Kingston Uni open new state-of-the-art computer laboratory

A new state-of-the-art computer laboratory has opened for students at Kingston University in London.

The new facility includes specialist software supplied by Sony and Microsoft, which Kingston's games technology field leader Darrel Greenhill said will give students a huge advantage in their studies.

"Having access to the most up-to-date development hardware and software means that Kingston students are working to industry standards even before they've left the classroom," he said.

In additional to development software for Xbox and PlayStation Portable, the facility now boasts three pairs of large projector screens which allow students to study code and graphics at the same time.

The rapidly growing and increasingly sophisticated digital market meant that degrees in game development were becoming ever more competitive, Greenhill said, and having comprehensive technology at degree level was critical.

"The skills that students will take from digital media degrees at Kingston will provide the key to open up a multitude of careers doors including special effects for film and television, web development, informatics and popular music," he said.

"We offer both games programming and games technology degrees here, and from 2010 students will also be able to study games development at postgraduate level. With the new courses and our new games lab, I would definitely say we are ahead of the game at Kingston."