The annual awards recognise the best in higher and further education marketing, celebrating the achievements of institutions across the sector.
University of Staffordshire picked up the Gold Award for ‘Innovative Use of Technology’ for StaffsVerse – the UK’s first university campus recreated in computer game Fortnite.
This category celebrates excellence in the use of technology and projects that showcase true innovation to attract and engage potential students.
StaffsVerse is designed to support the transition of new students to the University, by providing an accurate virtual representation of the campus that they can explore and become familiar with.
It 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.
The judges commented: “Talk about a game-changing entry. Inspired by the Fortnite platform this is an incredible, innovative piece of work. It was superbly used to back the University’s position as a leader in gaming. It was well researched, well executed and most importantly designed by Staffordshire students and staff.”
Built in Unreal Engine and hosted as a Fortnite island, StaffsVerse is a space where students, staff, and the global community can engage, connect and explore. Complete with mini-games and interactive experiences, the island features virtual recreations of University of Staffordshire’s three main campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London.
Professor Chris Headleand, Head of the University’s Games Institute, said: “StaffsVerse showcases the incredible creativity and technical expertise of our students and staff. More importantly, it reimagines how young people can connect with higher education through a platform that they know and love. Whether they’re discovering University of Staffordshire for the first time or already part of our community, it is about meeting students where they are, in a space that’s both familiar and exciting.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing home this award. StaffsVerse has been a long-term project, and represents a major collaborative effort between the Staffordshire Games Institute and our marketing and communications teams. It’s a true game-changer, and we’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.”
To access the StaffsVerse campus, launch the Fortnite computer game and type in the island code 7421-1052-8692. Find out more about University of Staffordshire’s games courses at https://www.staffs.ac.uk/go/games.