X48:Microsoft XNA GameCamp, a two day competition and training programme focusing on games design and development on 19th February, is the latest in a line of university and industry partnerships in the West Midlands designed to nurture gaming talent in the region. Birmingham City University has partnered with bespoke consultancy and games industry event producer Pixel-Lab, regional body Screen WM and Microsoft to develop the event, which is designed to encourage students to consider different gaming applications beyond the traditional puzzle or first person shooter games, in an intense industry-like environment.
Commenting on the programme, Jason Hall, head of innovation at Screen WM, said: “X48 is a chance for students to learn from big industry players and to grab the opportunities out there for different gaming applications. The West Midlands is already responsible for about 20% of the UK’s games production and collaborations such as X48 cement the region as a significant provider of talent to this growing industry.”
X48:Microsoft XNA GameCamp follows in the footsteps of Gamer Camp, a four-week programme held at Birmingham City University at the end of 2009, led by industry experts such as Guy Wilday (previously of SEGA Racing Studio and Codemasters). Starting with a week of professional training in game programming or interface design, followed by three weeks of mentoring, the students – ranging from graduates to people who have worked in the industry for several years – worked together to produce a game for the Apple iPhone. At the course close, the students presented their efforts to local A&R representatives from Microsoft, Codemasters and Activision; one of the games, Bugs Away, was so impressive that it is now available to download for free from the global iPhone store.
At Coventry University, a collaboration between the Serious Games Institute (SGI) and serious games developer Roll7, has resulted in the commercialisation of technology that uses brainwaves to control computer and games applications. The “Neurosky” headset can monitor and filter brainwaves relating to levels of concentration and relaxation, supplying these as input to electronic devices including computers, games consoles and mobile phones. The SGI and Roll7 are now working together to develop commercial opportunities for the headset, such as a serious game designed to tackle anger management amongst young offenders.
The SGI is home to leading academic research and award-winning businesses including Roll7, PIXELearning and Digital 2.0. Since opening in 2007, it has created 25 new businesses and 18 jobs by providing premises and virtual business space. The SGI now has a business community of 19 physical and virtual tenants that specialise in virtual world and games-based learning.
Dan Licari, Digital Media Cluster Manager at Advantage West Midlands, said: “It is testament to the West Midlands’ universities and businesses that the region is globally recognised across the world as a powerhouse of games development. The partnerships demonstrated by our top businesses leaders and academics demonstrate how the two can work closely together to benefit this sector – particularly for those who want to enter the industry, but require the crucial combination of academic teaching and practical business experience. These partnerships will continue to flourish with the opening of the region’s Digital Media Academy in 2011
For further press information, photography or interviews, please contact Rebecca Curwin at Grayling on 0121 265 2760 / rebecca.curwin@grayling.com