New computer game course to keep 'Silicon Spa' strong

Buy photos » The next generation of computer game makers will be developed on the new Warwickshire College course. (s)

A NEW computer gaming course being launched at Warwickshire College is set to help the area maintain its leading role in the industry.

Leamington has long been referred to as 'Silicon Spa' in computer gaming circles, with more than a dozen companies based in and around the town.

The new foundation degree in Games Art, starting in September at the college's Warwick New Road centre in the town, is looking to attract the best budding computer artists and teach them everything from life drawing to 3D modelling and animation.

It already has the endorsement of major industry names, including local business such as Blitz Games Studio, Kwalee, Pixel Bullies and Supersonic Software, with further backing from SEGA Europe, Codemasters and Fish In A Bottle.

Many of these major names will be involved with students’ live projects, giving them real-life industry experience before they have even left college.

Course tutor Mike Irvine said: “Leamington is the hub of the British games industry, so where better to study Games Art with the major names on your doorstep?

“Our course is a specialist course for people aspiring to a bright future in the games industry.

“What we want are talented artists who have a real passion for games – and in return we can offer a course that has been tailored by industry experts to give students the exact skills that developers really want.”

Peter Williamson from Supersonic Software said: “Warwickshire is already a hotbed of game development talent so it's great to see such a positive course tailored to our industry being offered locally."

Jay Lytwynenko, artist at Kwalee, added: “It’s fantastic to see courses being created for students wishing to pursue a career as an artistic professional within the games industry.

“Leamington is such a thriving location for this industry; and makes interacting with a wide range of companies very possible.”

Applicants can visit www.warwickshire.ac.uk to find out more information or to apply for the course.

The next generation of computer game makers will be developed on the new Warwickshire College course. (s)

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