Art Director, Game Design

What is it?

An Art Director in game design is responsible for the overall look and feel of the game being produced, both in the way the player interacts with the game and the way the player interacts with his environment.  An Art Director in Game Design will often be responsible for both the active and the passive art in the game, and will work with an art team to produce the best adapted look for the game they are trying to create.

How is IT involved?

Most games these days are created using exclusively digital art, as well as designs in a 3D rendering program, or traditional 2D animation program.  Computing power makes the job of animating a character, or manipulating the camera in an environment a breeze, and scanning and rendering are done entirely with the aid of computers.

Where can I see it?

An Art Director in Game Design is always listed in the credits and the manual of the game in question, but their work is a lot more apparent in playing the game itself.  Looking out over a vast 3D vista, or a beautiful piece of artwork is rewarding not only to the player, but also to the company.

Great examples of Art Direction are visible in all mediums of gaming, be they 2-D handheld games for a cell phone developed by a small staff of 10, or big-budget 3D extravaganzas released on consoles with a staff of hundreds.  Art being subjective, it's hard to give a specific example, but any moment in a game, visually, which takes your breath away is the work of a great Art Director.

How can I be a part of it?

An Art Director in Game Design works closely with all forms of art, digital, pencil, painting and sculpture, in order to be able to properly express their creative vision.  An Art Director also works closely with animators and computer programmers to express their art in a way that doesn't draw attention to the technical processes involved.  Those who love a well-sculpted game environment and want to help make their own would do well as an Art Director.

What else might I like?

Art Directors work very closely with Public Relations, Software Designers, Applications Programmers, and Quality Assurance Specialists.

Where can I find out more?

Wikipedia:  Art Director

Art Directors Club