Abertay University, in Dundee has launched a masterclass lasting for one month entitled Dare+ ran by games industry expert Brian McNicoll. Brian McNicoll founded the BAFTA-award winning Dynamo Games back in 2004.
Dare+ is a masterclass aiming to give individuals and teams the skills neccessary to start a business in video games and is being supported by Creative Scotland.
It will involve practical sessions in business planning, prototyping, intellectual property law, and engaging with their audience and pitching for investment.
It will run alongside the Dare to be Digital game design competition.
Scottish Government Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland is known the world over as a creative and innovative nation. Our computer games industry is a global success – supporting around 1,500 jobs and contributing £30 million to Scotland’s economy.
“Abertay University is at the forefront of innovative work to support talent and skills development, jobs and economic growth in this cutting edge sector. The Dare+ masterclass will strengthen this important work, equipping start-up businesses with the knowledge and skills to thrive.
“The Scottish Government is doing everything in its power to strengthen growth in the creative economy, and we welcome the UK Government’s response to our calls for tax relief for the games industry.”
Morgan Petrie, Technology and Digital Media Portfolio Manager for Creative Scotland, said: “Creative Scotland is delighted to be working with Abertay University on Dare+. The computer games industry is exciting, innovative and has huge growth potential, and work to set up new businesses is crucial to our future creative and economic prosperity.
Brian said: “Dare to be Digital has always been a fantastic way of launching new games professionals into the industry, and now with the support of Creative Scotland the Dare+ masterclass is taking that idea a step further – and preparing creative people to launch new businesses.
“2012 is the Year of Creative Scotland and we’re showcasing all of Scotland’s amazing creative industries. Through Dare+ we’re looking to launch more new computer games companies, and add to our already successful games industry.”
Abertay University is very keen to educate the next generation of video game business professionals.
All participants are encouraged to apply for the Abertay Prototype Fund grants with a possible £25,000 grant, which will help take the risk away from starting a new business.
You can find out more and apply at http://prototypefund.abertay.ac.uk/
What’s more, this masterclass is free with accommodation provided by Creative Scotland and Abertay University.
It will run from Monday 16 July to Sunday 12 August, and will end with the Dare ProtoPlay computer games festival in Dundee’s Caird Hall and City Square on Friday 10th to Sunday 12th August.
You can find more about Dare here:
http://www.dareprotoplay.com/
