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¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ University proudly hosted this year's TIGA Games Education Conference, a key event in the games industry calendar. The event featured a full day of speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for educators, students and developers.Ìý

TIGA is the network for games developers and digital publishers and the trade association representing the video games industry. TIGA's mission is to strengthen the games development and digital publishing sector by championing the interests of UK games businesses and providing services that enhance their competitiveness and success.

Games degree courses at ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ University are accredited by TIGA, which shows our commitment to ensuring our students are ready for the industry when they graduate. Many previous graduates have gone on to be awarded TIGA’s ‘Graduate of The Year Award’.Ìý 

The TIGA Games Education Conference served as a vital platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas, addressing critical challenges such as skill needs, graduate employability, and advancements in tools and technologies. The event aimed to foster stronger partnerships between academia and the games industry, promoting excellence in research, teaching, and inclusivity within games education.Ìý

Key Topics and Speakers Included: 

• Industry Skill Needs: Panellists discussed current and future skill requirements and strategies to enhance graduate employability.Ìý
• Industry-Education Partnerships: Exploration of how successful partnerships can be developed to enhance course content.Ìý
• Technological Developments: Insights into the latest advancements in AI and games engines.Ìý
• Excellence in Research and Teaching: Discussions on achieving excellence in games research and innovation.Ìý
• Promoting Diversity: Strategies for widening access and promoting diversity in games education.Ìý
• Internships and Industrial Secondments: The importance of internships, placements, and industrial secondments in the creative industry.Ìý

Speakers included prominent figures from Howest, nDreams, Rebellion, Slitherine Software, Staffordshire University, University of Portsmouth, ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ University, Avalanche Studios, Codewizards, Heroic Labs, University of Hertfordshire, Norwich University of the Arts, Abertay University, UWE, University of the Arts London, Leeds City College, and Dovetail Games.Ìý

Nick Speedie, a ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ University BSc (Hons) Games Design graduate, shared his experience attending the conference: 

"Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the TIGA Games Education Conference held by ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ University, just a day after receiving my final year results. It was a surreal feeling to receive a big round of applause from educators and industry folks as a fresh graduate!" 

He found the discussions on industry skill needs and enhancing graduate employability particularly enlightening. "Hearing insights from Chris Kingsley, CBE, Koen Samyn, Tamsin O'Luanaigh, and David Sharrock just after graduating was incredibly helpful and appreciated." 

He also highlighted the importance of industry-education partnerships. "The talk on developing successful partnerships between industry and education, featuring Davin Ward, Anna Limpens, and my own Head of Department, Fred Charles, was fantastic. Hearing my accomplishments mentioned in the final year was also a proud moment." 

Speedie expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the event. "Thank you to all the panellists; hearing your discussions was truly inspiring and insightful, especially as someone hoping to enter the industry soon. A huge thank you to Fred Charles, Vanessa Joyce, and Dr. Richard Wilson OBE for hosting such an amazing event!" 

The ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ team were honoured to facilitate this significant event, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in education and industry collaboration. The conference, sponsored by leading organisations, provided a unique opportunity for participants to engage with the latest trends and developments in the games industry.

For more information, visit .Ìý