This module introduces you to the creation of real-time game characters, focusing on clean sculpting, accurate proportions, efficient topology and industry-standard baking and texturing workflows. You will build on your stylised foundations from Level 4 and begin transitioning toward more structured character production.

The module focuses on producing a complete real-time character asset using an efficient, professional workflow. The emphasis is on form accuracy, clean topology, material definition and polished presentation inside a real-time engine.

You will investigate:

Character Sculpting & Modelling
Anatomy fundamentals for readable character forms
Proportion, silhouette and structure for real-time characters
Sculpting workflows for bodies, clothing and accessories
Retopology for clean deformation and efficient topology

Texturing & Materials
Baking high-to-low detail (normals, curvature, AO etc.)
PBR texturing workflows suitable for real-time characters
Material breakup, wear, fabric detailing and surface definition
Working with texture packing and efficient UV layouts

Technical Character Development
Efficient polygon budgeting for character assets
Creating simple modular elements (hair, gear, accessories)
LOD considerations for character performance
Managing texture memory and materials

Character Presentation
Scene setup for character showcases
Character lighting and render setup
Posing for presentation (non-rigged static posing or simple rig for stills)
Turntables, close-ups and portfolio layout

Professional Development
Analysing modern stylised and semi-realistic character standards
Understanding technical readiness for pipelines at Level 6
Reflecting critically on creative and technical choices

Assessment Component 1 – Stylised Head 30%

This assessment functions as a focused preparatory study, allowing you to demonstrate understanding of stylised character form, proportion and surface readability without completing a full real-time pipeline.

You will produce a stylised character head sculpt that demonstrates:

Simplified anatomy and proportion appropriate to a chosen stylised reference
Clear forms, readable planes and strong silhouette
Intentional shape language informed by reference

The head does not need to be fully game-ready. Retopology, baking and engine integration are not required at this stage.

You will apply either:

Basic vertex colour / polypaint to indicate surface detailing and lighting intent, or
A simple texture pass (provided tools/workflows taught within the module are used)

You will submit a concise development sheet (3 pages) showcasing:

Reference selection
Key iterations of head sculpt
Brief annotation explaining design decisions and problem-solving

This is not a reflective essay and does not require academic referencing.

Assessment Component 2 – Real-Time Character Portfolio Artbook 70%

This assessment evidences the complete real-time character pipeline in a reflective art book. This builds on skills introduced earlier in the course and in supporting modules (e.g. 3D Props and Materials and Digital Sculpting Studio: Characters & Game Assets).

You will produce a single real-time character asset suitable for presentation in a contemporary game engine.

This includes:

Sculpting of primary forms (body, clothing and/or accessories)
Clean retopology and UV layout
Baking and PBR texturing are appropriate to the chosen art style
Optimisation considerations relevant to real-time use

The final character must be:

Presented in a real-time engine
Shown with appropriate lighting, posing and composition to communicate form, silhouette and materials

You will present their work in an artbook that documents:

Key stages of development through annotated images outlining key technical decisions
Silhouette and proportion studies
Final rendered views
Texture sheets and material breakdowns

The written evaluation should include:
Critical reviews of sculpting, topology, baking and texturing decisions
Identifies challenges encountered and how they were addressed
Evaluates the effectiveness of the final outcome against real-time production expectations
Identifies areas for future improvement

You will be expected to engage in a structured blend of scheduled teaching and independent study.

Scheduled sessions will typically include lectures introducing core concepts, alongside workshops where you will apply techniques, participate in guided discussions, and undertake problem-solving and peer-learning activities.

Lecture sessions focus on theory, methodology and good practice, while workshop and development sessions provide individual guidance, practical demonstrations and support in applying artistic and technical principles.

Independent study will involve recommended reading, research tasks, and ongoing development of project work supported by digital resources and forum feedback.

Teaching activities are designed to mirror professional art department feedback loops, enabling you to experience iterative development and critique similar to industry practice.

1. Demonstrate understanding of the real-time character pipeline, including sculpting, topology, baking and texturing principles.

Knowledge & understanding

2. Apply industry-relevant workflows to produce an efficient and well-presented real-time character asset.

Application & problem-solving

3. Investigate appropriate artistic and technical solutions for character proportions, materials and presentation in a real-time context.

Digital Literacy

4. Critically evaluate the development of a real-time character, identifying successes, challenges and future improvements.

Reflection

Software & Tools:

Digital Sculpting Tools (e.g. ZBrush or Blender)
3D DCC tools (e.g. 3ds Max or Blender)
3D Material Creation Tools (e.g 3D Coat or Substance Painter)
Unreal Engine
Digital Painting Software
Wacom Tablets
Video editing software
Digital Academy Forum
Digital Academy Upload System
Data Projection Resource

Kondrats, S, Zarins, U (2014) - Anatomy for Sculptors, Exonicus LLC, ISBN-13 978-0990341109

Simblet, S (2001) - Anatomy for the Artist, DK, ISBN-13 978-0241426456

Winslow, V (2015) - Classic Human Anatomy in Motion, Watson-Guptill Publications Inc., ISBN-13 978-0770434144

Winslow, V (2008) - Classic Human Anatomy, Watson-Guptill Publications Inc. ISBN-13 978-0823024155

Fedor, P (2007), Creative Essence: The Face, Ballistic, ISBN-13 978-1921002366

Spencer, S (2010), Digital Sculpting Human Anatomy, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN-13: 9780470450260

Spencer, S (2011), Zbrush Creature Design, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 978-1118024331

Spencer, S (2011), Digital Clay: Character Creation with Z-Brush, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN-13: 978-0470249963

Kingslien, R (2011), Zbrush Studio Projects: Realistic Game Characters, Wiley & Sons, ISBN 978-0470872567

Goldfinger, E (1992), Human anatomy for artists the elements of form, Oxford University Press, USA, ISBN-13 978-0195052060

Peck, S (1982), Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist, Oxford University Press, U.S.A. ISBN-13: 978-0195030952

This module develops your understanding of the full real-time character production pipeline used in the games industry. You will learn how to sculpt, refine and optimise a character for real-time use, covering key stages such as retopology, UV layout, baking, texturing, posing and presentation within a game engine.

Working from both realistic reference and stylised design approaches, you will explore how professional character artists translate anatomy, materials and visual identity into clear, readable and game-ready 3D characters. The module emphasises efficient workflows, artistic decision-making and portfolio-quality presentation aligned with contemporary industry practice.