Sumo Digital teams with Sheffield Hallam University

UK developer Sumo Digital has announced a new scheme to mentor a group of students from Sheffield Hallam University's game development courses, as part of a continuing partnership with the university.

A total of 13 students will be offered a series of internships at the Yorkshire studio, renowned for racing games such as OutRun 2 and other titles such as Doctor Who: The Adventure Games.

The university already has its own development studio, called Steel Minions, which is registered as an official PlayStation Minis developer. Based in Sheffield Hallam University's Science Park, the studio offers current students and recent graduates the chance to develop games for commercial release.

"The fact that the largest developer in the region is giving our students these opportunities is really exciting," said senior lecturer Dr Jacob Habgood.

"Along with the chance of developing games in-house here at Sheffield Hallam, they now have the chance to be involved in developing major international releases and working with some really inspirational industry figures."

Steel Minions is run in line with the recent Livingstone report, giving students practical experience of the full development process from concept design to QA submission.

"We're really impressed with the standard of Sheffield Hallam's students, and it's great that we can utilise their skills and talent through these placements," said Sumo Digital studio manager Paul Porter.

"The games industry is a tough one to break into, so opportunities like this are key for students and graduates, as is being able to learn in an environment like the Steel Minions games studio."