Dare Academy
Dare Academy is a name used in various contexts in sport, education and game development. Most prominently, it is linked to Abertay University in Scotland, which hosts the Dare Academy competition - a well-known initiative in the gaming industry aimed at young talent and future professional game creators. However, the name is also used by other organisations in the sports and education sector, such as international training and leadership programmes and football academies.
History and background
The Dare Academy was set up at Abertay University to give aspiring game designers and developers the opportunity to co-create game prototypes in realistic, industry-like conditions. The competition has been held annually since 2017 and acts as a showcase for young creators looking to establish themselves in the computer games industry.
Projects and academies called Dare Academy have also emerged in football and leadership development, focusing on supporting young talent both on and off the pitch.
Organisation and activities
At Abertay University, the Dare Academy is organised as an annual game development competition for teams of students. Over the summer, six selected teams work to develop their own game prototypes, supported by industry mentors, and the final results are presented to judges made up of industry experts, investors and creative professionals. Prominent judges have included Dr Dayna Galloway (Head of Department of Games & Arts), Lynn Love (Games Designer and Judge) and external industry figures such as Alastair Brown and Nat Clayton.
Alongside game development, the Dare Academy also focuses on knowledge sharing, networking and mentoring, offering participants advice on business development, law and innovation. The Academy's strength lies in simulating the working environment of real-life game studios, as well as providing students with a platform to visualise their ideas and build relationships with potential employers.
Participation and selection
The competition is open to students from Abertay University's programmes, particularly from the School of Design and Informatics. Selection is through qualifying rounds that assess talent, collaborative skills and technical competence. During the intense competition, teams work on the design, programming and presentation of their game titles to an audience and jury.
In addition to the Abertay model, there are several stand-alone Dare Academy initiatives in sport, where, for example, young footballers have the chance to attend training camps, be assessed by professional coaches and participate in showcase events.
Dare Academy in digital media
On social media, especially Instagram and official sports forums, Dare Academy is a popular topic. News about competitions, video reports, behind-the-scenes material and event highlights are shared, and fans can follow the progress of different teams, vote for favourites and get insights into jury work and award ceremonies.
For example, Instagram features winners and finalists, such as Dougie Smith from Triple 7 Studios, who won in 2024 with the game "Left Upon Read". Through the networks, participants also gain exposure to the industry and make contacts for future game collaborations, internships or jobs.
Benefits for sports fans, students and the industry
Dare Academy has given sports and gaming enthusiasts the chance to follow young talent from idea to finished product. For fans and industry professionals, the model offers:
The opportunity to discover new game developers early in their career.
Direct contact with creators via digital platforms and live events.
Insight into development processes, collaboration between different disciplines and the path from prototype to finished product.
For sports academies: observing the development of future elite athletes and insight into selection processes and training programmes.
Mentoring, advice and feedback from the business community play an important role in the further development and integration of participants into the labour market. Industry-leading sponsors such as Dell and Lindsays have provided financial support and business legal expertise, and initiatives such as InGAME R&D in Dundee act as accelerators for new studios and concepts.
Dare Academy as a concept
In addition to Abertay's initiatives, the Dare Academy concept is also used by various international sports and education organisations. Examples include youth leadership programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and global networks for digital inclusion and rights.
What all Dare Academy projects have in common is a focus on development, innovation, community and the opportunity to break new ground - whether on the football pitch, in a virtual games studio or in community-engaged education.
Executive summary
Today, Dare Academy symbolises a wide range of talent development initiatives - from the gaming industry to sports and leadership - where young participants are supported all the way from the first idea to the finished prototype, completed competition or sporting breakthrough. For sports fans, studios and future employers, Dare Academy is both a nursery and a meeting place; a field where enthusiasts can build networks, develop skills and contribute to the future gaming and sports landscape.
References and further reading:
- Dare Academy at Abertay University
- Dare Academy on Instagram
- Dare Academy judges
- Article on sponsorship and mentoring, Lindsays
- Dougie Smith and Triple 7 Studios, winners 2024
- DARE Academy for Digital Inclusion
