The first competitive action of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will take places online, thanks to a Dundee computer games company.
Public health minister Shona Robison launched the Scottish Government competition to design an online game for the games in Dundee yesterday.
The competition is open to all students and their ideas for the game will be turned into reality by Dundee firm 4J Studios, which was chosen ahead of five other Scottish companies for the project.
Launching the competition at 4J’s premises in Seabraes Lane, Ms Robison said, “The games development sector is a Scottish success story and a vital part of our creative industries.
“As a result I have no doubt that the creativity and imagination of our students will result in a game that is fitting to mark the Commonwealth Games coming to Scotland in 2014.
“This groundbreaking initiative is an opportunity for Scotland to stamp its own innovative character on the games and reflect the success that already exists in our world-renowned games sector.”
She added, “It is great that 4J Studios have won their own competition to do this.
“It is huge for a number of reasons it will be a great advert for the Commonwealth Games and will be played by people worldwide, so it promotes the games industry in Dundee and Scotland.
“I’m pleased a Dundee company won, given the importance of the games industry to Dundee. I think it is a really exciting competition and I’m looking forward to seeing the winning design.”Cash prize on offerThe competition is open to all students at Scottish universities. As well as seeing their concept turned into an online game, they will win a cash prize of £2014.
Chris van der Kuyl, chairman of 4J Studios, said, “Winning the government tender to do this project is a real feather in the cap of 4J. It recognises the fabulous body of work these guys have done, although they have had a less high profile than some other companies.”
He said the competition will help unearth new talent for the games industry, adding, “It illustrates the impact of cultural impact of the games and video games are definitely part of our culture.”
Glasgow 2014 chief executive John Scott said, “Scotland has an exceptional computer games industry and we want it to play an important part of Glasgow 2014, starting with this competition to get students involved in creating a game to go on our website.
“I can’t wait to see the designs that are submitted and to see the winning concept go from being on paper to a reality. Glasgow 2014 is all about getting people involved from across Scotland and inspiring people to strive to do their best.”
He added, “Technology is a fundamental piece of making the games work, from results management to running the transport system.
“Having a game on our website complements and supplements our aspirations.”
The competition closes on April 4 and it is hoped the game will be running on the Glasgow 2014 website by the summer.
Games controller image used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user Ciaran McGuiggan.