Game designers of tomorrow

The latest competition from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) encourages pupils to use their creative and technical skills to design an award-winning video game.

What is it?

The Young Game Designers competition has two categories:

- Concept award: pupils must pitch an idea for a new game explaining the characters, game world and how it will be played.

- Game-making award: pupils create their own video game using game development software or programming languages.

Pupils can enter either category as an individual, pair or team of three. The winners will develop their game with experts from Abertay University, Dundee, and visit a leading games studio.

Who is it for?

11- to 16-year-olds.

What do pupils say?

The competition has been running since 2010. Dan Pearce, a member of the first winning team, says: “I’m working on three different projects as a means of further studying the industry... I’m managing, I’m designing, and I’m programming. The opportunity given to me by Bafta taught me a lot about game development.”

How can you enter?

The closing date is 22 October. For lesson plans, worksheets and more information, visit http:ygd.bafta.org.