Solent University student and graduate entrepreneurs develop interactive motorsport game for UK’s best large visitor attraction
Southampton Solent University students and graduates have collaborated with the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu to launch an interactive motor racing game and exhibition to engage and entertain Beaulieu's visitors.
The ‘Beaulieu Racer’ interactive motoring game was created by software games developers LudoPhobia, a graduate start-up company which was established through Southampton Solent University’s Entrepreneurs’ Scheme. Solent graduates Arran Langmead (BA (Hons) Computer and Video Games 2012) and Adrian Gordon (BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development 2012) got together to form LudoPhobia, bringing their different skills and experience to the project. In addition, BA (Hons) Product Design graduate and Creative Director at 2LK, Andy Sexton was responsible for the design and construction of the exhibition space itself.
Current BA (Hons) Computer and Video Games students from Southampton Solent University created assets for the interactive game and researched the National Motor Museum’s extensive collection of motoring photographs and printed reference material.
The ‘Beaulieu Racer’ game is based on genuine vehicles from the museum’s collection, including the 1903 Napier Gordon Bennett, 1904 De Dion Bouton Model Q 6hp, the 1928 Austin Seven Tourer and the 1971 Ford Capri 1600L. Users can choose different motor parts from the wide collection of the museum’s cars and combine them together to make their own custom-made car design; then buckle-up for an exciting race around the virtual track to attempt to set the best lap time.
Arran Langmead, Solent graduate and MD of LudaPhobia comments, “We’re really proud of the Beaulieu Racer game and we’ve had the opportunity to engage with strong emerging talent from Southampton Solent University’s current students, and in-turn offer them real industry work experience. As recent Solent graduates, the University’s Entrepreneurs Scheme has provided us with a professional space to work in and was an invaluable resource when starting up LudoPhobia, offering mentoring and financial support.”
Helena West, Information and Project Manager at the National Motor Museum adds, “Our partnership with Southampton Solent University has been a great opportunity to produce a new and interactive exhibition space in the National Motor Museum. By working closely with the students at the University, we have been able to create an engaging video game that has great appeal to a wide audience. We very much look forward to building upon this partnership in the future.”
The project is jointly funded by Southampton Solent University and the European 'VIVID' initiative which seeks to enhance visual design in the heritage sector.
Southampton Solent University’s Entrepreneurs Scheme, helps students set up their own business, tapping into the wealth of student potential and dedicated funding to help create the entrepreneurs of the future. Practical support may include contributing to the costs of company incorporation, purchasing of essential capital equipment and initial office space, access to sources of finance and bursaries along with a package of focused training and mentoring.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9079
Notes to editors:
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students.
About National Motor Museum
The world-famous National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has a collection of over 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring on the roads of Britain from the dawn of motoring to the present day. There are historic racing cars, modern rally cars and the latest F1 machines as well as World Land Speed Record Breakers and family cars from every motoring era. Visitors to Beaulieu can also explore Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538 and 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, as well as World of Top Gear. Open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am. For more information Tel: 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk
About VIVID
VIVID (Value Increase by Visual Design) is a cross border network of nine partners in which higher education is strongly represented along with close links with industry. The VIVID project has three key aims:
1) Developing and exchanging knowledge and research amongst participating educational establishments.
2) Promoting creative entrepreneurship and linking creativity and commerce.
3) Showcasing applications of visual design to trade and industry.
The main aim is to create a cross-border visual design network of knowledge centres, universities, institutions, companies and governments by jointly developing and introducing innovative solutions and methods in the field of research, education, entrepreneurship, commercialization and showcasing. VIVID is funded by INTERREG IV A two Seas, a crossborder cooperation programme 2007-2013, part-financed by the European Union.
VIVID partners include:
Breda (NL)
AVANS Hogeschool (NL)
NHTV (NL)
Centrum voor Beeldcultuur (NL)
SPK (B),
Rencontres Audiovisuelles (F)
Pôle Images (F)
Southampton Solent University (UK)
Anglia Ruskin University (UK).
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