THE UK’S premier computer games design competition began yesterday at Abertay University in Dundee.

Dare to be Digital, which is run by the university, has a worldwide reputation for developing talent and welcomed 42 students from all over the world at yesterday’s launch.

To ensure contenders got into a creative groove ahead of their 10-week tussle, organisers invited Ghanaian ensemble Drumming Up Business, led by Chief Suleman Chebe, to deliver a pounding beat.

Organiser Jackie McKenzie said, “This is the first time all the teams will be gathered together so we wanted something that would help to break the ice and get things off to a really lively start.”

Seven teams of students will take part, with representatives from Scotland, northern and southern Ireland, and Canada.

This year’s teams will join forces with seven students from the Scottish Executive’s Fresh Talent initiative, which has funded places for Chinese and Indian students to join the teams.

The teams will work to develop a prototype video game, receiving daily support and weekly training sessions from industry specialists as well as accommodation and a weekly allowance of £170.

At the end of the competition, a panel of experts will judge the prototypes and award prizes at a ceremony and showcase in August.

The 10-week programme is not restricted to university students, with Dundee secondary school pupils plugging in for a glimpse of the world of computer games this week.

More than 20 S5 youngsters will take part in the Dare School Teams Challenge as the city council and university aim to tap into the talent and enthusiasm of young people for computer technology.

Technical experts from Abertay will be on hand to help the youngsters transform their vision into reality during sessions all week.

The pupils will also have the chance to witness how one Dundonian has taken on the world of computer games when they visit the Real Time Worlds enterprise of developer David Jones.

Council economic development convener Joe Morrow said, “I am pleased to see yet another healthy entry into this superb project, which really provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at this fascinating industry in our city.”

An awards ceremony will take place on Friday in the Hannah McClure Centre of the Abertay students’ union to reward the winning team and to congratulate all the participants for their efforts.