Teesside students to work with video games veteran

Video games veteran Peter Molyneux will give a masterclass for Teesside University students who pledged support for creation of a new game.

Peter who started games studios Bullfrog and Lionhead before becoming Microsoft’s creative director for Europe set up independent company 22cans last year with the aim of creating the next generation of innovative digital entertainment. They launched a bid to carry out 22 experiments, with their most recent venture using the Kickstarter platform to enable games enthusiasts to get involved in the creation of new video game Godus through funding pledges. As an added incentive, the most pledges made by students would lead to an exclusive video games design masterclass with Peter at their institution. Students from Teesside University came out top in the number of Kickstarter Godus student pledges. Peter will now visit Teesside University later this year, thanks to pledges from students largely across the University’s School of Arts & Media and School of Computing. He will give an exclusive masterclass on video games design. Peter will be accompanied by Jemma Harris, Head of Production at 22cans, who has previously worked as an associate producer with Microsoft Games Studios. Jemma, who graduated from Teesside University with a film and television production degree seven years ago, said: 'I was delighted to learn that my former University had gained this pledge reward, as the competition was really strong. In a way I wasn't surprised as the University, as well as always remaining ambitious, holds a lot of enthusiasm and strong growing reputation for its media and computing courses.” She added: 'This masterclass is ultimately a priceless opportunity for Teesside students to learn from one of the games industries greatest ever creatives, so very well done to them.'

Mick Stockton Principal Lecturer in Business Engagement in the University's School of Arts & Media, said: 'Teesside University is honoured to be able to welcome one of the world greatest innovators, along with one of our most successful graduates. The collaboration between the University’s schools of media and computing to make this happen highlights the vision of our students in understanding the continuing convergence in professional media disciplines - nowhere is this better showcased than in the work of 22Cans.'

Gabrielle Kent, Senior Lecturer in Computer Games Development in the University’s School of Computing, added: 'As one of the first universities in the world to offer degrees in video game development, Teesside is delighted to welcome one of the pioneers of the UK's games industry.' Godus is due for release later this year on iOS, Andriod, PC, Mac and Linux.

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