Region’s digital games industry boosted
A DIGITAL gaming expo attended by almost 5,000 people in Hull has been hailed a success.
The event, held over two days at the University of Hull, brought together some of the biggest names in the sector and attracted people from across Yorkshire and the Humber.
In its third year, the private sector initiative has been set up to encourage business start-ups and help to create a new digital sector in the region through its combination of speakers, workshops and entertainment.
Platform 2012 moves on to Doha, Qatar, for the first time next month and organisers are already making plans for Platform 2013, which will again be held in Hull.
Bruce Grove, general manager of OnLive UK, spoke to an audience at the event about how cloud gaming and OnLive’s streaming games service is boosting the games industry.
Mr Grove said: “It was great to get involved with Platform 2012. As a platform developer we bring a slightly different insight and it was a perfect opportunity to help graduates and students understand just how many opportunities the video games industry has to offer. Here’s looking forward to next year.”
Other experts who attended the event included Charles Cecil, of Revolution Games; Mark Estdale of OM; and Steve Ince, a writer and designer with 18 years of game development experience.
Organiser Lindsay West, joint managing director of Hull company Garthwest, said that the event had grown fast and was helping to put the area on the map.
Mr West, who is also a director of World Trade Centre Hull & Humber, said: “I feel that successful local companies should collaborate to help our young and talented people find work in today’s extremely tough job market.
“Platform Expos does just that by demonstrating the wide range of skills needed in the sector, as well as providing inspiration and help for budding entrepreneurs.”
Stephen Logan, business champion at Malet Lambert School in Hull, said: “I can’t speak too highly of the event. The pupils had fun, but also attended lectures from top industry experts.
“For some of them it was the first time they had ever been to a university and they had a great experience. A highlight was being among the very first in the country to see the Raspberry Pi.”
The University of Hull’s computer science department ran a 24-hour race to create a game, with 40 students taking part in the challenge that was judged by Sony.
