Calum has designs on top national gaming award

ARDRISHAIG teen Calum McCartan is one of 20 youngsters shortlisted in a nationwide game design competition for 10- to 18-year- olds.

The 17-year- old has been chosen as a finalist for the Game Making Award category in the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Young Game Designers (YGD) competition with his game, Space Drifter. This is an adventure game where players can pilot a spaceship through an asteroid field, combating waves of attacking enemies.

The winners of awards for game making and game concept across two age categories will be announced at a special award ceremony at the headquarters of BAFTA in London on July 23.

Winners will receive a host of prizes, including having their game further developed by industry experts.

BAFTA will also be presenting a YGD Hero Award for support for young games designers by an industry professional or development team. This year it will be received by Media Molecule, makers of games such as Little Big Planet.

There will also be a YGD Mentor Award presented to an individual who has been nominated by the public for involvement with education of young game designers. The winner of this will be announced at the award ceremony.