Myth Games: Game Reviews and News - Huddersfield University Joins TIGA

Huddersfield University Joins TIGA

Written by: Erila

Date: 2010-07-06

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, today announced the University of Huddersfield as its newest member. The University of Huddersfield offers three courses to students seeking a career in the games industry: Computer Games Design BA (Hons), Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons) and Computer Games Technology FdSc (foundation degree).

Damian De Luca, Subject Area Leader Digital Media, explains how the courses were developed: “The games courses originally grew out of a single games module developed for the Computing/Multimedia courses. The demand for this module from our students suggested a gap in the market and, after discussion with a number of developers, including Codemasters and Team 17 we launched the Games Programming course in 2003. Games Design followed in 2005 and we are now recruiting approximately 100 students each year across these courses.”

“Our courses major on studio-based learning, team projects and have a production focus which we believe is giving our students the skills they need to be successful in the games industry. We work closely with developers such as Rockstar Games and Team 17 to ensure are teaching meets industry requirements. Our graduates are getting jobs with companies such as SEGA, Rebellion, and Blizzard which suggests we are doing something right!”

In 2006 the university opened Canalside Studios, a development studio staffed by Huddersfield University students. To date the studio has release a number of games including ‘Yo-Ho Kablammo’ and ‘Missing Reel’ for XBLA.

De Luca explains the rationale behind the studio: “We opened Canalside to give our students and staff an even better understanding of the games development process, so now we don’t just teach games, we make games. The studio is giving our staff and students a unique opportunity to learn about the trials and tribulations of games production.”

Dr. Richard Wilson TIGA CEO welcomed the organization to TIGA: “University of Huddersfield’s approach to games development education is ground-breaking. By allowing students and staff to become fully immersed in the development process the University is able to offer industry access to graduates who already have in-studio development experience under their belts. This is a huge advantage to industry and graduates alike.

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