From Blueprints to Game Art: Unreal Engine Programs for Artists and Designers

Here’s a look at some courses developed by Unreal Engine's Authorized Training Centers and Academic Partners shaping creators in 2025.

M3DS Academy - Create Your First Game in Unreal Engine 5

This course covers Blueprint scripting, character abilities, level sequencing, and packaging projects into a finished game. Training is delivered with one-on-one mentorship and lifetime access to learning materials. By the end of the course, you will have the skills to create and package your own game. You’ll also have the opportunity to showcase your final project as part of the GDHT Competition.

Vertex School - Game Development Program

The course is designed to help students launch a career in game development. Through hands-on projects and expert mentorship, students receive skills in C++ programming, Unreal Engine, gameplay systems, and performance optimization.

The program combines live classes, pre-recorded lessons, and one-on-one mentorship. Students will build a professional portfolio while mastering workflows used across the gaming industry, preparing them for roles such as gameplay programmer, Unreal Engine generalist, or AR/VR developer.

Studio Arts - Unreal for Games

The course is designed to encourage a creative approach to engineering and game design through the use of Unreal Engine and practice.

In this class, you will:

1. Initialize GitKraken for version control
2. Get an overview of Blueprints
3. Build and test a versatile health component
4. Create checkpoints, a power-up, and a win volume
5. Take a deeper look at variable types and how to use them
6. Use NavMesh to have objects spawn in waves and follow the player, causing damage
7. Apply creative interpretation to mechanics and level design
8. Present a full game loop

CG Pro! - Unreal Engine: Intro to Game Development

This comprehensive 10-module course takes complete beginners through creating a fully realized game prototype in Unreal Engine 5.6 (no prior experience required). 

Led by John Waynick, Senior Tech Artist with 20+ years in games and film, you'll master everything from Blueprint scripting and character creation to combat mechanics and level design. By course completion, you'll have a polished game demo ready for your portfolio.

In this class, you will:

1. Create custom player characters and NPCs with AI behavior
2. Design interactive game mechanics and user interfaces
3. Learn combat systems and level design fundamentals
4. Work on a complete, playable game prototype for your demo reel

CG Spectrum - Game Design Foundations

This course introduces the foundations of game design and the elements that make video games compelling. You’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine and Photoshop, while learning essential workflows used by professionals in game development.

Guided by instructors with real-world experience, you’ll explore how to design engaging systems, build immersive game levels, and create intuitive interfaces. Through AAA case studies, you’ll learn how different gameplay systems can be combined to deliver memorable player experiences and what it takes to bring a successful game to market.

MAGES Institute - Advanced Game Art Diploma

This course offers students a comprehensive journey into the world of 3D modeling, character creation, and immersive environment design. Taught by industry professionals and Unreal Authorized Trainers, the program blends foundational art principles with cutting-edge digital techniques for games and films.

Students will master software such as Photoshop, ZBrush, Adobe Substance 3D Painter, 3ds Max, Unreal Engine, and Marvelous Designer, exploring advanced workflows like procedural modeling, animation, and virtual environments.

You can find the complete list of Unreal Engine Academic Partners and Authorized Training Centers here. Also, don’t forget to explore the latest art and game development courses on the 80 Level Workshops page.