MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
A new partnership between developer Creative Assembly and the East London Arts and Music Acadamy has been announced today with the aim of being the first ‘industry-led’ further education video games design course.
The acadamy, which teaches students between the ages of 16-19, covers education before university level (or higher education in the UK) which is hoped will help bridge the gap between those who have left education and are looking for work, and the skills required for the industry that is looking to hire new talent.
The ELAM has had glowing reports from education inspector and regulator OFSTED and over 70 per cent of its students are from a black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background. This demographic is something that is very underrepresented in the industry and this move will hopefully encourage that to change.
"The UK games industry is currently the 6th largest in the world, employing around 25,000 people, yet the education system is not preparing students with the specialist skills the industry requires, said ELAM principal, Charlie Kennard. "Creative Assembly join other ELAM partners, including Universal Music UK and Abbey Road Studios, to give trainees the opportunity to regularly engage with the industry and gain a level of professionalism, raising the standard of undergraduates before they go to university.”
Creative Assembly’s involvement will also include creating the course, to make its student’s industry ready. This includes looking at game art, mechanics, storytelling and will include masterclasses and workshops from the studio.
“As a leader in the UK games industry we are committed to educating the future games development talent of tomorrow, and driving innovation through diversity," said Creative Assembly studio director, Tim Heaton. “ELAM is working to address the shortfall in the UK’s creative skills shortage and we look forward to sharing our expertise that come with 30 years of making world-class games to help them achieve this.”
To find out more about the new course, please visit https://www.elam.co.uk/games-design/
