Dare to be Digital grant enables greater international reach

Abertay University's Dare to to Digital game development competition is inviting Scandinavian applications for the first time this year, after receiving funding of £85,700.

Following the funding from the Scottish Government in partnership with the British Council, and the Norwegian School of Information Technology, the competition has been able to further extend its international reach.

The 10-week event, which invites student teams of artists and programmers to battle it out to produce a winning game prototype, is now taking on international teams from China, India, Norway, Denmark and Sweden alongside UK ones.

"The international scope of this project has already built up a network of relationships in India and China. Extending the reach of the project into continental Europe will further enhance Scotland’s digital reputation amongst overseas universities" said Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop.

"It also provides an excellent platform for students to share knowledge as well as receiving mentoring from video games experts in Scotland."

"We are greatly encouraged by and grateful for the Scottish Government's support. Participation by teams from China, India and Scandinavia will further highlight the international profile not only of Dare to be Digital but also Abertay as the UK’s first centre for excellence in computer games education, and Scotland as a leading player in the global computer games and interactive entertainment industry," added Professor Bernard King CBE, principal and vice-chancellor of Abertay University.

The efforts of the student teams will be judged by a panel of game industry experts as well as members of the public at an exhibition staged as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The three winning teams will go on to become sole nominees for the BAFTA One to Watch award early next year.