A game developed in collaboration between SSE Thermal and Abertay University has had its crowning achievement – with Prince William given a first-hand look.
‘Net Carbon’ was created by a team of students from the Dundee-based university, which is Europe’s top ranked institution for video games education.
It was previously showcased at COP26, having been created by students Harry Petch, Cameryn Tuliao, Jaime Williams and Jordan Han. The quartet’s idea for ‘Net Carbon’ won a competitive ‘game jam’ last July, with the team then having four weeks to turn their concept into a fully playable game in a project funded by SSE Thermal.
The game, which focuses on carbon capture and storage, proved extremely popular at SSE’s exhibit stand within the Green Zone at COP26. And now, fresh from the Glasgow summit, it has been shown to The Duke of Cambridge at BAFTA’s newly redeveloped headquarters in London during the arts charity’s event to improve access to careers in film, games and TV.
John Johnson, Director of Development at SSE Thermal, said: “The team at Abertay University did a tremendous job in creating ‘Net Carbon’ in the run up to COP26, where SSE served as a Principal Partner to the UK Government.
“It helped to show the vital role carbon capture will play in helping the UK achieve its net zero targets and proved popular with members of the public as well as delegates. It’s fantastic to see the game is continuing to make an impact, and I’m sure Prince William was impressed by the level of skill exhibited by the team from Abertay.”
Gregor White, Dean of School of Design and Informatics at Abertay University, said: “We’re thrilled that Harry had the chance to demonstrate Net Carbon for Prince William at BAFTA. Working on this project with SSE Thermal in the run up to COP26 has been fantastic and is just one example of industry experience young creators can have when studying at Abertay. We’re all excited to see what Harry and the team produce as they continue their studies with us.”
Lisa Prime, Children and Young People Manager at BAFTA, said: “BAFTA was delighted to invite Harry to represent its Young Game Designer initiative to HRH The Duke of Cambridge at the re-opening of 195 Piccadilly. In addition to being a two times YGD finalist, Harry received a YGD Mentor Award in 2021.
"He is a shining example of the benefits and importance of giving back to the games community and has supported his peers and younger students in developing their expertise and networks. BAFTA is proud of the YGD alumni who came together to develop Net Carbon and demonstrate how games can have significant social impact and benefit thinking around sustainability and the climate emergency.”
Harry Petch said: “I was delighted to be invited by BAFTA to visit their newly refurbished HQ and demonstrate Net Carbon for The Duke of Cambridge. Prince William was a great sport and was keen to find out more about the contribution the games industry makes to the UK economy. It was great to see the investment BAFTA have put into their games division so more young students like me can have the best start possible within the industry.”