Abertay Digital Graduate Show 2017

Abertay University Student Centre, May 5-9

Billed as a five-day smorgasbord of digital delicacies, the Abertay Digital Graduate Show launches in Dundee tonight.

In addition to visually stunning artwork, concept games, immersive sound projects and innovative cybersecurity programmes from more than 150 final year students, the show will feature around a dozen additional events for members of the public, schoolchildren and businesses.

Taking place across all five floors of Abertay’s Student Centre for the first time, the show has been expanded to celebrate 20 years since the university became the first in the world to offer degrees in computer games.

A special Game Changers exhibition will be one of the highlights of the programme, with a selection of former Abertay students recognised for the paths they have forged in the industry.

The list of those included in the gallery will remain under wraps until the VIP launch tonight and the exhibition will stay in place for several weeks after the show closes on May 9.

There’s so much on offer that it’s hard to know where to begin but it will be worth checking out Eilidh MacLeod’s Virtual Reality (VR) game which offers a sanctuary of calm for those suffering from PTSD.

The game is set inside a “Pillow Fort” and explores how immersive game spaces can help aid the recovery of those who have experienced traumatic events.

Eilidh says: “It aims to offer a calming game environment for those recovering from PTSD due to the cognitive benefits that come from increased immersion within an activity.

“This is done through the design of game mechanics that encourage deep breathing, grounding and a positive way of thinking, as well as judicious level and environment design. It aims to make all players feel safe and supported.”

Meanwhile, visually stunning concept art viewed through a cardboard device that turns a mobile phone into a VR headset is part of Sophie North’s submission.

Using Google Cardboard headsets, members of the public will step into an eerie virtual swamp world created from scratch by the 23-year-old.

Graduate Show curator Clare Brennan promises the event will offer something for people of all ages.

“Dundee is a city bubbling with creativity and innovation and these graduates are already playing a part in that, working at the cutting edge of games, digital arts and cybersecurity on a multitude of unusual and diverse projects,” she says.

A series of family workshop activities ranging from creating 3D paper worlds to Minecraft session using bananas will be held over the weekend.

A scene from Last Call created by game level designer Gordon Thompson from Forfar.