Games:Edu returns to Brighton

This year’s Develop conference and expo in Brighton will once again be joined at the seaside event by the games and education event Games:Edu.

Taking place on Tuesday, July 24th, the event – organised by Pixel-Lab and conference organiser Tandem events – has already scored backing from a number of companies, including Microsoft, Epic Games, Evolution, SCEE, Autodesk, Rare and Disney.

Games:Edu 07 hopes to focus on the current and future education needs of the computer games industry, with developers and educators together under one roof to encourage debate and the sharing of best practices. Last year’s event proved incredibly revealing to both sides of academia/interactive entertainment industries.

Confirmed games industry speakers for include Chris Satchell from Microsoft, Evolution Studios’ Matt Southern, Autodesk’s Michel Kripalani, Nick Burton from Rare/Microsoft Game Studios, Mike Gamble from Instinct Technologies) and Disney Brighton’s Jason Avent. Support from education comes from talks from Skillset’s Chris Chilton and Rob Catto from film and design school FullSail.

Skillset will also be discussing its computer games industry accreditation plans at the conference – the event will feature a series of case studies called ‘The Skillset Sessions’ which look on how education can work better with the industry.

Kate O’Conner, Skillset’s executive director – policy and development and deputy chief executive, said: "Skillset strongly believes industry engagement is key to developing relevant and effective training and education. Skillset’s accredited network of courses represents best practice in this area and offers targeted provision ideal for entrance to the games industry. Games:Edu will help the academic community understand why engagement is important and how industry involvement and industry focused tuition benefits students, employers and universities alike.

"By providing an open space for discussion Games:Edu will help develop the quality of this accreditation program and encourage further interaction between Education Institutions and Industry."

For more information on Games:Edu, visit the official site.

The Develop conference and expo takes place from Tuesday, July 24th to Thursday, July 26th. For more information, click here.