Dare to be Digital ushers in changes for 2009

The Dare to be Digital competition will return in 2009 in a slightly new format, based on feedback from the games industry and other stakeholders, with all teams for the competition set to be housed in Dundee's Abertay university for the ten week event.

There will be a series of regional selection events throughout the UK, but anybody from Europe can apply to take part, providing they can make one of the selection events, which will take place in February and March.

Of all those that apply, 15-20 teams will then be selected to take part in the competition proper, and will all be hosted in Dundee, with accommodation, computer facilities, access to industry experts and a stipend included in the package.

Teams will then demonstrate prototypes at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival, as with this year, and the association with BAFTA's Ones to Watch award will also continue.

As part of the organisation of the highly-regarded competition, and to make sure it's more relevant than ever to the needs of prospective employers, a Dare Developer Accord has been agreed with a number of companies to be revealed in the New Year, and involves providing selection panels, team advisors and judges.

Additionally the community aspect will be expanded, allowing people to submit development ideas to the teams directly.

The competition organisers have secured a certain level of funding for the event, but are still seeking a headline sponsor to replace Channel 4 - who supported this year's competition.

GamesIndustry.biz was delighted to feature the three winning teams from this year's Dare to be Digital competition, and will continue to support the event which has http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/blitz-industry-must-be-pro-active-on-education-issues from key industry figures.