From the pre-production phase to post-production, including business development and marketing, students are given a complete picture of a game’s manufacturing process and understand the interactions between the different trades in a professional environment, modelled on the way studios work. This Master’s degree not only aims to prepare our students technically and artistically for the demands of the industry, but also and first and foremost enable them to embark on an ambitious career.
At the end of this Master’s degree, you’ll be able to join the biggest international game publishers as well as the most prestigious independent studios, or even start creating your own studio!
Throughout their studies, ARTFX brings its students into contact with the major national and international players in the video game industry by allowing them to dialogue in masterclasses, participate in major events (festivals, trade fairs, etc.) and undertake a job dating session before the end of their studies.
Go all
out!
Video games are the leading cultural industry in France and in the world. An industry in which France is recognised for its expertise. France is home to internationally renowned publishers (Ubisoft, Ankama, Nacon, etc.), as well as highly creative independent studios (Dontnod, Quantic Dream, Asobo, etc.). This dynamism is the result of a high level of expertise and proactive public policies to support the industry.
The ARTFX Master’s degree will equip you with the specialist skills expected by the profession, while also guaranteeing immersion in the various occupations necessary to manufacture a video game or any interactive play experience: Game art, game design, UX designer, programming, etc.
ARTFX is a member of Game in (Hauts-de-France) and Push Start Occitanie.
(secondary school leaving qualification) level
- Exclusive of Parcoursup: you apply directly to the school.
- Tests + creative folder + interview
or Lille
1 class of 25 students is organised on each site.
Course in French only
More information
recognised by the State
Awards the qualification of “digital producer” (lev.7, equivalent B +5 (5th year), registered in the Répertoire national des certifications professionnelles (national directory of professional certifications) on 14 September 2020
Video game students trained at ARTFX can effectively work as soon as they leave the school, and are comfortable with studio working methods. They also stand out for their ability to adapt and their knowledge of programming and expertise in their chosen field. During their studies, students complete at least one internship lasting at least six weeks and benefit from masterclasses with partner studios/publishers.
In the fifth year, they produce a complete prototype of a game, giving them an understanding of the different production stages of an animated film.
Year 1 The basics
Like all courses, the 1st year consolidates the basics and confirms the choice of orientation. Building on English skills.
The basics
Observation drawing, figure drawing & anatomy, perspective, sculpture, colour & light
Cultural development
Creativity, storytelling, image grammar, photography, screenplay, film and video game culture
Workshops to explore professions
Directing, 3D modelling, matte painting, programming, storyboard, 2D animation, charadesign, video games
Collaborative and individual projects
Year 2 Orientation
One year to choose your area of activity.
Visual development
Concept art, character design, anatomy, figure drawing
Game design & programing
Game culture, art culture, game design, level design, game concept, programming
Professional workshops
Prototyping, 3D animation, rigging, modelling, lighting, texturing, real time
Video game production
Year 3 Specialisation
A year to refine your choice of specialisation. Teaching in English.
Game Art
Environnement Modeling | Character modeling | Hard surface modeling | Texturing | Surfacing | VFX | Lighting | Real time optimisation | Procedural art | UI design, etc.
Game design programing
Game Design, Level Design, Psychologie de l’utilisateur, Narrative Design, Système design, prototypage, UI, UX…
Game programming
Tools programing, production pipeline, language script (C++, Python), AI
Project
Video game production in a team
Year 4 Professional program
A foot in the world of work.Teaching in English.
Production of a demo professional reel
Advanced level specialised workshops:
Game design game programming or game art
Houdini procedural | Game engine optimisation | VR/AR | motion capture | Engine 3D animation | Level architecture | Economic design | Economic law and development, etc.
Management of projects and of teams
Masterclasses with partner studios
Internship 6 weeks minimum in studio
Year 5 Production
Carrying out your professional project.
End-of-studies project
Creation & production of an AAA video game
Coaching in English
Presentation to a professional panel
Professional meetings
Job dating
Learning objective
Prerequisites
- All types of baccalauréat (secondary school leaving qualification), film or art foundation
- Being curious and playing on several platforms are a plus
- Parallel admissions possible in 2nd and 3rd years
- Your level will be evaluated during the admission session to offer you the appropriate orientation.
Tuition fees
Years 1 to 5:
€8,900/year in Lille and Montpellier
€9,200/year in Paris
Excluding enrollment fees
Software used
- Zbrush
- 3DS Max
- Maya
- Unreal
- Substance Designer
- Substance Painter
- Unity
- Houdini
- Krita
- Instant Terra
- Visual Studio
- Photoshop
- Blender
- Cryengine
- SpeedTree
Careers and main occupations studied
The video game industry is in a golden age. People continue to play on consoles and computers, but they also play on smartphones, tablets and connected TVs. The number of gamers is increasing, with the number of female gamers growing. Gaming is no longer a solitary experience; it is increasingly seen as a social network, allowing people to keep in touch with their friends. The nature of the games themselves is changing, offering participatory experiences that appeal to the imaginations of users, as evidenced by the success of Minecraft or Roblox. AAA games enjoy budgets worthy of Hollywood productions and push the limits of realism ever further.
Moreover, the skills developed by video game professionals are of interest to other industries. This includes training with the development of serious games, educational games and virtual reality training modules, marketing to create interactive and fun experiences, but also special effects studios, which use technologies derived from video games (such as real-time 3D engines) to preview visual effects. And this is just the beginning, as the automotive industry is starting to use Unreal Engine (the engine behind Fortnite) to develop its future in-car infotainment systems (new generation on-board computers with dynamic displays). In short, as experts in human/machine interfaces and experience designers, video game professionals are in demand today. Although the most prestigious positions – game designer and game artist – are rare and can’t be secured directly from the school, creative and competent students open to all possibilities will be able to bring their talent to bear.
Finally, ARTFX offers its video game students the opportunity to develop interactive approaches for a wide audience through a range of different partnerships : Montpellier Opera, Génopolys, Maison de Heidelberg, etc.
These are all opportunities to develop their artistic culture, learn from different environments, and broaden their creative capacity while meeting precise specifications and schedules.
Work and talent
ARTFX has been an exceptional training ground; we deal with the reality on the ground, teamwork and all stages of production. Most importantly, we’re supported by an attentive team that seeks to unleash our own potential first and foremost.