Computer games production and technology courses portfolio guide

You’ll need this guide if you are applying for direct entry (transfer) into the second or final year of one of the following courses:

Digital portfolios only are expected for this course.

What to include in your portfolio

We would like to see a range of examples of computer game development.

This should include one or more of the following types of content:

playable game levels
examples of scripting for games.
Games Design content such as storyboards, concept designs, developed levels, mood boards
game genres,
2D and/or 3D animation,
character models,
character development process,
imaginary worlds/architecture,
texture and lighting models and/or studies,
examples of postproduction,
project management for games development
examples of leadership ability

What we're looking for

We are looking for your portfolio to demonstrate your:

Understanding of computer games technology as a subject and its practical application
Applied game development skills
Ability to reflect on what is, and is not, successful about your work
Enthusiasm and commitment to study computer games technology at university level
Experience of programming for games (C++), character development, character modelling and development (3D Studio Max and Maya), game design, drawing, visual research and storytelling are essential, as well as evidence that demonstrates that you have learnt the technical and theoretical aspects of computer game production.
Initiative, creative flair and ability to learn in a creative environment.

Your portfolio should demonstrate evidence of a range of key abilities and core knowledge that will include some of the following:

Original game idea generation
Conceptual development
Programming in C++
3D modelling using appropriate professional software such as 3D Studio Max or Maya
2D art, both traditional and digital
An ability to select and present a range of work to a professional standard

For Games Production, some demonstrable leadership and or management ability must also be evidenced.

Further requirements by portfolio type

You should aim to submit 15 static images and/or a maximum of 4 30-second animations.

Images that relate directly to one of your computer game examples of finished work

This should show your design process and your working methodologies; for example, idea generation, design planning, visual experiments, sketches, observations and research into game design and development. We want to see images from your workbooks and sheets of developmental work.

Photographs of any 3D projects

These can include sculpture, ceramics or model making. Your drawing ability is important, so try to demonstrate your ability to create freehand drawing, life drawing and observational drawing that employs a range of different mediums (such as pastel, gouache, charcoal and pencil).

You should submit:

Games Design content such as storyboards, concept designs, developed levels, mood boards covering at least two distinct projects — this can be for either physical (table top/board/card) or computer games
Implementation of at least one of the above designs, in the form of a narrated video providing the descriptive requirements previously outlined.

You should submit a working program along with the annotated code you wrote and also a written description in which you describe what you were trying to achieve, what problems you had and how you overcame them.

Your ability to program is critical if you intend to join the code or technical design pathways in year two or the final year, so a knowledge of C++ is essential.

A minimum of one clear example of leadership and/or management abilities is required. This might be in the form of workplace roles, sports team leadership, school prefectures or leadership roles within organisations (such as The Scout Association and other similar national or global organisations).