Built by games students in Unreal Engine and hosted as a Fortnite island, StaffsVerse is a revolutionary space where students, staff, and the global community can engage, connect and explore.
Visitors to the Fortnite island can play mini games while navigating the University’s three main campuses, which have been virtually recreated in impressive detail.
Professor Chris Headleand, Head of the University’s Games Institute, said: “We’re thrilled to launch the StaffsVerse virtual campus, an exciting and innovative project that unites our Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London campuses in a single, immersive metaverse experience. Designed and built by our incredibly talented students, StaffsVerse offers a new and engaging way to explore and connect with the University.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Jones added: “The launch of StaffsVerse marks an exciting new chapter for University of Staffordshire. By blending cutting-edge technology with our commitment to innovation, the StaffsVerse virtual campus redefines how students, staff, and the wider community can engage with our University. This groundbreaking initiative showcases our commitment to shaping the future of education in the digital age.”
University of Staffordshire is home to the UK’s largest games department and was recently awarded ‘Best Educational Institution’ at the TIGA Games Industry Awards.
StaffsVerse was created by students from a range of games courses as part of the University’s award winning 1UP placement programme, which offers work experience through its in-house games studio.
“StaffsVerse provides a space for students to engage with the University and each other throughout their higher education journey,” Professor Headleand explained. “From those looking to learn more about what we do, to new students transitioning to university life and those who are currently studying with us.”
StaffsVerse will be introduced to prospective students at the University’s virtual Open Day on Thursday 16 January and will be used to host future campus tours, public lectures and other online events.
Kimberley Chadwick-Reaney, Head of Schools' Liaison, said: “StaffsVerse redefines the conventional campus introductory experience. It not only shows off the incredible skills of our Games Institute’s staff and students but offers young people a unique way to interact with the University in a format that they are familiar with and enjoy.
“We know that not everyone is able to physically visit an Open Day or our other on-campus events, and we hope that StaffsVerse will help to engage new audiences by showcasing our range of courses and the opportunities that higher education can offer.”
To access the StaffsVerse campus, launch the Fortnite computer game and type in the island code 7421-1052-8692. The StaffsVerse is open for exploration from this Friday 10 January!
Watch the trailer or hear more about StaffsVerse in University of Staffordshire’s latest episode of the Level of Detail vodcast.
Find out more about University of Staffordshire’s games courses at https://www.staffs.ac.uk/go/games.