Major gaming competition begins

Entrants are hoping to win jobs at gaming companies

A computer game design competition regarded as one of the UK's best has kicked off in Dundee.

Dare to be Digital, hosted by the city's Abertay University, challenges teams to develop a prototype game.

The competition, now in its sixth year, has provided places for Chinese and Indian students.

Team members from previous years have gone on to work for major industry players, which include Lionhead and Electronic Arts.

Talent showcase

The seven 2006 teams comprise four from Scotland, one from Northern Ireland, one from Ireland, and one from Canada.

The seven Chinese and Indian students, whose places were funded by the Scottish Executive's Fresh Talent initiative, have each joined one of the teams.

The 10-week competition will see the participants receive daily support and weekly training sessions from industry specialists.

Their ideas will then by judged by a panel of experts and prizes awarded to the teams at an awards ceremony and talent showcase in August.