Equipment Requirements

Computer (required)

Windows PC strongly recommended. This could be a laptop for flexibility, or a desktop for more power. Our studios and workflows use Windows PCs; macOS is not used in our labs and is less common in games development. Students may choose to use a Mac, but compatibility and support may be limited for some tools.

• Minimum: 6-core modern CPU, 16 GB RAM, discrete GPU with 6 GB VRAM, 512 GB SSD, 1080p display.
• Recommended: 8-core CPU, 32 GB RAM, 8 GB+ VRAM, 1 TB NVMe SSD, 1440p display or 15″+ high-resolution laptop screen with good colour (near-100% sRGB).

External Storage & Backup (required)

• Primary portable drive: 2 TB+ SSD (USB 3.2/USB-C) for active projects.
• Secondary backup drive: 2 TB+ (SSD preferred; HDD acceptable for archive).
• Keep your work in at least two locations at all times.

Peripherals & Accessories

• Three-button mouse with scroll wheel and a comfortable keyboard.
• Closed-back headset with microphone for critiques and collaborative sessions.
• Webcam for remote tutorials and reviews.
• (If using a laptop) Protective laptop sleeve and a small surge-protected extension for studio use.

Role-Specific Recommendations

• Games Art:
  • Graphics tablet (optional) — not essential for purchase. The department provides pen/screen tablets in taught sessions and studio areas where required. Students who prefer personal devices are welcome to use them.
  • A 24″ 1440p external monitor is helpful for colour and layout.

Buying Guidance

If planning a new purchase, you may wish to wait until registration to explore education discounts or ask tutors for advice. On-campus workstations are available, but a personal device is strongly recommended for flexibility.

Computer (required)

Windows PC strongly recommended. This could be a laptop for flexibility, or a desktop for more power. Our studios and workflows use Windows PCs; macOS is not used in our labs and is less common in games development. Students may choose to use a Mac, but compatibility and support may be limited for some tools.

• Minimum: 6-core modern CPU, 16 GB RAM, discrete GPU with 6 GB VRAM, 512 GB SSD, 1080p display.
• Recommended: 8-core CPU, 32 GB RAM, 8 GB+ VRAM, 1 TB NVMe SSD, 1440p display or 15″+ high-resolution laptop screen with good colour (near-100% sRGB).

External Storage & Backup (required)

• Primary portable drive: 2 TB+ SSD (USB 3.2/USB-C) for active projects.
• Secondary backup drive: 2 TB+ (SSD preferred; HDD acceptable for archive).
• Keep your work in at least two locations at all times.

Peripherals & Accessories

• Three-button mouse with scroll wheel and a comfortable keyboard.
• Closed-back headset with microphone for critiques and collaborative sessions.
• Webcam for remote tutorials and reviews.
• (If using a laptop) Protective laptop sleeve and a small surge-protected extension for studio use.

Role-Specific Recommendations

• Games Design:
  • Game controller for testing prototypes.
  • Paper prototyping kit: notebook/index cards, sticky notes, fine-liners, small ruler.

Buying Guidance

If planning a new purchase, you may wish to wait until registration to explore education discounts or ask tutors for advice. On-campus workstations are available, but a personal device is strongly recommended for flexibility.

• Drawing & Pre-production:
  A graphics tablet (Wacom Intuos or similar) is highly recommended for personal use. We provide pen/screen tablets in taught sessions, but many students prefer to own one for convenience.
  A 24″+ external monitor with good colour reproduction is helpful for drawing and compositing work.
• 3D Animation & Modelling:
  Strongly benefits from a higher-end GPU and additional RAM (see recommended specs above).
  External monitor for multitasking across multiple software packages (Maya, Blender, Unreal, etc.).
• Sound & Editing:
  Headphones with good clarity are useful for syncing and editing sound in animations.

Buying Guidance

If planning a new purchase, you may wish to wait until registration to explore education discounts or ask tutors for advice. On-campus workstations are available, but a personal device is strongly recommended for flexibility.