive experiences.

Explore world-building techniques in the popular VR platform VRChat. Facilitated by Jasper Golding, a visionary designer working with Off World Live, a leading company in VR content creation. Jasper will show how to translate 2D art concepts into immersive 3D VR environments.

Discover how green screen technology can enhance world-building. Workshop led by Natalie Paneng, a new media artist whose work has been exhibited at prestigious venues including the TMRW Gallery and the National Arts Festival. Natalie, recipient of the Humanities Leon Gluckman Prize, will demonstrate accessible techniques for creating fantastical worlds using green screen, drawing from her unique approach of blending digital skills with her theatre background.

Explore how Minecraft can be used to create interactive journalistic worlds. Presented by Tobias Natterer of DDB Berlin and James Delaney of Blockworks UK, who worked on The Uncensored Library project. Learn how to use Minecraft as a tool for preserving and presenting important information.

Learn how to use Playmaker to create more artistic and expressive games. Taught by Stephen Scott Day, filmmaker and game developer, Stephen will demonstrate how to use Playmaker to create unique, artistically-driven game mechanics and interactions.

Additional Information

• We do not offer refunds and exchanges
• We do offer educational scholarships based on need. Please email info@gameplayarts.org for more information. 

We do our best to price our classes, workshops and events accordingly. There are a couple options.

Student / Artist: You are a full-time student or a working artist.

Professional: You can charge your company for this product or event to your employer or your own personal business.

Pay What You Can: When offered, this is flexible pricing and we ask people to be earnest about what they can afford. If it is a limited seating event, we ask that you make a commitment to attend.

After purchase, you'll get access to a recording of the the video and a transcript available in your account page.