Computer game students show off their work

DESIGNERS hoping to break into a multi-billion-pound industry have been given the first chance to show off their work at Warrington.
Priestley College’s first cohort of computer game design students are exhibiting their work for tutors, parents, examiners and the public.
Among the creations are creepy character designs, virtual reality worlds and educational games.
Tutor Matthew Wilson said: “It’s a really big deal to the students as it is the first time they have completed a game design they have written from scratch.”
The BTEC extended diploma students have all examined the art and design of creating computer games.
Their studies have been geared towards helping them secure university places and jobs in the highly-competitive industry.
Mr Wilson said: “We aim to give students a head start teaching them skills in digital art software as well as the traditional art techniques such as drawing, life drawing, printing, model making and contextual studies.
“We look into the theory of character design, writing narratives for computer games and the mechanics of how games work.”
Over the two years students will cover character design, environmental design, level design, vehicle design and a self-set project that makes up their final exhibit.
“If the students feel they don’t want a career in this particular industry at the end of the course, they will find their newly-developed skills are transferable to many other creative subjects and careers.”
Priestley has invested in the latest piece of kit – the Oculus Rift – to ensure its students are able to use the up-to-date technology in gaming.
It is at the forefront of virtual reality computer games and is set to revolutionise gaming, social media and communication.
Priestley is believed to be the only college in the North West to be using the Oculus Rift and students are using it to create environments giving them a better understanding of spatial awareness and design
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“It is important we stay current and with a fast developing industry I want to keep us on the ball introducing as many new techniques and experiences for the students as possible,” said Mr Wilson.
Pictured: One of the characters created by students during their course.