Developing Talent & Intellectual Property for Digital Entertainment: Space to ‘Play’?

This paper considers the notion of ‘play’ in education; as an integral part of developing talent and concepts for the digital entertainment industries; as a tool for designing and evaluating participants’ experience of an educational trajectory; and as an approach towards developing innovative Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives. The authors examine two case studies, one at Post Graduate level within Higher Education and a CPD initiative operating independently. The selection process, teaching methods, learning outcomes, assessment and feedback instruments are considered in each case. Overall, the paper argues for clearer communication of the benefits and limitations of any particular course and the degree to which apparently immutable practices within Higher Education can mitigate against the conditions conducive to experimentation and play.