Taking the controls at gaming bootcamp

Over 1100 Year 9 to 12 students from around the world have descended on Monash University’s Clayton campus this week for the annual Computer Games Bootcamp (CGBC).

The Bootcamp, a seven-day learning extravaganza on everything connected to computer games, offers something for everyone; the gamer who simply enjoys playing games on their xBox Kinect, PSP or DS to the serious gamer who is interested in learning everything about designing and building games.

Participants are able to attend a variety of workshops as well as hearing presentations from some of the leading games developers and designers from Australia and around the world. For those who are interested in pursuing study in the information technology field course information and details of potential pathways are available.

Andrew Owen, Marketing Officer, Faculty of Information Technology and the event organiser said the Bootcamp was a great opportunity for kids to hear from some of the leading gaming experts in the world.

“The camp has become a great meeting point for participants; everyone shares the same passions and goals – to have a career in information technology,” Andrew said.

“And of course, they can enjoy the excitement of the tournaments held each day.”

The event will see several firsts this year: Sony are showcasing their new hand held gaming device - the first time it has been shown outside of the United States since it was launched at the E3 Expo; the High School Esports League will hold an international friendly between Australia and China; and CGBC 2011 will host Activisions’ Australian Qualifier for the ‘Call of Duty XP Event’ (an over-18s event) which will see the winning team represent Australia at the Call of Duty XP Event in Los Angeles on 1 – 3 September 2011.

The Bootcamp, ending this Friday, is broadcast live through the CGBC 2011 channel.

More information about the Bootcamp can be found on the Information Technology website.