University of Wales joins Tiga

The University of Wales, Newport is the latest educator to join Tiga, the UK’s trade body for game developers.

Offering three courses – a BSc in Games Development and AI, a BA in Computer Games Design and the Skillset-accredited BA in Animation – the University of Wales, Newport is looking to not only build on its industry links but also promote Wales as a region for game development.

“I believe universities and industry must have a legitimate and equal partnership in developing the skills needed in the work place," said Dr. Mike Reddy, programme leader of the Games Development and AI course.

"As anyone working in video games development knows, often real learning is achieved through the practice of actually making a game; however this learning is very seldom formalized and used as a tool to educate others. To improve the pedagogy of games we must strengthen the links between academia and industry and create meaningful dialogue.”

He added: “Another crucial reason for joining TIGA is that we would like to raise the profile of Wales as a fantastic location for any studio looking to start up or relocate. Wales has so far been largely overlooked as a location for games developers despite rich resources in terms of talented graduates and the backing of the Welsh Assembly Government for developing Creative Industry. This is something we would like to help change.”