| Dare to be Digital, which is run by the university, has developed a global reputation and 42 students from all over the world attended today’s launch.
And to ensure contenders got into a creative groove ahead of their 10-week tussle, Scottish-based Ghanaian percussion ensemble “Drumming Up Business” were on hand to deliver a pounding beat.
Organiser Jackie McKenzie said, “This is the first time all the teams will be gathered together, so we wanted something that would help to break the ice and get things off to a really lively start.”
Seven teams of students will take part, with representatives from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Canada.
The teams will be joined by seven students from the Scottish Executive’s Fresh Talent initiative, which has funded places for Chinese and Indian students.
Teams will work all-out to develop a prototype video game, receiving daily support and weekly training sessions from industry specialists, as well as accommodation and a weekly allowance of £170.
A panel of experts will judge the prototypes and award prizes at a special ceremony and talent showcase in August.
Alongside the competition, S5 youngsters from seven city secondary schools will take part in the Dare School Teams Challenge this week as Dundee City Council and Abertay University tap into the enthusiasm of young people for computer technology.
Technical experts from Abertay will assist the youngsters in transforming their vision into reality during sessions at the university throughout the week.
Dundee City Council economic development convener Councillor Joe Morrow said, “I am pleased to see yet another healthy entry into this superb project, which really provides a ‘behind-the-scenes’ glimpse at this fascinating industry in our city.
“The standard of the Dare Schools Challenge has always been fantastically high and I am sure that this year’s competition will see more superb ideas from youngsters translated into exciting computer games.” |
