Dare to be Digital, the leading international computer game design competition, is calling for teams of talented student programmers and artists to apply for this year's competition.

The Dare organising team are calling for teams with games ideas targeted for any platforms including social networking sites, mobile phones, pc and any consoles, to apply online now. 

The competition, organised and promoted by the University of Abertay Dundee, will involve dozens of arts and science graduates and undergraduates from all over the world competing in the Dare hothouse at Abertay in Dundee, Scotland.  Teams will be selected, supported and judged by some of the top games studios from across the UK, and the winners become eligible for a BAFTA award.

The teams spend 10 weeks over the summer turning their ideas into fully functioning prototypes. They receive regular industry visits as well as a weekly wage, accommodation and equipment. Enthusiasts can follow the progress of their favourite games online and interact with the teams via the Dare website. At the end of the 10 weeks the teams face the ultimate challenge - showcasing their games to an audience of thousands at Dare ProtoPlay, part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. 

Last year's winning titles covered a range of genres and included a 3D puzzle platformer, an adventure platformer and a single player 3rd person 3D action-stealth game.  Ideas varied from objects shrinking, museum thieves on a mission and playing with colours.   All three winning teams will be attending the BAFTA Video Games Award in March in London where one team will take home the ultimate prize of the BAFTA Ones to Watch Award. 

Think you've got what it takes?

If you want to be part of a Dare team, get a team of five students and/or graduates together and apply online at www.daretobedigital.com. 

Regional selection events will be held in different cities across the UK, India, China and Norway in April.  

"Being finally selected to take part in Dare to be Digital is a fabulous opportunity and many of our past competitors have gone on to achieve great things in industry or even publish their game. Even if you don't have a team you should visit the Dare website to find out how you can be put in touch with other potential entrants and form a team entry. Some of the most successful teams are ones where the members have found each other for the first time to enter the event," said Elaine Russell, Dare Project Manager

Deadline for entries is 28 March 2009 

The Dare to be Digital competition is now in its eleventh year and has become established as the premier talent spotting event amongst industry with the three winning games going forward as the sole nominees for the BAFTA Ones to Watch Award.

Contact: Elaine Russell
Email: e.russell@abertay.ac.uk
Url: www.daretobedigital.com