Virtual reality Staffordshire University launched

A 3D VIRTUAL reality Staffordshire University has been launched to give new students a head start.

The unique interactive game, called My New Uni, gives students the chance to digitally explore the University’s Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford campuses before their first day.

They can also speak with helpful staff and Students Union members, find out what is happening during Welcome Week, and see what the enrolment process involves.

Debbie Cooke, Head of Strategic Marketing at Staffordshire University, has led development of the game, which is a JISC funded project.

She said: “I’m hoping our students will enjoy playing the game and that they find out all they need to know about Staffordshire University before they start in September.

“This is an innovative and exciting project and we are the only University to provide this for our students.”

One of those who worked on My New Uni, Patrick Hore, is a BSc(Hons) Computer Games Design graduate and current Masters student at Staffordshire University.

Patrick, 23, from Ashtead, Surrey, designed the game’s characters after being selected by staff in the University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology.

He said: “It’s been a really great experience to work on the game. I was surprised to get the job but I’d definitely like to get more involved as the game’s updated and maybe expanded.

“It’s great to be able to give something back to Staffordshire University.”

Patrick’s brief was to work on 10 characters, in a style similar to Manga cartoons and WeeWorld, an avatar-based computer game. These were integrated into a digital map of the University’s campuses.

He said: “I’m doing a Masters in 3D modeling for games and I chose to specialise in character design because I think that characters have a story to tell and that interested me.

“The character examples that were suggested for My New Uni were very helpful and good to work on. They’re quite bold and eye catching, so that was a lot of fun.”

He added: “I’ll be able to use my work on My New Uni as part of my portfolio, which should help me get a job.”

My New Uni is free to download from www.staffs.ac.uk/mynewuni and feedback is being welcomed.