Skip navigation
Search
Search

How do we build vibrant worlds within computer games?

This is a Computer games and animation Subject Spotlight with Dr Adam Twycross from Anglia Ruskin University. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Computer games and animation.

Powered by

Springpod

Take this Subject Spotlight to...

Join Dr Adam Twycross as he introduces you to the fascinating world of Computer Games Art, and the role of colour and lighting within computer games. He begins by introducing what Computer Games Art actually is within games production as a whole, and identifies some key areas of specialism within it. He then explores what we mean by ‘colour’ and lighting in the digital environment, and takes a deep dive into how it can create different moods and effects within games. To do so, he brings you along on a walkthrough demonstration of making key changes to a gameplay environment that are guided by art direction choices made by a Games Designer. Finally, Adam sets you a task to apply your new knowledge about the use of colour and the importance of art direction, by analysing the use of colour in different types of media, and the effects they have for the audience. 

Take Subject Spotlight

About Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University is an innovative global university with students from 185 countries at our campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough and Writtle. These students are at the heart of our University, and we're delighted that our final-year undergraduates are positive about their educational experience. Our community is also incredibly important to us, and we're proud of the role we play in our cities and the wider region – including the positive effect on jobs and the local economy. It is this impact that helped us become the THE University of the Year 2023, a prestigious award that recognises our success in delivering high impact projects focused on the difference we make in the region and communities where we’re based as well as the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

More about Anglia Ruskin University

Meet the academics

Dr Adam Twycross

Dr Adam Twycross is a Senior Lecturer in Games Art at Anglia Ruskin University. Previously the Programme Leader for the NCCA’s MA in 3D Computer Animation and the Course Leader for Arts University Bournemouth’s BA in Visual Effects, he has taught extensively in the fields of games, animation and VFX. He has previously worked as an environment artist at Frontier games and as a freelance modeller with clients including Games Workshop, the BBC and Disney. Also active as a historian and researcher, his first book, British Newspaper Strips: A Contextual History, was released by Palgrave Macmillan in 2024.

In every Subject Spotlight you'll find

On-demand interactive video content

Sign up, log in, and access a wide range of potentially life-changing Subject Spotlight experiences that will help you make informed decisions about your university future.

Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

Other Subject Spotlights for Anglia Ruskin University

See all

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!