The Abertay University game development community is set for a headline‑setting appearance at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) when the DARE Academy teams hold their debut at the venue’s renowned Drop In and Play event on Saturday, 30 August. The event will give six undergraduate teams a public stage to display the games they have built during the competitive DARE Academy, an initiative created to nurture both creative and technical skill in the growing field of interactive entertainment.
What is DARE Academy and Why It Matters for Game Developers
DARE Academy (Design, Animation, Reality and Entertainment) is Abertay’s flagship game‑design competition. Students are divided into six projects, each led by a core team of students and supervised by teaching staff and industry mentors. The curriculum forces participants to tackle full‑cycle game development: from concept, to asset creation, to programming, to polish and play testing. The result is a playable prototype that demonstrates the team’s creative vision and technical capability.
Curriculum and Mentorship
Students work in a studio setting, using industry‑grade tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender and Aseprite. Mentors include seasoned developers from regional studios – for example, Ninja Kiwi, the pioneers behind the Bloons series – who provide real‑world feedback. Beyond technical guidance, the mentorship program covers project management, marketing and pitching, essential skills for a career in games or related digital media.
The Upcoming Drop In and Play Event
Drop In and Play is a long‑standing free event held each summer in Dundee, featuring a mix of commercial titles and indie projects. From 12:00 to 18:00 on 30 August the DCA foyer will transform into an interactive gallery, where visitors can try the student titles and speak with the creators. The 2025 edition is sponsored by Ninja Kiwi, adding a strong industry voice to the lineup.
Event Details and How to Attend
- Date: Saturday, 30 August 2025
- Time: 12:00 – 18:00
- Location: Dundee Contemporary Arts, Wellington Place, Dundee
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Highlights: Live demo sessions, Q&A panels, and networking with local studios
Tickets are not required, but the venue may have capacity limits during peak hours, so visiting early is recommended. Mark the date on your calendar; the event promises to showcase cutting‑edge creativity from the next wave of Scottish game designers.
Impact on Students and the Gaming Community
Seeing their games play in a professional gallery offers students a rare platform for feedback. They can observe how different audiences respond, refine gameplay mechanics, and validate the usability of design choices. The exposure also strengthens their portfolios — something employers in a competitive industry value highly.
Career Pathways
DARE Academy graduates often move directly into roles such as level designer, technical artist or production assistant in studios across the UK and internationally. Many have participated in industry networking events and secured internship offers that convert into full‑time positions. The collaborative nature of the Academy teaches students how to work across disciplines, a core qualification for multidisciplinary game studios.
How to Get Involved in Abertay’s Game Development Programs
Abertay offers a broad mix of learning pathways for those interested in the interactive media sector. Whether you’re looking to complete a bachelor’s, a master’s or even a short course, the university’s curriculum keeps pace with industry trends, including AI‑based characters, augmented reality and procedural generation.
Students in any programme can contribute to the next DARE Academy cycle. If you are already enrolled, you can apply to join a team or become a mentor. New applicants can start by exploring the undergraduate entry criteria and application deadlines.
What’s Next – 2026 Cycle
Applications for the 2026 DARE Academy will open in September 2025. Prospective students should prepare by building a portfolio showcase, completing the university’s prerequisite coursework in programming and design fundamentals, and demonstrating a sustained interest in interactive narratives. Early contact with the Department of Game and Arts can provide guidance on choosing the right projects and selecting compatible mentors.
Connect and Engage
Follow Abertay’s social media channels for live updates as the event draws near and for insights into the student prototypes. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or a local citizen, DCA’s Drop In and Play provides a community meeting point where creativity meets participation.
Explore Abertay’s Game Development Undergraduate Programme
Discover the Master’s in Media and Game Design
Looking to apply? Submit your application today and join a curriculum that supports both academic excellence and industry engagement.
Have questions about the DARE Academy process or the upcoming event? Schedule a free consultation with Abertay’s career services team and gain the clarity you need to plan your next steps.
Engage with the community by sharing your experience or questions in the comments below. The game development ecosystem thrives on exchange, so your insights can help shape future iterations of DARE Academy and the local creative scene.
