New UK diploma course to incorporate game design

Manchester-based media school Futureworks will soon commence an industry-facing study programme designed to give students practical game development experience.

The IGDA-backed diploma course is designed “in consultation with some of the UK’s major games studios” with the principal aim of being relevant to the industry.

Tensions between academia and dev sector continues to this day, with many developers claiming courses rarely prepare students for the craft, and many universities saying they have insufficient support from the industry.

Set to begin in September, the Futureworks three-year course will culminate with the production of a “full release title”.

This game can be released on one of a range of platforms, while students will also be given experience at indie studio Smashmouth Games.

“The collaboration will take the synergy between academia and real-life game development to new heights ensuing the UK produces high-calibre candidates; skilled and equipped for a career in this dynamic industry”, said Zuby Ahmed of Smashmouth Games.