Alastair Smith

For an eighth consecutive year, lawyers from the firm will assist innovative games creators by sharing advice regarding the legalities of the games industry and offering tips and guidance on key corporate and employment matters.

DARE will see six teams of Abertay undergraduate students develop a game prototype this summer, competing for the top prize of £5,000 and to showcase their games. 

DARE’s strength is that it replicates an industry environment, challenging students to work together across the disciplines of the courses offered by the School of Design and Informatics to produce a new game under time pressure.

Dr Dayna Galloway, head of Abertay’s Department of Games and Arts, said: “We’re incredibly thankful to this year’s sponsors for their continued support.

“Each partner brings valuable industry insight and expertise that will make a real difference to the students involved.

“Their input will help guide our teams through the competition and provide lasting benefits as they move forward into their professional careers.”

Technology lawyer Alastair Smith, a partner in Lindsays’ corporate and commercial team, has been part of the team supporting DARE Academy contenders for a number of years.

He said: “The finalists in this year’s DARE Academy once again show not just the tremendous creative talent which is being developed in the gaming sector in and around Dundee, but its massive economic impact and potential.

“Games which achieve the greatest commercial success are those which combine creativity with business acumen. They are the ones which stand a greater chance of attracting investment, with creators who understand how to protect their intellectual property rights, deal with employment issues, know where to turn to consider the detail of investment offers and so much more.

“As a firm, we are delighted to continue our support for DARE Academy. I cannot wait to meet the finalists and share some insight which hopefully helps them on the path towards blockbuster success.”