three-year course
Videogame Design & Development
A three-year course dedicated to video game design and production, integrating artistic, technical and narrative skills. A program that combines design, art and technology to train professionals capable of working in the different areas of video game production.
Course identity
The video game as a contemporary language that combines art, technology and interactivity.
The course trains professionals capable of conceiving and realizing complete digital experiences, encompassing all stages of development: from visual concept to building environments and game mechanics in real time.
Students deepen collaboration between artistic and technical disciplines, learning to work in teams with methods and pipelines specific to the video game industry.
Fundamentals of game design and interactive design
3D modeling, texturing and lighting for environments and characters
Unreal Engine and real-time development
VFX, animation and AI for video games
Production and workflow: working methodologies inspired by professional pipelines
Main areas:
Game Design and Level Design: gameplay structure, balance, and environment design
3D Game Art and Asset Production: modeling, texturing, materials and optimization for real time
Technical Art and FX: simulations, visual effects with Niagara, and process automation with procedural tools
Narrative Design: storybuilding, lore, dialogue, and interactive choices
- UI/UX Design for video games
Unreal Engine: real-time development, Blueprint and content integration
Teamwork and Pipeline: production methodologies, versioning, and multi-departmental collaboration
Daniele Martinello
COURSE DIRECTOR
Daniele Martinello has over 25 years of experience as a technical artist in the field of CGI. After his beginnings in the world of computer graphics applied to infrastructure, he turned to CGI in the world of film and video games.
He has been working as a lecturer at Side Academy for more than 5 years, teaching Rig, Unreal Engine 5 and FX.
He has handled projects for international luxury brands and develops in the production area of Side Animation innovative solutions for the VFX and Videogames industry.
Mode of participation: in Presence or Hybrid? choose the one that's right for you!
On-campus
The traditional format involves daily in-class attendance: the instructor is always present, and each lesson takes place in one of the academy’s classrooms, combining theoretical sessions, workshops, and real-time practical reviews.
This format encourages direct collaboration with peers and faculty, immediate access to equipment, and an immersive experience in a professional studio-like environment.
Hybrid
To offer greater flexibility, a Hybrid pathway is also available, combining online learning with on-campus participation.: there will be guest workshops or specific labs that can be attended in-person. This model allows part of the activities to be followed remotely while still maintaining classroom and laboratory moments onsite.
ALL LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS ARE RECORDED AND MADE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS.
Book a 1:1 Call with an Admissions Advisor
Book a 1:1 Call with an Admissions Advisor
Book a 1:1 call with an Admissions Advisor to discuss your goals, your current level, and the best program for you.
We’ll answer all your questions and guide you through the next steps.
Student Gallery
projects done in Unreal 5
Training Objectives.
The course aims to train complete professionals capable of:
– Designing video games from idea to playable prototype;
– Develop balanced gameplay mechanics and systems;
– Modeling characters, objects, and environments in 3D;
– Use Unreal Engine in a professional manner;
– Building interactive narrative experiences;
– Integrating artificial intelligence into creative workflows;
– Working in teams, as in a real production studio.
Every year the following are produced prototypes, vertical slices and complete demos, ready for portfolios, trade shows and publication.
Laboratories and technologies
- Game Development Lab – dedicated workstations, AAA pipeline, GPU rendering
- Virtual Production Studio – LED wall, Unreal Engine, camera tracking
- CGI & VFX Lab – 3D assets, simulations and visual integrations
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MetaHuman and digital human pipeline for character design and performance
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AI Creative Lab – Asset generation, concepts, environments, and game systems
- Sound Design & SFX Studio – sound design, effects, music, dubbing
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FX in Niagara for simulations and particle effects
The course includes intensive workshops, exercises on real case studies, and collaboration with industry professionals and firms to consolidate the skills acquired.
Experience and recognition
The Rookies - Game of The Year
As a final thesis, students will be divided into groups to design and produce COMPLETE video games. These will then be uploaded to THE ROOKIES platform, the first real opportunity to get noticed by professionals around the world.
The Night of the Golden Dragons
Annual event organized by Side Academy on the occasion of the Venice Film Festival.
An evening of celebration dedicated to the best projects created by students, with live showcases, screenings and awards for excellence in different areas of digital production.
Milan Games Week
Participation in Milan Games Week, offering students the opportunity to exhibit their projects and make direct contact with studios, publishers and industry professionals.
The best videogame course work is selected to be presented to the public during the event.
JUDGES by THE ROOKIES
Each year, the projects submitted by Side Academy are evaluated by an international jury of professionals selected by The Rookies, consisting of artists, game designers and supervisors from the world’s leading production studios.
The judges include representatives from the likes of Naughty Dog, RIOT GAMES, EPIC GAMES, BLIZZARD and Sony Santa Monica, ensuring a standard of evaluation in line with the current landscape of the video game and CGI industry.
Side Academy is The Rookies certified school.
The Rookie Awards 2025 - MOUSE GUARD
Side Academy is among the Italian academies featured in the Game of the Year category of the Rookie Awards, the main international competition dedicated to young talent in the video game and CGI industry.
Among the projects submitted, Mouse Guard – created by students of the course – was officially published on the platform, gaining international visibility.
Course Structure
YEAR
STUDY AREA.
OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS
First year
Fundamentals of Game Development
Introduction to the principles of game design, 3D modeling, and the basics of Unreal Engine.
Students learn the logic of interactive design, asset building, and production pipeline, working right out of the box on small game prototypes.
Second year
Production and Specialization
Technical and artistic insight into the main areas of development: level design, environment and character art, gameplay systems and technical art.
Throughout the year, students collaborate on group projects, consolidating skills on Niagara FX, Blueprints and real-time performance management.
Third year
Final Project and Portfolio
Realization of a complete project in Unreal Engine, from preproduction to playable build.
In parallel, the professional portfolio is developed with reels, breakdowns, and presentation of projects with a view to entering the industry.
The best work is selected for The Rookies and Milan Games Week.
Software & tools
Unreal Engine
Maya / Blender
ZBrush
Substance 3D Painter / Designer
Houdini
Marmoset Toolbag
MetaHuman Creator and photogrammetry
Professional outlets
The course prepares individuals capable of working in different areas of the video game industry, CGI and interactive production.
Game Designer and Level Designer
3D Artist for environment and character
Technical Artist or FX Artist (Niagara)
Lighting and Lookdev Artist for realtime
Gameplay Programmer or Blueprint Developer
Character Artist / Digital Human Artist
Virtual Production and Unreal Operator
TD pipeline and production technical support
Previs / Cinematic Artist for real-time sequences.
FAQ:
Absolutely, all courses start from the basics, so no artistic or programming skills are required. We want to train new artists regardless of their educational background.
With the HYBRID mode, we allow those who need it to take the course ON-LINE, but to have the opportunity to attend certain labs, workshops or in-person events.
We recommend having a PC or Mac computer at home that can support professional software, so the student can continue projects from home. Those taking the course online also need: an Internet connection, a graphics tablet, micophone for communicating with lecturers and headphones. Optional, however, is a webcam.