Abertay University | Centre for Excellence in Games Education 2023 Highlights

What a year it has been at The Centre for Excellence in Games Education! Our incredible students and staff have given their all. So before I head off on leave, first I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and next, here are some highlights.

Campaigning video game project set on Tay Road Bridge by Abertay Games Design Lecturer Alexander Tarvet was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA! Amazing work Sandy! https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2022/campaigning-video-game-project-set-on-tay-road-bridge-nominated-for-scottish-bafta/ ?

In March we hosted games entrepreneur Chris van der Kuyl CBE for a guest lecture and pitching session with Abertay students https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2023/games-entrepreneur-chris-van-der-kuyl-takes-part-in-pitching-session-with-abertay-students/ - Thanks Chris, we hope you enjoyed it - you're certainly welcome back any time!

In June we opened our annual Abertay Digital Graduate Show to the public, showcasing the amazing efforts of our Honours Year students complete with a hefty round of prizegiving and celebration! Always a true high point in the year! Organised by the incredible Clare Brennan Lecturer in Computer Arts. https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2023/abertay-digital-graduate-show-2023-what-s-on/ I certainly have very fond memories of a brilliant opening night!

In July we gave the world a glimpse of a 5G virtual production breakthrough for the UK movie industry as real-time scenes shot 280 miles apart https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2023/5g-virtual-production-breakthrough-for-uk-movie-industry-as-real-time-scenes-shot-280-miles-apart/

You can watch the full video here!

The InGAME R&D centre in Dundee has catalysed significant growth for the UK’s video games industry, validating a new model for innovation ecosystems across the country. https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2023/ingame-catalyses-uk-video-games-industry-growth/ ??

AHRC Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith said: “This impact report underlines the tangible value of cultivating an innovation ecosystem for each of the UK’s games clusters.

In June, our Game Programmes achieved 'Gold Standard' Accreditation from TIGA - https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2023/video-games-programmes-achieve-gold-standard-tiga-accreditation/ - A hard-earned recognition of our continued efforts to be the best place to learn to make games.

Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said: “Abertay University provides six high quality video games courses that equip students with skills that are are needed in the video games industry.?The CGT and CGAD undergraduate courses provide a strong technical focus on C++ and maths. Abertay University also offers a range of different workplace simulation experiences which enhance graduate employability. Graduate and post-graduate destination data is impressive.?Congratulations?to?the staff and students of Abertay University on your successful re-accreditations.

In August Abertay broke into the top three Scottish universities in the National Student Survey 2023. With the challenges of a post-COVID world and the evolving demands of the sector, Staff's dedication and hard work continue to grow student satisfaction. https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2023/abertay-ranked-top-scottish-modern-university-for-student-satisfaction/

Abertay Academics and Konglomerate Games created a video game 'Gone Smashing' exposing mobile phone scam risks to educate young people on the danger of scams https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2023/abertay-university-helps-create-video-game-exposing-mobile-phone-scam-risks/ - important work led by the excellent Lynsay Shepherd - and another example of 'serious games' affecting real change.

Two ground-breaking video games developed by students from Abertay University have triumphed at the International Serious Play Awards https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2023/international-serious-play-awards-2023/ - A stunning effort! A massive thanks to the staff who continue to deliver our flagship Professional Project module, led by Martin Lynagh - a 3rd-year cross-disciplinary group project where our students work directly with clients to deliver a working prototype to specification. Take a bow Andrew Reid and Hailey Austin for recognising these teams!

If you want to see and PLAY more of our students' Professional Project games, head over to our Itch.io Showcase page! https://itch.io/jam/abertay-professional-project-2023/entries

In October Magination Games, Alex de la Cour and Jan Huss, were announced as the winners of Abertay Dare 2023. Book of Abomination, a monster-collecting game centred around an impending apocalypse. https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2023/magination-games-announced-as-winner-of-dare-academy-2023/

Selfishly, if you'll allow it, my friends, in October I was promoted to a new role at Abertay, as the new Head of Centre for Excellence in Games Education. It's both an honour and a pleasure, but the real work has just begun! There are many new projects to look forward to!

Also in October, it was revealed that for the first time, Abertay would rank in the prestigious The Rookies Global School Rankings. Coordinated by the excellent Finlay Pearston - Co-Programme Leader of Computer Arts https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2023/abertay-breaks-into-global-creative-schools-ranking-for-the-first-time/

It’s fantastic to see the talent of Abertay’s students reflected so strongly in The Rookies and to have their hard work receive the top-level recognition from industry that it deserves. Our graduates go on to work in creative studios across the world, so it’s of real importance to us that the University’s courses are seen to be held to high standard by respected external organisations such as this one.

In November, the veil was lifted on the massive CoSTAR project. Abertay will be leading the Realtime Lab for screen and performance technology - Directed by our very own Professor Gregor White https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2023/abertay-to-lead-costar-realtime-lab-for-screen-and-performance-technology/

Professor Gregor White of Abertay University and CoSTAR Realtime Lab lead said: “The convergence of new technologies means that our screen media and performance sectors have become closer than ever before, providing a golden opportunity for companies to expand and diversify their offer. With a global reputation as a leader in technology and the birthplace of?the video games industry, Scotland?already has a strong backbone of?large businesses and SMEs working in this space, ideally placed to take advantage?of the growing demand.?By working closely with our core partners and supporters, listening to the requirements of industry and linking into the future-focused work of the National Lab,?CoSTAR Realtime will provide the R&D support needed to spark economic growth and innovation for this exciting new sector.”?

That's a wrap!

I can't fit everything in, and there are mince pies to get tucked into! Until next year my friends, stay safe and well and enjoy a decent break! I'm sure I'll see some of you in 2024.

.....And BEHAVE yourselves!

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