Closing date nears for UK young developer talent hunt

Search For A Star 2011, a hunt for young programming talent among UK students, will close for entries this Friday.

Winners of this second year for the contest will enjoy work experience at either Relentless Software, Rockstar Leeds or Headstrong Games.

Commented Aardvark Swift director and competition co-ordinator Ian Goodall, "We're delighted to be running the competition for the second year. The games industry feedback has been amazingly positive. Studios appreciate that the competition will help create another line of communication between development and academia and increase the quality and quantity of graduates.

"Many of 2010's participants were very strong. Several have gone on to secure roles in the UK games industry. This proves we're hitting the right levels with the testing procedures.

"We've now added work experience for the winner and runners up at three great studios as part of the prize. We know that this hands-on experience will give them an even greater chance of securing a role in a games studio."

GamesIndustry.biz is backing the scheme, and will unveil the results at next year's Eurogamer Expo.

"Bridging the gap between education and industry can be a challenge, and so we're really pleased to be supporting this year's Search for a Star competition," said Phil Elliott, publisher of GamesIndustry.biz.

"We're looking forward to following the progress of applicants through the year and crowning a winner at the Eurogamer Expo in 2011."

Applications, ideally in the form of a nomination from a course leader, can be made here.

More information about the judging process and concept behind Search For A Star 2011 can be found in this interview with organiser Aardvark Swift.