PRESS RELEASE

22 September 2006 - A man waving a glowing stick around is at the heart of advanced computer games technology being showcased at Hulme's Zion Art Gallery from Monday.

University of Salford MSc Creative Games student Surjit Bharath has rigged up software to allow him to take on the Dark Side with a virtual reality Light Sabre.

The movements of the player's light sabre are replicated on screen as he uses his skills to fight a variety of opponents from the Star Wars films.

Also at the exhibition will be Phillip Muwanga's evolution game where budding Charles Darwins can create a world to watch animals evolve and compete for resources.

The MSc in Creative Games is a unique collaboration between the University of Salford's School of Art & Design and School of Computing, Science & Engineering and brings together technology with creative talent to produce the computer games designers of the future.

There have already been several success stories in the course's first year including an interactive tour of Ordsall Hall Tudor manor which recreates life in a 17th century home.

Programme Leaders, Mathias Fuchs and Lee Griffiths said: "We are very proud of the accomplishments of students like Surjit and Phillip and thought an exhibition would be the best way to showcase their creative and technical talents."

Ends

Notes to editors

The opening reception is on Monday 25 September from 7pm to 9pm and the show runs until 30 September. Admission is free.

If you require further information or photographs please contact:

Jamie Brown,

Communications Officer

University of Salford

T: 0161 295 5361

J.Brown@salford.ac.uk

Rachel Conway

Press and PR Manager

University of Salford

T: 0161 295 5370

r.conway@salford.ac.uk