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Software developer lends expertise to tomorrow 's programmers- University of Calgary looks to Radical for instructors and content Vancouver, BC, February 13,2001 - - Radical Entertainment Inc., a leading developer of digital entertainment and gaming software, announced today that the company is bringing its innovative approach and expertise in video game development into an undergraduate-level class in video game programming, the first of its kind, at the University of Calgary (U of C). The course is unique because video game programming is not part of the curriculum in most other computer science departments across the country. In the gaming industry, the process of creating a video game, particularly the software engineering, is incredibly fast-paced and requires a combination of technical and artistic capability. The U of C course is aimed at students in their final year of the Computer Science program. Radical Entertainment 's Director of Research David Forsey, who holds a Ph.D. in computer science, was approached by the university to develop the curriculum and teach the course in which students complete a term project by simulating the role of a small independent developer under contract to a large publisher. To complete the course, students must design and implement a video game prototype. Forsey, whose interests are in animation and geometric modeling, called upon two of his colleagues at Radical, both of whom are well-known in the game development community to work with him to establish the course content. "We structured the course so students are on teams and plunged into the world of game development. In a very short time, they experience a condensed version of the entire development process from game design, to producing technical documentation and scheduling their group to meet milestones and a final game deliverable - - which mimics life at a game company," said Forsey. By following this practical approach, students are learning how much of their computer science knowledge is exercised in creating a video game. With this course under their belts, they will have an edge in being able to showcase the design brief, technical documentation, and demo CD from the course, to prospective employers, many of whom are in Vancouver. "Very few other applicants will have this level of experience," added Forsey. Forsey and his counterparts at Radical will teach the course and grade the projects. They are exploring opportunities to offer the course locally at UBC, SFU or TechBC in the future. About Radical Entertainment Radical Entertainment is one of North America 's leading developers of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Radical creates top-selling entertainment products for the industry 's most powerful publishers, such as Fox Interactive, Microsoft and THQ. Recent high-grossing titles include MTV Snowboarding, Jackie Chan Stuntmaster and Independence Day. Titles in the works include Simpons Road Rage and Dark Summit. Committed to bringing creativity, imagination and passion to every aspect of business, the company maintains an in-house Research and Development team run by industry leaders in 3D graphics and real time technology. Radical was recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Private Companies in 2000. For more information about Radical, visit the company 's web site at www.radical.ca. For additional information, contact: " |
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