The document discusses computer games skills and links to education. It notes that 63% of computer games employers maintain links with schools, colleges, and universities. Since 2000, 87% of entrants to the games industry have been qualified to at least the graduate level, with preferred subjects including computer science, maths, physics, and games-related fields. Employers value both technical skills like programming and soft skills like teamwork. Accreditation for games-related university courses was established in 2004 to improve collaboration between industry and higher education. The accreditation process involves paper reviews and site visits, and has accredited 4 courses so far.

4. Computer Games Skills Forum

5. Existing Links With Educations Two thirds (63%) of Computer Games employers demonstrate their value of education by maintaining links with schools, colleges, universities and/or private training providers.

6. Qualifications Since 2000 – 87% of entrants to the games industry have been qualified to at least graduate level.

7. Subject Areas Degree is looked at as a benchmark (although post-grad is often preferable) Preferred subjects include: Computer Science, Maths, Physics, Games Programming, Games Art, Animation, and Design Disciplines

8. Skillset Games Forum Employers most value a combination of technical and soft skills. Technical skills include C++ programming, online skills (servers and architecture), art and animation, Soft skills include team working, communication, project management and sales and marketing expertise.

9. How do employers rate graduates 23% rate them as ‘fully equipped’ 45% rate them as having ‘…most of the skills but have some need for development’ 23% rate them as having ‘…some of the skills but need development’ 9% - other responses

10. Number of Courses 2005 – identified 165 Courses 126 Undergraduate 39 Postgraduate Estimated output a potential 4,000 graduates (cf workforce of 8,000 UCAS enquiry today: 266 courses

11. Accreditation Originally suggested in 2004 Graduate recruitment difficulties Perceived failing in HE system in UK, Rising numbers of games courses, Lack of contact between Industry and HE.

12. Accreditation Initial support from ELSPA, TIGA, DTI, Leading universities in games, Leading companies on Skillset games forum EA, Sony, Eidos, Codemasters, Blitz, Activision

13. Accreditation Detailed guidelines drawn up for Art, Programming and Design Assessment teams drawn from Industry and Education Assessments carried out in two stages.

14. Stage 1 Paper based: Module descriptors Staff CV’s Student Work Course Info and Recruitment Practise Graduate Tracking

15. Stage 2 Assessment Visit: View Resources Staff Interviews Student Work Student Interviews

16. Success 4 Accredited courses (so far) BA (Honours) Computer Arts, University of Abertay Dundee BSc (Honours) Computer Games Technology, University of Abertay Dundee BSc (Honours) Computer Games Technology, Paisley BA in Computer Animation, Glamorgan Centre for Art & Design Technology

17. Support Offered Tutor workshops SCEE, EA, Blitz, and Natural Motion Technical Sessions - Procedural AI Studio Tours Placement Support Graduate Showcase for Artists GamesEdu Marketing Benefits

18. Plans for Expansion More accredited courses (8 by September 2008) Non Games Specific Accreditation for post-graduate courses established (launch April 08)

19. Results Clear, established routes for learners interested in careers in games Established, highly skilled graduate workforce available in UK Collaboration between Industry and HE facilitates joint projects (eg Abertay and middleware projects, Dare to Be Digital, GamesEdu etc)

20. www.skillset.org/games

21. Thank You Toby Barnes Pixel-lab [email_address] www.pixel-lab.co.uk www.gamesedu.co.uk