Bafta launches young game designers contest

Bafta has opened submissions for its annual Young Game Designers competition.

The contest, eligible for 11-to-16 year olds, will see aspiring developers compete to create the best game in in one of two categories.

The Concept Award will be for designers who have an idea for a new game and can detail the characters, game world and its playability.

Applicants can also enter the Game-making Award, which will be presented by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

Contestants can either work on their own, or in teams of up to three, with the top three entrants in both categories invited to attend the British Academy Children’s Awards in November.

Winners will also have their games developed by industry professionals at the University of Abertay, and will also have the opportunity to “visit a leading games studio”.

“We are delighted to be running Bafta Young Game Designers again this year, particularly at a time when there has been much debate about how to re-energise the ICT curriculum and make it more relevant to future employment opportunities,” said Bafta children’s committee chair Harvey Elliott.

“Last year, we had some fantastic entries that showcased the skills and creativity of the UK’s young people and we are excited to build on this in 2012. We are also pleased that previous participants have already been inspired to pursue interesting and fulfilling careers that they may never have thought existed.”