Blitz Academy

Blitz Academy

The Blitz academy is based in Warwickshire. Blitz Academy aim to help anyone interested in game making, and to generally inform newcomers to the industry what to expect and how things are done.

Here is what Blitz have to say to anyone interested in their company:

“Game development is a serious and hugely enjoyable career, but it's competitive and demanding. Developing games now typically involves large teams working on big projects, a far cry from the old days when two guys could make games in their bedroom (although yes, that is how our founders started out!).

Games involve a combination of art (both 2D and 3D), animation, audio, game design and programming. It's very important to understand that we are looking for people who are skilled in and focused on one of those elements. We don't want people who can do a little bit of everything - making games is now too complex and expensive for that. So think about what you're good at and then get even better at it!”

My desired role is essentially a modeller/animator, with a basic understanding of scripting. This puts me across three areas, which is good and bad. As Blitz have stated they are looking for people who are skilled in specific areas, not people who can do a “little bit of everything.” I don't want to restrict my areas of skill too early as I feel I would like to have a good understanding of most of the processes involved in game development. Focusing mainly on my modelling and animating skills. During the next few months I will be working on improving all of my skills and refining my role as I go.

Here are the currently accredited courses that Blitz accept:

• BA (Honours) Game Art Design, De Montfort University, Leicester
• BA (Honours) Computer Arts, University of Abertay Dundee
• BSc (Honours) Computer Games Technology, University of Abertay Dundee
• BSc (Honours) Computer Games Technology, University of the West of Scotland
• BA in Computer Animation, University of Glamorgan - Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries
• MSc in Games Programming, The University of Hull
• BSc (Honours) Computer Games Programming, Teesside University
• MSc Games Software Development, Sheffield Hallam University
• MSc Computer Games Technology, University of Abertay Dundee

This seems a fairly short list, they have stated the following about about their application process:

“Blitz Games Studios actively works with many educational establishments at different levels to support and encourage best practice and provision. However, we only endorse those courses formally accredited by Skillset. You may be told directly, or it may be implied indirectly to you, that we endorse a non-accredited course or that we look favourably on applications from graduates of specific courses - this is not the case. Every application that we receive is judged entirely on its merits and nothing else. Our endorsement of the Skillset courses is because, in our and Skillset's view, these courses prepare their students particularly well for a potential career in the games industry but all applicants, regardless of their courses, need to prove their skills and suitability during the application/interview process.”


Having navigated to the “job roles” section I found the applicable roles for me:
3D Modeller & Texture Artist
As the name suggests, the 3D artist's working day consists of creating objects, characters and scenery in three dimensions. Most of this work will usually be achieved in one of the major 3D software packages, such as Maya, 3D Studio Max, Softimage XSI or Lightwave among others.

The artist usually works from a piece of concept art and creates the model (otherwise known as an art asset) from start to finish. This includes building the initial model, the creation and subsequent application of texture maps, the addition of project-specific blind data, and in some cases visual effects nodes, and even hardware graphics shaders. Though this all sounds rather daunting, the ability to model and texture well will get you through the door - after that the rest will come as you learn on the job.

Some companies make a job role separation between 3D Artist and 2D Texture Artist; however, most expect the 3D artists to complete the texturing phase as well as the modelling.


Junior Animator
At entry level you will be expected to follow detailed instructions to work as part of a team to create in-game character content. You may be asked to create character animations, cut scenes or even background scenery. Wherever you begin you'll need to already have a good command of the traditional principles of animation and a keen eye for detail.

As well as being responsible for bringing your characters to life, you will also be expected to solve any skinning (and in some cases rigging) issues that arise. You will also have to solve any issues that may be holding up the development. Each project requires a different approach and you'll be expected to respect the requirements of each particular production. As a junior, your hunger to learn combined with your adaptability and the aptitude to take direction will be your greatest assets.


The 3D modeller role fits my needs although the texturing is often done by the modeller as well depending on the studio. This worries me as I don't have the expertise in texturing to meet this role. The junior animator role is also appealing to me, although depending on the studios workflow/pipeline the practices may vary to what i've experienced.


Blitz Academy seems to be a good starting point for anyone interested in the industry, although unfortunately it is fairly exclusive due to its minimal amount of accredited courses.