LJMU joins Computer Games partnership

Gaming youngsters on Merseyside will get special support to turn their talents into Industry 4.0 jobs.

A new partnership GameChangers, which includes LJMU and industry players – hopes to develop local talent to boost the city-region’s strong heritage in computer games and games development.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram launched the network in September and LJMU’s School of Computer Science and Mathematics has recently joined the partnership.

“It’s a perfect fit for our mission to give higher skills to undergraduates to enable them to make their mark on the digital and creative industries,” explained Dr Silvester Czanner, Subject Head of Computer Science at LJMU.

The GameChangers idea comes  from the Liverpool Combined Authority's Careers Hub to help studios, educators, and industry organizations work together to foster new talent in the Liverpool region.

Avalanche Studios Group, D3T, Firesprite, Lucid Games, Ripstone, Scenegraph Studios, Skyhook Games, Universally Speaking, and Wushu Studios are among the game studios that have already signed the declaration.

They have all signed a pledge to develop local talent and work with the scheme to develop new learning pathways, partnerships and funding opportunities.

“Our area is home to a burgeoning digital and creative sector that supports thousands of SMEs, jobs and training opportunities, and generates millions for our local economy too,” explained Rotheram.

“Fortunately, we have some of the best universities and colleges on our doorstep that can help us to attract and retain the graduates and trainees with the creativity and skills to shape the future of the sector.”

Combining the creative might of game development studios, the expertise of education providers and the guidance of careers education, the GameChangers pledge is committed to developing new learning pathways, partnerships, funding opportunities and ways of working across the region.

LJMU experts will undertake outreach work with teachers, pupils and parents.

Added Dr Czanner: “Together, we pledge to support the growth and development of games talent by working together to make our Liverpool City Region the best home for game development careers in the world.”

- Liverpool has a history of game development from the 1980s when the studio Psygnosis launched hits like Lemmings, Wipeout and Colony Wars.

LJMU's School of Computer Science and Mathematics runs 12 undergraduate computing programmes, including Computer Games Development.