University News Last updated 28 September 2011
Birmingham City University’s new ‘finishing school for game developers,’ Gamer Camp, is opening its doors on Saturday 19th November 2011 for anyone wishing to pursue a career in game development.
Gamer Camp provides a one month ‘Nano’ running in February and July, and a year-long ‘Pro’ Masters course from September 2012. The Gamer Camp courses are designed by developers for aspiring developers looking to enhance not just their skills, but also their industry experience within a simulated studio environment.
The Open Day runs from 12:30-4:30pm at NTI Birmingham, a purpose built training centre where the courses take place, on 19th November 2011. Participants will have the opportunity to look around the Gamer Camp headquarters, and experience the industry-endorsed training programmes that are run at NTI Birmingham. Those wishing to attend the Gamer Camp Open Day should go to www.bcu.ac.uk/pme/nti/gamercamp/courses/open-days.
“The Open Day’s demo session consists of applicants splitting into teams to brainstorm ideas for a sequel to a bestselling game for the iPhone. The teams get to develop ideas and concepts as a professional games developer would do, before getting feedback from the rest of the group,” says Gamer Camp Operations Director, Oliver Williams.
During the Gamer Camp Open Day, attendees will be able to meet and talk to the Gamer Camp team, providing an insight into the course structure and the expectations of trainees.
Gamer Camp boasts experienced team members with first-hand knowledge of the games industry such as Iain Harrison (Goldeneye 007, Ice Age 3), Alex Darby (DJ Hero) and Guy Wilday (Colin McRae Rally, SEGA Rally).
It is recommended that Open Day attendees must be currently or have recently been studying a game development, art, animation, design, maths, physics, computer science or related degree course.
Gamer Camp: Nano a month long course centred around iPhone development is priced at £950 per delegate, whilst Gamer Camp: Pro – which includes an MA/MSc in Video Games Development, costs £8,000 (EU students) and spans across an academic year.
Gamer Camp will be also be taking part in Wolverhampton’s Flip Animation Festival 2011 (27-29th October 2011), giving a talk from 2pm on Friday 28th October, and providing a free demo session on Saturday 29th October.
To attend the Open Day, go to www.bcu.ac.uk/pme/nti/gamercamp/courses/open-days