Obama bid to bolster game design education

US President Barack Obama has announced a new initiative that promotes the development of educational video games.

Called the National STEM Video Game Challenge, prizes will be offered to those whose titles are deemed to have best promoted education in science, technology, engineering and math.

The scheme is open both to young start-up developers and experienced studios.

“Our success as a nation depends on strengthening America’s role as the world’s engine of discovery and innovation,” Obama said in a statement, as reported by 1UP.

“I applaud partners in the National STEM Video Game Challenge for lending their resources, expertise, and their enthusiasm to the task of strengthening America’s leadership in the 21st century by improving education in science, technology, engineering and math.”