Dare Academy Launch

By March 21, 2017 April 12th, 2019 Press Releases

Abertay University’s new Dare Academy games design competition is now live with student teams bidding for a chance to gain massive industry exposure and international experience.

Some of the most respected figures from the UK games sector have been selected as judges for this year’s inaugural Dare Academy in Dundee.

The contest launches as Abertay celebrates 20 years since becoming the first university in the world to offer computer games degrees.

 This summer, Abertay teams will compete for a huge prize package including the opportunity to showcase their prototypes at the UK’s biggest games conference, EGX, which attracts more than 75,000 people to the NEC in Birmingham every year.

Using key ingredients from the world-renowned Dare to be Digital formula, teams applying for the new competition will go through a tough selection process before the best six are chosen to design, test and create prototypes over an intense hothousing period from July 10 to August 4.

The three top teams will scoop trip of a lifetime placements to international games studios in China, India and the US.

 The fully funded spots will be taken up by the successful games teams during the 2017/18 session and winners can expect to jet out in October, November and December 2017.

Dare Academy judge Peter Molyneux OBE, an Abertay Honorary Graduate and a games industry legend, has designed and been involved in many great games, including the Fable series.

He said: “The future of the games industry relies on the talent of those that are involved in it. Dare Academy is a fantastic way of new talent being spotted and recognised and it is a great honour to become a Judge of Dare Academy 2017.”

 Luke Savage, Senior Academic Development Manager for Sony Interactive Entertainment is also on the judging panel.

He said: “Today’s students are the lifeblood of the games industry. They’re going to push the boundaries of innovation and become the star developers of the future.  That’s why Abertay University and the Dare Academy are so crucial – they’re helping to usher in a new wave of exciting talent right now. I can’t wait to see what this year’s teams come up with.”

 Paul Farley, CEO of TAG Games said: “Dundee is undoubtedly one of the UK’s top games production hubs and Abertay graduates have played a major part in that success. This industry moves at an incredibly fast pace and the structure of Dare Academy, where teams are asked to be both creative and strategic under time pressure, will prove an invaluable learning experience for those involved.”

Other judges include Jim Woods, Director of Development Services at SEGA Europe, Colin Macdonald, Games Commissioner at Channel 4 Games, and Gavin Smart, Associate Producer at YoYo games.

 Only current Abertay students can apply to enter Dare Academy and the deadline for applications is April 24.

 Judges will assess the entries and decide on the shortlist to proceed to the competition phase by May 3, with the final six teams announced on May 26.

 The overall winner of Dare Academy 2017 will be unveiled at the end of EGX on September 24 after the top three teams have showcased their games for four days, gaining huge industry exposure.

For more information check out the brand new website – www.dareacademy.co.uk   – or simply search Dare Academy on Facebook (@abertaydareacademy) or Twitter (@abertaydare).

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