Gaming and esports

Gaming and esports is an exciting study area that explores the visual, aesthetic and contextual elements of game design. Game artists, designers and analysts play crucial roles in creating cohesive and engaging games and understanding their roles in contemporary visual culture.

What are the benefits of studying gaming and esports?

The gaming industry is huge, globally and in Australia. In the gaming and esports courses, you’ll learn how to create your own unique impact in this rapidly expanding industry, combining visual aesthetics with gameplay, game logic and critical thinking.

You’ll develop a diverse skill set by combining critical, creative, practical, and technical abilities in gaming and esports. This includes understanding visual storytelling and learning to develop engaging visual experiences that drive exciting narratives and gameplay to immerse players into 3D worlds.

How can you study gaming and esports at UNSW?

Within gaming and esports, you can choose to minor in:

• Game art*: The game art minor equips you with advanced skills in real-time graphics and game art workflows, preparing you for a dynamic and evolving industry. You'll build a versatile portfolio through hands-on practice and critical engagement, opening doors to careers in game development and related digital art fields.
• Game design*: The game design minor teaches you to create real-time interactive experiences through storytelling, gameplay and screen aesthetics, using industry-standard tools. You’ll develop logic, game mechanics, and creative thinking skills to prepare for careers in games, film, TV and interactive art.
• Gaming and society*: The gaming and society minor helps you explore how video games influence culture, politics and social issues. You’ll critically examine topics like gender, race, violence and political messaging to understand games as impactful digital media.
• Professional esports**: The professional esports minor guides you through the evolution of this fast-growing, multi-billion dollar industry. You’ll explore its history, culture, economic, social impact and future directions while examining key issues and practices shaping esports today.
• Virtual production**: The virtual production minor teaches you to blend traditional filmmaking with real-time digital technologies like 3D engines, motion capture and in-camera effects. You’ll explore how these tools shape storytelling and aesthetics, culminating in projects that combine live-action with virtual environments.

Throughout your studies, you’ll develop problem-solving, critical thinking skills and learn how to communicate effectively, while gaining hands-on experience.

^{*New minor available from T1 2026}

^{**Planned for T1 2027}

Why study gaming and esports at UNSW?

You’ll join our supportive, interdisciplinary and peer-oriented community in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture. This is home to the School of Art and Design, the School of Social Sciences and the School of the Arts and Media. Each schools brings their expertise to help you expand your professional portfolio in gaming and esports.

• Connect with the latest industry trends, technologies and professional workflows

Enhance your skills in art and design, stay informed about new software tools and adopt innovative techniques. You’ll get to create real-time experiences that can immerse players into innovative and exciting game worlds. By connecting with these advancements, you empower yourself to excel in your creative career.

• Experiment creatively in a supportive studio environment

Unleash your creativity in a supportive studio environment where experimentation is encouraged and collaboration thrives. Surrounded by a community of like-minded artists, it’s the perfect setting to grow, learn and create as you develop as an artist and expand your professional portfolio. Embrace the freedom to experiment and watch your ideas come to life in a space designed to nurture your creative potential. 

• Understand the history and context of games

Discover the rich history and context of games and gaming technologies. Explore how they have evolved into one of the most immersive mediums of our time. Delve into game classics, learn how technological advancements has shaped the industry and the cultural nuances that have driven innovation.

Our gaming and esports courses are designed to meet growing industry demand for artists, designers and creative professionals. You’ll graduate with practical experience and extensive training in the latest game engine technologies, like Unreal Engine, to accelerate your game production skills and create interactive, real-time games and experiences. From 3D modelling and user experience to worldbuilding and social impact, gaming and esports will provide you with the tools to develop, analyse and experiment with game technologies of the future.

Our School of Art & Design located at our Paddington campus is home to a dynamic community of artists and designers. As a gaming and esports student, you’ll engage with a range of high-end creative technologies, advanced computer labs and specialised digital production facilities. This experience will accelerate your technical skills and give you a competitive edge when you enter the workforce. You’ll also gain access to our advanced computer labs and use our latest game engine software to gain practical experience and create innovative projects.

The Black Box

The Black Box is a multi-use production and presentation studio space used for teaching across video, motion capture, animation and performance. 

Hackspace

Hackspace is a flexible, technology-focused space where students can experiment, prototype and access support in the areas of creative coding, physical computing and electronics.

Green Screen Studio

The Green Screen Studio provides access to Real-Time VFX workflows applicable to the key principles of Virtual Production.