University of Abertay Dundee

The University of Abertay Dundee has consistently been at the forefront of Tayside’s development in the fields of computer games and creative technologies.  Home to the International Centre for Computer Games and Virtual Entertainment (IC-CAVE), Abertay also introduced the world’s first MSc in Computer Games Technology, and the first undergraduate degree in Europe.  In recent years, its strength in the growing field of Computer Arts has been recognised nationally and internationally.  Students have picked up a string of awards in competitions including the prestigious Scottish Students on Screen, and completed a number of commissions for Scottish and UK companies.  In addition, the University has launched two initiatives designed to encourage new businesses to launch; the graduate incubator unit Embreonix, which provides support, facilities and mentoring for those studying for postgraduate diploma in Entrepreneurship; and Dare to be Digital, a ten-week competition to develop new digital products, which is run in conjuction with Scottish Enterprise Tayside and Dundee City Council.

Abertay University is an exciting place for both staff and students, with a solid base of international researchers working on some of the biggest challenges facing the creative technologies industries; a range of degree courses that demand academic excellence whilst meeting the employment needs of industry; and a diverse student population that is made up of 60 nationalities, with a high proportion of mature students.  It maintains its standing as a leader in creative technologies through its close links with industry.  Some of the biggest names in the global computer games industry advise on course content, or hold professorships at the University.

IC-CAVE

  • From its advanced facilities, IC-CAVE provides:
  • Innovative Solutions for successful products
  • Visionary concepts in prototypes
  • High quality facility services for industry
  • Training in management and technology
  • Consultancy on the future of technology and markets Access to significant funding sources

Started by leading experts in the technology and business of digital entertainment, IC-CAVE provides authoritative analysis of trends and directions, enables new business opportunities through innovation and delivers client projects on time and on budget.  IC-CAVE is advised by a board chaired by representatives from major Scottish computer games and electronic entertainment companies.

A range of high quality facilities is available to industry including:

Usability Lab

A flexible test area which can be configured as a study, child’s bedroom or other living space, staffed with a psychologist and equipped with digital video observation and medical monitoring equipment.  This facility aims to evaluate game and media designs/ideas with customers at an early stage to avoid costly development mistakes.

Network Testbed

A seperate, isolated network with simulated traffic/latency/bandwith control to enable testing of network applications under a variety of network conditions in a controlled environment.  Access is through various technologies including dial-up, LAN, ADSL and wireless protocols.  This facility enables performance analysis of multi-player games, specifying and locating server infrastructure.

IC-CAVE is pursuing groundbreaking research in a number of areas.  The simulation of lifeforms with Artificial Life techniques permits the realisation of improved computer components, interesting and emotional virtual pets and soap-opera style casual entertainment.  Massive multiplayer games are supported by our library of network routines.  Multipurpose content design allows the simultaneous exploitation of content on a variety of presentation media channels like a feature film, a virtual pet on the move and merchandise.

The vision is of a rapiduly-expanding digital entertainment sector in which individuals take part in online games from anywhere in the world on any kind of device or platform.  This includes mobile and wearable appliances for ad-hoc group games, fill-in activity entertainment.  Games will eventually adjust to suit individual activity and styles.  The sector will expand to include more target groups (females, elderly) and novel games plots.  Away from pure gaming, technology helps to create more effective teaching environments through e-lectures and edutainment applications to increase student performance of all ages on demand.

University of Abertay Dundee was the first univeristy in the world to offer taught courses in games programming (BSc and MSc), and games creativity and artwork (BA).  Students can study in Japan, America or in industry as part of their course.  Buoyed by the strength of the computer games industry, the courses attract some of the most highly-qualified students in the country.