Next week students will honour the thirtieth anniversary of PAC-MAN during the games programming festival, Games Fleadh, at Tipperary Institute, Thurles, on the 10th & 11th March.

Teams from universities, colleges and schools have created their own versions of the classic game, which will be judged by games industry professionals during the two-day computer games programming celebration.

Micheal Meagher, Academic Engagement Manager, Microsoft Ireland said “Microsoft values academic achievement and Games Fleadh is an occasion where we can see what students are capable of in the games design space”. Mr. Meagher went on to say “we are delighted to support and be associated with Games Fleadh and look forward to reviewing student portfolios”

Games Fleadh includes games programming competitions: XNA Ireland Challenge Colleges and Schools Cup, Robocode Ireland, SchoolBots Challenge and a number of fun gaming tournaments.

Philip Bourke, founder of Games Fleadh and Programme Chair, Degree in Computing Games Design and Development, Tipperary Institute, said, “I feel strongly that students need portfolio development opportunities. This is where their coursework dovetails with Games Fleadh and the Fleadh has created an annual – industry endorsed – portfolio event, on their doorstep”.

Each challenge contestant received a starter kit which is a single player, single level and single life sample of Namco Bandai’s PAC-MAN coded in XNA Game Studio. Contestants then created three newly imagined levels for the game. The teams who devise the most innovative and fun PAC-MAN inspired experiences are in line for the challenge cup.

Barry O’Neill, President, Namco Bandai Networks Europe, said “PAC-MAN has achieved iconic status globally over the past 30 years and has influenced many generations of game developers. We are delighted that so many students will honour this heritage and we look forward to seeing their individual takes on the classic PAC-MAN format”.

Games Fleadh will be attended by representatives from a number of companies based in Ireland including Microsoft Game Studios, PopCap Games International, DemonWare and Jolt Online. These professionals will be sharing their experience with students during GamePro Talks, thus creating another opportunity for students to hear from leading industry professionals.

Gamedevelopers.ie will also be there so look out for us!

for more see http://www.gamesfleadh.ie