A videogames and cybersecurity space at Abertay University has been hailed “an important investment in Scotland’s future”. Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work, Derek Mackay was in Dundee to officially open the School of Design and Informatics at Abertay.
An Emergent Technology Centre (ETC) in the teaching and research facility features:
A Development Studio for experimental games design and hacking projects
A Visual Design Studio for digital arts research
A Usability Lab kitted with eye-tracking equipment, specialist cameras and an observation room
An XR (Extended Reality) Lab for experimentation with room-scale Virtual Reality, motion tracking and multi-user Augmented/Mixed Reality projects.
The university’s long-standing relationship with Sony Interactive Entertainment will continue, with PlayStation development tools to be used within the labs.
Prof Gregor White, Dean of the School of Design and Informatics, said: “This incredible new space indicates the strength of Abertay’s commitment to excellence in the tech sector, providing a first rate learning environment for our students and top class research space for our academics. Our distinguished track record in games and cyber education means we attract some of the world’s best student and academic talent so, as an institution, it’s important we stay right on the cusp of new and emerging technologies. This investment will allow us to do just that.”
Derek Mackay said: “Abertay University’s School of Design and Informatics, and in particular its Emergent Technology Centre, represents an important investment in Scotland’s future. The new state-of-the-art facilities will help to develop talent in the videogames and cybersecurity sectors, as well as attract the best talent from around the world. The videogames and cybersecurity industries are two international sectors which have enormous potential for growth so it is great to see universities like Abertay playing a key role and ensuring Scotland is able to take full advantage of that.”
