Digital Gamers to Hit Hull - Platform 2010 By Julian Woodford

From Apps to the Xbox, digital gaming is to take centre stage in Hull next month. Leading local experts have joined forces to create Platform 2010, the city's first annual gaming conference, designed to encourage and nurture local talent and cement the city's growing international reputation in gaming education.

Organised by World Trade Centre Hull & Humberin partnership with Hull-based Garthwest Ltd, which designs and develops in-store marketing for top names in the home entertainment industry, Platform 2010 is a one-day event being held at Hull Truck theatre on March 25. Open to all people interested in gaming, including individuals and commercial enterprises, the free conference will include educational seminars by leading industry experts, a showcase for local talent, competitions and game play.

Headline speakers include: Dr Jon Purdy, computer science expert at the University of Hull which boasts the best MSc in games programming in the UK; Jake Hapgood, author of the celebrated book, The Game Maker's Apprentice and Arif Majothi , one of the industry's best-known animators and games creators. Central to the conference is The Showcase, Platform 2010's main competition, which will provide 12 successful applicants (individuals or organisations) with a platform to demonstrate their skills and abilities. The criteria cover all elements of the gaming industry including new programming techniques or hardware concepts as well as games in development.

There will also be awards for the best gaming ability, which will be tested on a big screen, and for the best character creation.

Lindsay West, joint managing director of Garthwest Ltd, said that the potential for Hull to become a recognised hub for gaming professionals had inspired him to organise the conference, which intends to inform and educate in addition to putting Hull in the spotlight.

'Platform 2010 marks the beginning of a sustained effort by key players in the region to nurture, celebrate and support talented games developers and budding entrepreneurs, both school age and beyond,' said Mr West, who is also chair of World Trade Centre Hull & Humber's advisory group. 'The gaming industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the new global economy, and we believe that the infrastructure is in place to put Hull at the forefront. 'If you are serious about developing a career in gaming, then Platform 2010 is a must. Nowhere else will you have access to such an incredible level and range of expertise which will provide you with the inside knowledge that is critical for success.

'The industry is bigger than Hollywood, more exciting and we want people to get involved.' Platform 2010 is being supported by a number of organisations that have an interest in the gaming industry, technology or in promoting the region, including World Trade Centre Hull & Humber, Andrew Jackson Solicitors, OneMannBrand, the University of Hull and Dark Raven Digital.

Dr Purdy, who will deliver a seminar on the history of gaming, said that the industry in the UK grew massively on the back of the expertise of enthusiastic amateur developers. 'That was in the days when one person could make and sell their own computer games,' he said. 'With the development of the iphone, Microsoft's XNA and the popularity of casual games, the days of the small developer are back.

'Platform 2010 fills a niche in that it explores the tools and technologies available to new talent. We hope the conference will play a major role in stimulating the next generation of games developers in the region.' You can apply for a place at the conference or for The Showcase by registering at www.platform2010.co.uk. Places are strictly limited. www.platform2010.co.uk www.wtchumber.com www.garthwest.com

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