An in-depth look at Cambridge's influential role in the computer games industry is just one of the highlights in the latest University Newsletter, distributed to staff this week.
The Easter Term edition features a special wrap-around cover to showcase the artwork of one of the latest gaming creations in the city – Elite: Dangerous.
Computer gaming is a £1 bn business in the UK with Cambridge accounting for around 18 per cent of that – and University graduates like games pioneer David Braben are at the heart of the creative industry. Indeed it was on the University's Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC) back in 1952 that the world's first computer video game was created - a version of naughts and crosses.
As the image slideshow below demonstrates Braben’s Elite: Dangerous game is a visual treat. We have also spoken to another local gaming giant, Jagex, the company behind RuneScape which is the world’s largest MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game).
Also in the edition we find out how a 600-year-old astronomical document is being digitised for the 21st century, unveil the upcoming People Matter Week, hear how a rare variety of pear is coming to Murray Edwards College and give the latest details on the environmental policy review. And, on a more serious note, we examine the case for secondments and how they can be beneficial for staff, departments and the University.
Regular sections cover the latest appointments, awards and honours in the University.