Student star wars as Space Invaders turns 30
It may be hard to believe for those who recall the arrival of the game that heralded the popularity of computer gaming, but it is 30 years since it first emerged.
But despite the multi-billion dollar market for computer games in 2008, hundreds of Irish students have been trying their hands at designing a modern version of the old favourite.
They will be competing at Tipperary Institute in Thurles on March 13 in the XNA Ireland Challenge 2008, an official event to mark the passing of three decades since the game first appeared in 1978.
The aim is for second and third-level students to design a version of the game for Xbox 360 consoles, and some could earn a career in the gaming industry.
Staff from some of the world’s largest computer game companies will be on hand to scout for talent at the event, which has the full endorsement of Japanese company Taito, the designers of the original game.
“It’s a great honour for the institute to host the 30th anniversary of the iconic game, and it is recognition for the lead we have taken in this field,” said organiser Philip Bourke.
He is co-ordinator of the college’s new degree programme in computing game design and development which begins next September.
So where once Space Invaders was a leisure activity for students in college bars between lectures, gaming is now a fully fledged, career-led third-level subject.
“The course will open up exciting and rewarding career opportunities for graduates in either fun computer game design, or the emerging phenomenon of ‘serious games’,” Mr Bourke said.
These are games used in training or simulation for critical surgical procedures, military operations and business.
Competitors will also be issued with a commemorative Japanese 100-yen coin commissioned by Tipperary Institute for the occasion.
