TIGA, the trade association representing the
UK games industry, welcomed the news concerning the uptake of maths and physics
by students, according to the latest A-level results.
Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said the
games development sector would be encouraged by the fact that entries for
mathematics and further maths at A-Level had increased this year by 3.3 per
cent and 7.6 per cent respectively. Physics rose by 5 per cent. He said:
“Time and time
again, developers have told us of the importance of maths and physics and it is
highly encouraging to see a rise in the number of students taking these
subjects at A-level.
Many developers continue to emphasise the need for highly skilled programmers, who need to have good degrees or the vocational equivalent
in computer science, mathematics, physics, software engineering or games programming.
“Artists, animators, designers, programmers, sound-designers, testers,
and production managers all have a role to play in developing games. We hope that many of
today’s students who have A levels relating to these subjects will proceed to
further and higher education and training and ultimately look for opportunities
to work in the videogame industry.”
This year also saw a seven per cent drop in
the number of students accepted on to university courses. A total of 357,915
applicants had had their places confirmed at midnight last night, down from
384,649 at the same point in 2011.
Some of TIGA’s university members have also
been reacting to the A-level results and commenting on the importance of a well-educated
workforce.
Prof Carsten Marple, Pro-Vice Chancellor – Research &
Enterprise, at
the University of Bedfordshire, said:
“A number of students will have an anxious wait come to an end as they
receive their A-level results today. There is concern however that seven per
cent fewer students have been accepted onto University courses this year
compared to last year. A well-educated workforce can advance an industry, and
this is especially true in the rapidly-evolving games industry. We hope that
those awaiting decisions get a swift positive response and those still
undecided will make the decision to go to University. The Clearing process
means there are still a number of places available on very good courses.”
Dr Christos Gatzidis, Senior Lecturer in Creative Technology at Bournemouth
University, said:
“The preferred
subjects for entry at the BSc Games Technology degree at Bournemouth University
are Computing, IT, Maths, Physics, Science, Technology. An A-level in disciplines such as maths or
physics in particular, especially for a degree such as this one where a large
part of it consists of programming, is invaluable as it provides a very solid
foundation for some of the content covered more or less from day one. Increased
capability can often be noticed amongst the first year students joining us who
have such a qualification(s) and we can only encourage those interested in a
career in games development, particularly on the technical side of it, to
favour them over other subjects.”
Dr Graham Raddings, the programme leader in
BA Games Design at University Centre Grimsby said:
“If students are
looking to enter the games industry following A-Levels then I would suggest
strong computer science, maths and physics skills would be hugely beneficial.
Related creative subjects such as such as art & design and media are
equally important. It very much depends on what kind of job they want within
the industry. The games industry moves fast, and more often than not you need
to be ready to hit the ground running when you start with a new company so
practical game making skills are highly desirable. Create a portfolio of work
and and get experience using any of the great free game engines out there. Show
them what you can do!
“If the intention following A-Levels is to further specialise at degree
level, then a good combination of academic and creative A-Level subjects or
something like the BTEC Level 3 in games development are great foundations for
entry onto a specialised degree. The key here is to prepare for the difference
in the academic requirements between A-Levels and degree level study as this
often catches students out.”
Prof William Latham, co-Founder of the MSc
Computer Games and Entertainment Course, Goldsmiths, University of London,
said:
“Given the broad
spectrum of roles in the games industry, Maths, Physics and Chemistry A
Levels are great if you want to go into the technical areas of games
development. Hands on A Levels such as Art and Design and. Media Studies are
very useful if you want to go into art and game production, and if you are
canny, English, Classics, Psychology, Performing Arts and Politics A Levels can
help you get into sales, marketing and management. Ultimately A Levels,
though valuable, are only part of the story and students will need to follow
through and obtain a degree and develop a strong portfolio of personal
work to be picked up by the games industry.”
Dr Rupert Ward, Head of Informatics at Huddersfield University, said:
“For computer
games programming courses we expect good grades in mathematics and physics
courses, for games design courses we expect an art or design background. We
continue to see high demand and increasing interest in mobile gaming. It is
clear that applicants see these as good degrees to study and provide a breadth
of employment opportunities, either in the games industry or the broader
creative industries.”
Notes to editors:
About
TIGA:
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s
games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games
developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games
publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our
membership. Since 2010, TIGA
has won 12 business awards and has been nominated a finalist for 9 other
awards. In 2010 TIGA won two business awards including
‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum. In 2011, TIGA
won eight business awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the
Trade Association Forum, ‘Outstanding Organisation’ from the Chartered
Management Institute and two Global Business Excellence Awards, including ‘Outstanding
Marketing Campaign’. Richard Wilson won
the ‘Leadership Award’ from the Trade Association Forum and the ‘Outstanding
Leader’ award from the Chartered Management Institute. In 2012, Richard Wilson
won the IoD’s East of England Director of
the Year Award. TIGA is
an Investors in People organisation. Also in 2012, TIGA won a Global Business
Excellence Award for its ‘Outstanding Public Relations Campaign’ for Games Tax
Relief.
TIGA's vision is to
make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on
three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage
and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members.
This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power,
their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a
material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and
improved commercial opportunities.
For further information, please contact Dr Richard
Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.