The Director of the Serious Games Institute (SGI) in Coventry
has been invited to become a Fellow of the Royal Society of
Arts.
David Wortley, who heads up the SGI, which is situated on
Coventry University's Technology Park, was given the honour in
recognition of the work he has done to promote serious games.
Coventry University's SGI opened in September 2007 with the
facilities to support the development of Serious Games research and
a cluster of companies based in the West Midlands.
The West Midlands (UK) region is recognised as one of the key EU
regions with regard to the development of serious games.
As well as promoting serious games and virtual technology,
Coventry University has taken the lead in a new project called
Diversify the Games Industry which is about showcasing the
innovative credentials of the West Midlands video games industry
with regard to the creation of non-entertainment applications.
Coventry University acts as a broker, matching potential users
of serious games with the local video games industry.
The work of the SGI was also recently presented to HRH Prince
Andrew who was visiting a project in Oman where the SGI is doing
some collaborative work with Knowledge Oasis Muscat. His Royal
Highness was so impressed with the work of the SGI that he has
expressed an interest to visit the institute at a later date.
Commenting on his award, David Wortley said: "I am
obviously delighted to have been invited into the Fellowship of the
RSA. The work being done at the SGI has certainly given Coventry
the edge when it comes to serious games-led technology. It is an
award that I am very proud to accept but would like to thank my
wonderful team for their support, knowledge and dedication."
Although there is no formal ceremony to go with the award, David
Wortley will be able to use in initials FRSA after his name.