Industry backs first distance learning course

The world¹s first distance learning course, designed to train would-be computer designers and developers, has been launched by UK training specialist Train2Game.

The courses have been written by DR Studios and have received the backing of Tiga, which will become the independent examination body.

The new T2G courses enable students to achieve a Tiga Diploma in Games Development and Games Design and are the first ever computer games courses that allow trainees to study in their own time, at their own pace, at home or at work.

The T2G courses are structured in easy to follow modules and cover a comprehensive itinerary of subjects: from technical and programming to modelling, design and marketing. The courses are priced at around £4,960 pounds.

Richard Wilson CEO of Tiga, said: "The UK games development industry has some difficulties finding suitably qualified candidates to fill vacancies in their development studios. A Tiga survey of game developers last year showed that 63 per cent of respondents had faced skills shortages over the previous 12 months. Vacancies for programmers were particularly difficult to fill.

"The new T2G courses are designed by the industry for the industry and are relevant to current industry needs. Tiga members have an opportunity to provide input into the course content and the exam questions through the Tiga Examinations Committee. We hope that this new industry-led initiative by T2G will increase the supply of well-trained, enthusiastic and employable new entrants into the industry."

T2G’s marketing director Mike Head added: "Leading computer games firms want young people with imagination and vision, who understand games and how to put them together. That doesn¹t always equate with academic success or university graduates, yet because a student hasn¹t done to well at school or who hasn¹t gone to college, it shouldn’t stop them breaking into something they really want to do and could be potentially good at such as games development. We set up T2G to bridge that gap."

For more information visit: www.train2game.com.