Scottish Government
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Dare to be Digital

First Minister Alex Salmond recently opened the White Space learning and knowledge creation centre at Abertay University in Dundee.

And he announced £56,800 to sponsor a 'Dare to be Digital' competition during the summer where computer science and computer arts students compete to develop new interactive games.

The FM said:

"'Dare to be Digital' finalists produce consistently excellent, innovative work and this year's competition will help to keep all eyes on Scotland and the talents attracted to the University of Abertay.

"The new White Space Facility provides the perfect environment for developing fresh ideas and creativity. By using it, and the exciting Dare to be Digital competition, to attract talent from around the world - we can help the University of Abertay to fulfil its potential and develop our competitive advantage.

"Already at the forefront of the computer games industry, Scotland is recognised world-wide as a centre of excellence. The Dare to be Digital competition allows us to be a showcase for the best ideas, and proves that investors and buyers who want to have their finger on the pulse will find Scotland is the heart of the talent.

"I hope that today's investment will help students from China and India to come to Scotland as a new injection of creativity. With some of the greatest young minds from across the globe converging in Dundee we can look forward to bringing a fantastic learning environment to life."

Under 'Dare to be Digital' teams of five students, usually a mix of artists, programmers and audio, assemble in a regional hosting centre for 10 weeks to develop a prototype video game, receiving daily support and weekly training sessions from industry specialists.

Prototypes are displayed at a special talent showcasing event in Edinburgh, Dare ProtoPlay, alongside the Edinburgh Interactive Entertainment Festival in August.

Later in the year the winning teams attend the BAFTA Video Games Awards to compete for the coveted "Ones to Watch Award".

Funding for 'Dare to be Digital' is also provided by Scottish Enterprise, BBC, Dundee City Council, NESTA, NCR and Microsoft.

White Space is a £2.5 million development which is at the heart of Abertay University's computer games technology and computer arts teaching and knowledge-creation activities.

Related Information

http://www.abertay.ac.uk/

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