[game_edu] X48: UK Based XNA Game Camp, supported by Microsoft & Channel 4

[Toby Barnes]

Pixel-Lab launch X48, an XNA GameCamp for emerging game design and  
development talent from the UK…


supported by Microsoft and Channel 4.
80 students, 2 days, 1 goal…

On Friday 20th March 2009, videogame design and development students  
from all over the UK will relocate to the University of Derby's  
cutting edge Computer Games Lab for the first XNA GameCamp.

Produced by Pixel-Lab for Microsoft and Channel 4, X48 will see which  
games the next generation of industry talent can create in less than  
48 hours.  Using Microsoft's XNA Game Studio 3.0 the teams will build  
game prototypes on a theme to be unveiled during Friday morning's  
initiation.

Competitors will gain valuable experience in time-bound development,  
and X48 will provide them with the chance to show their creations to a  
Microsoft-led panel of judges at the closing ceremony. Channel 4,  
Microsoft and students alike will benefit from being in a hotbed of  
emerging talent and like-minded developers from around the country.

During the two days, University of Derby will be providing the  
hardware and software needed to develop the games at their Kedleston  
Road site, as well as providing teams with sleeping and refreshments  
facilities.

The event's theme this year will give students a challenge to make  
innovative new games that look beyond the traditional puzzle game or  
first person shooter. This could create conversations around games  
that don't normally happen, and maybe even lead to new audiences.

The event is free to attend, but registration is on a first come first  
served basis at http://x48.eventbrite.com

Alice Taylor, Commissioning Editor for Education at Channel 4:  
"Channel 4 Education is excited to be sponsoring X48. We're fully  
behind encouraging collaboration and competition between young and  
emerging British indie gaming talent, and fully approve of the  
freewheelin' creative environment that X48 is going to produce. We'll  
be setting the theme of the challenge, and keeping an eye out for both  
talent and games that we can continue to support or develop post-event."

Andrew Sithers, Academic Lead at Microsoft UK: "X48 is a great  
opportunity to bring like-minded students together and inspire them to  
create games using XNA. Partnering with Channel 4 and the University  
of Derby brings together technology, creativity and talent at an event  
that will pit the UK's best student game developers against the clock."


"The UK is seen as a hotbed of talent in game design, and X48 will be  
a testament to that, giving students not only the chance to talk to  
commissioners but also create a game that may make it to market" said  
Toby Barnes, Managing Director at Pixel-Lab.


John Sear, Programme Leader in Computer Games Programming at the  
University of Derby: "It's a huge honour for the University of Derby  
to be collaborating with Microsoft UK again. It shows the standing we  
have nationally in the area of computer games education."

"Our labs are designed around working in a real world game studio and  
are the ideal environment for students to be productive and creative  
in. I'm sure the teams will produce some fantastic games over the  
weekend."

Ends

Notes For The Editor

Website: www.x48gamecamp.com
Logos and images for press use: www.x48gamecamp.com/press-resources

Contact: Richard Birkin
Richard.birkin at pixel-lab.co.uk | 07973480098
Twitter: x48

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in  
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses  
realize their full potential. www.microsoft.com

About XNA

Microsoft XNA Game Studio is a revolutionary toolset and technology  
that makes creating great video games for Windows-based computers and  
the Xbox 360 console (with an active XNA Creators Club membership)  
easier than ever. www.xna.com

About Channel 4

"Channel 4 Education broke new ground in 2008 by moving its television  
spend online: its budget of £6m was spent with British indie talent,  
in producing video, websites, services and games for 14-19 year olds,  
including the BAFTA-winning Bow Street Runner. 2009 has started with  
Routes (www.routesgame.com) and a number of web, PC and cross-platform  
games soon to follow. Channel 4 Education aims to grow and support UK- 
based indie gaming talent in producing highly entertaining games and  
other services that have, at their heart, something fascinating to  
learn from."
www.channel4.com

About Pixel-Lab

X48 is produced by Pixel-Lab, a computer games and digital media  
development agency working across the UK's computer game and digital  
media industries. Pixel-Lab advises, develops and delivers strategies  
to support growth in the games industry from skills development to  
support infrastructure. Pixel-Lab also works with organisations  
outside the industry, enabling them to harness the power of play.  
Pixel-Lab are developing a number of new programmes that put  
innovation and talent development at the heart of the game development  
process.
www.pixel-lab.co.uk



Toby Barnes
Managing Director – Pixel-Lab

Mobile: +44 (0) 7525 000 365
E-Mail: toby.barnes at pixel-lab.co.uk
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tobybarnes

Pixel-Lab
Digital Media & Games Development Agency
Katapult House, 28 Ashbourne Road, Derby, DE22 3AD
VOIP/P. +44 (0) 2071 934 058
W. www.pixel-lab.co.uk

Pixel-Lab Ltd is a company limited by shares. Registered in England  
and Wales.
Reg No. 05526667. VAT No. 864 9374 75

This communication, and any file(s) transmitted with it, contains  
information that is confidential, and is for the exclusive use of the  
individual(s) or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the  
intended recipient, the use of the information by disclosure, copying  
or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have  
received this e-mail in error please contact the sender immediately,  
and also delete the communication from your system. Any views or  
opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not  
necessarily represent those of Pixel-Lab Ltd. unless otherwise  
specifically stated.

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://seven.pairlist.net/pipermail/game_edu/attachments/20090225/a2225542/attachment.html>