Concept Art vs Game Art?

Hello
I’m interested in becoming a concept artist and whilst my skill and interest has always been in 2D, I want to learn 3D too. I’d like to see if I change preferences or just how far I can go with both. I’m also interested in Illustration, however concept art and illustration can be linked (I know the difference but they can still be tied in the industry), and I have looked at Illustration course specs and decided one of the 2 above seem to suit my preferred path better.
I’ve been mulling over which course would be the best option for me as Game Art seems to cover 3D a lot more intensely but also has a decent amount of 2D design, whereas Concept Art looks more applicable but with more focus in 2D, but I cant quite tell the difference still or which would be best for me.
Please let me know if you have any more input about the differences of each course, or what seems to suit my direction the most!

Hello
I’m interested in becoming a concept artist and whilst my skill and interest has always been in 2D, I want to learn 3D too. I’d like to see if I change preferences or just how far I can go with both. I’m also interested in Illustration, however concept art and illustration can be linked (I know the difference but they can still be tied in the industry), and I have looked at Illustration course specs and decided one of the 2 above seem to suit my preferred path better.
I’ve been mulling over which course would be the best option for me as Game Art seems to cover 3D a lot more intensely but also has a decent amount of 2D design, whereas Concept Art looks more applicable but with more focus in 2D, but I cant quite tell the difference still or which would be best for me.
Please let me know if you have any more input about the differences of each course, or what seems to suit my direction the most!

I'd say look into individual game industries and make your decision based on their styles. For example, with concept art, you don't really have to match the style of the game art and also your art will only be viewed by a limited amount of people (unless published). If you're comfortable with 'copying' art styles and work for a specific game (e.g. valorant has a very distinct style, such as league, basically each game has its own) then go for illustration.

This is a bit of an amalgamation of things I've written for similar questions in the past, but here goes:
I studied Game Art at a university that also offered Concept Art. Generally concept art courses have a stronger focus on 2D digital painting skills, and game art will have a stronger focus on 3D modelling and sculpting skills. Both courses may teach both skills, and potentially have shared lecturers/modules - but I would anticipate that Game Art will put the majority of it's grade weighting on 3D while concept art will do the same for 2D skills. A Game Art course may also teach you game engine skills - like Unreal Blueprints or making VFX. They might also teach some basic scripting. Concept art are less likely to do that and might focus more on polishing your fundamental skills - you might be more likely to do extended iteration work, or still life drawing, etc. Obviously course content varies massively from university to university and course to course, though, so I would make sure to ask those questions at open days etc.
In general I would always advocate to study a course that teaches 3D skills over a course that is strictly a 2D course. It never hurts to add another skill to your toolset as an artist - having the ability to do 3D competently will make you more employable.
Here's an article with some great resources and videos for how 3D is used as a modern tool to assist concept art, comics and illustration.https://theartsquirrel.com/26/using-3d-software-for-illustration-comics-concept-art-and-digital-painting/ Having extra skills can only ever help you. Having a portfolio with 3D and 2D work will open up more career options for you than having a strictly 2D portfolio.
The key to success at Concept Art is accepting it's unlikely you will place into the industry straight out of Uni and be prepared to continue to develop your portfolio until you're at a point to gain industry experience. Be proactive - seek mentorship from industry professionals - go beyond the expectations of your course - cold email & apply even if you're underskilled. In competitive industries like Games and Film it's just as much about your ability to sell yourself, present your work well, talk to the right people, and interview well as it is your pure technical skill.

Thanks so much! This is the differentiation I was struggling to identify, and I agree I would like to dive into 3D along with 2D skills. I would hope I can improve enough in my 2D in my own studies/in the lessons given so I wouldn't regretting picking concept over it too. Thanks for the article and tips, I will definitely be shooting my shot with industry pros/companies asap!

Thanks for the answer (: I honestly enjoy both haha I guess that makes it easier for me to adapt