Grads In Games is thrilled to partner with PlayStation First for our Search For A Star competition.

PlayStation First is Sony Interactive Entertainment’s (SIE) Global Academic Program, designed to inspire and encourage the new wave of developers to create games across all PlayStation platforms.

Universities signed up to PlayStation First can access PlayStation development tools, guidance and support as part of the SIE program. This means that students get to use the same hardware that game studios are using to create ground-breaking, innovative games on PlayStation.

“Our goal is to arm graduates with the skills and knowledge to take on the challenge of developing games with PlayStation developers out there in the real working world,” says Luke Savage, Senior Academic Development Manager at Sony.

[pullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Grads in Games is helping to usher in a new generation of talent – that’s exactly what our industry needs”[/pullquote]

“PlayStation First allows students to cut their teeth on console development, gaining practical experience creating games on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR.  We ensure students get first-hand experience of self-publishing on a next gen console. Sheffield Hallam University students, for example, released the game Piecefall on PS4 through their Steel Minions publishing company.  What better calling card is there for any young game developer to show off their first game published on PlayStation?”

Sheffield Hallam University are just one of the universities who have signed up to PlayStation First, with many others following suit, including Gamer Camp (part of Birmingham City University).

PlayStation First are passionate about supporting universities in a meaningful and impactful way.

“The games industry needs new talent. It needs new perspectives; individuals who can push the boundaries and bring us new, innovative experiences,” says Luke.

“But it can be tough for developers to find the right talent, the right skills and personalities. So fostering relationships between PlayStation developers and our PlayStation First Universities is crucial. Developers get to communicate to their future talent pool what it is that they are looking for after graduation. Developers can mentor students and deliver workshops to students on the practicalities of working in the industry. When developers realise that they can essentially help craft their future employees, they feel compelled to get involved in a proactive, reciprocal way.  It’s an eco-system we all need to be part of.”

As part of our Search For A Star competition this year, PlayStation First are sponsoring a Gamer Camp scholarship worth £9500 as a prize for one lucky winner.

“Grads in Games is helping to usher in a new generation of talent – that’s exactly what our industry needs,” says Luke. “The PlayStation First Gamer Camp scholarship can give an opportunity to that new voice who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity.”

Find out more about PlayStation First here