Local game developers get sneak peek at Nintendo Switch at DigiPen conference

Nintendo's new video game console Switch displayed at a presentation in Tokyo on Jan 13, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

Singapore - Local game developers were able to get a preview of Nintendo's latest gaming console, the Switch, at the DigiPen Institute of Technology on Friday (Feb 17), as part of the school's gaming development conference.

The second DigiPen Game Conference, which attracted about 300 participants this year, is a chance for local game developers and students to learn from established gaming companies, such as Nintendo and Ubisoft.

Representatives from both companies were there to share with participants how local developers can best develop games for both console and PC platforms.

DigiPen also launched a call for proposals for game developers to pitch their gaming ideas. Successful applicants will gain funding from the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore and a chance to work with Nintendo or Ubisoft.

Mr Jason Chu, DigiPen's chief operating officer, said: "We want to create an ecosystem where developers can learn how to develop games from both the technical and business side, and also to provide the platform to distribute and sell their content."

Topics covered at the conference include the technical development for the Nintendo Switch, how to build game worlds, and the business and marketing opportunities with Nintendo and Ubisoft.

Mr Scott Cardenas, a marketing manager from Nintendo America, said: "It's an opportunity for us to both educate and learn from developers here.

"We are learning what they're interested in, but we also make sure they have all the information they need and what we can offer them in terms of platform and technical support.

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