Video game arcade visit for students

Computer science students at West Nottinghamshire College enjoyed some retro gaming and zany challenges during a visit to the cultural centre of videogame technology.

More than 20 students, some from the Chad district, on the level two diplomas in IT software development and systems support took a tour through the decades at GameCity – National Videogame Arcade in Nottingham – where they learnt about the history and inner-workings of some of the industry’s best-loved games.

The arcade, on Carlton Street, houses three floors of playable exhibitions and features arcade classics such as Space Invaders, Tetris and Donkey Kong.

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Students had the opportunity to learn new programming skills during their visit, on Thursday February 11, which was specially-designed around their diploma.

They also took part in madcap activities that involved using fruit such as bananas to complete a circuit board, with the produce acting as an electrical conductor that enables it to become a games console controller or work as a computer keyboard.

Computer science curriculum manager Trudi Dean said: “The visit to GameCity was amazing.

“Not only did it give our students hours of entertainment, they benefitted from discovering how videogames work – from how they are programmed and designed, to how they are marketed.

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“The masterclass was hugely beneficial, with students creating a fully-functional game control device using an understanding of interface design and basic electronics.

“This will inspire further exploration within the classroom to enhance their assignments and skills development.”

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