Dare to be Digital is not a competition which rests on its laurels, or allows years to pass without exploring new opportunities and finding new ways to introduce the joys and enormous potential of the games industry with an ever growing audience.
Last year, the Dare+ programme challenged participants to create a start-up studio, with every aspect of business reflected, from business plans to marketing strategy.
This year, Dare Launchpad introduces primary school children to the idea of game design and development. Over the course of four days, primary 6 and 7 pupils will work with Future Fossil Games using GameMaker: Studio to discover the skills – and thrills – of game development.
Professor Louis Natanson, who leads computer games education at Abertay University, said:
Almost every young person enjoys playing games, but many will never consider working in games as a viable career option.
Dare Launchpad is a great opportunity to introduce primary school children from across Tayside to what really goes into making a game, and the subjects and skills they need to become the next generation of game creators.
Inspiring and accessible role models are also a key part of this process and I’m delighted that one of our graduate companies, Future Fossil Studios, are leading this four-day event.
Kirsty Scott, Educational Manager for YoYo Games, said: “We are delighted to be part of Dare Launchpad.
Many students enjoy GameMaker: Studio because of its ease of use, and teaching staff state it’s a great product to implement problem-based, project-based learning. By eliminating the technical hassle associated with traditional game development, GameMaker puts students at the heart of the learning experience.
This will create awareness in young people considering career choices, not just with a games company but a wider array of creative industries.
Future Fossil Studios, a studio founded by Abertay graduates. The company is currently developing PowderLine, a social snowboarding game for Android and iOS, with the support of the Abertay University Prototype Fund. The company will also show the pupils another in-development game, Do No Harm.
The kids will also get a chance to meet the teams competing in the Dare to be Digital competition and see the games in this year’s competition.
We’re all in favour of introducing more kids to games and the idea of making games themselves, as early as possible. Dare continues to innovate and push into new territories every single year. We’re delighted to see primary school age children across the country finding access to technologies like Game Maker: Studio.
Dave Launchpad is supported by Event Scotland, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world. Which just goes to show…
