Students at the Entertainment Technology Centre (ETC) - the digital and multi-media arm of Carnegie Mellon University - have come up with a new and unique way of developing games by working with local company, the People's Republic of Animation, on a game prototype.

ETC Australia Director John Buchanan says this was another example of the innovative work being undertaken in South Australia, which is attracting students to the State.

“In 2006, South Australia, for the first time, attracted more than 20,000 overseas students and this is no accident,� Mr Buchanan said.

“South Australia offers some of the most dynamic and interesting opportunities for students from around the world. Carnegie Mellon's Entertainment Technology Centre has opened up a range of avenues for multi-media and film study that would not have been available otherwise.

“What is even more pleasing is that some of these overseas are opting to stay in Adelaide once they have completed their studies at the Centre.�

Former student, American Gina Chuang is working for local company Rising Sun Research after turning down several positions with companies in the United States to stay in Adelaide.

“Rising Sun's reputation and the opportunity for me to develop my programming skills was very appealing, and a hard offer to pass up. I also wanted the chance to explore more of Adelaide,� Gina said.

“As lead programmer on the project team which developed the game prototype with the People's Republic of Animation, I was able to build on my knowledge and experience in a dynamic and exciting environment�.

This semester the ETC welcomed 18 new students from throughout Asia and the United States who will work from a newly renovated space in the city.

The multi-purpose room includes a large classroom space well suited for improvisational acting, viewing films, experiencing videogames and building interactive worlds where a collaborative mobile game, which can be played over blue tooth, will be built in two weeks.

ETC recently engaged South Australian filmmakers to teach a series of workshops in the Visual Story course. In addition to this, the centre recently finalized an ongoing sponsorship arrangement with the NSW-based young persons' acrobatics and gymnastics troupe, Spaghetti Circus to support their work.

Mr Buchanan said the centre is going from strength to strength

“Our Industry Liaison Director Greg Wieder is developing a strong network of local companies for students to make their mark on early in their careers�, he said.

Carnegie Mellon University is the first foreign university to be set up in Australia. The Pittsburgh-based university opened two schools in Adelaide in May â€' the H John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management and the Entertainment Technology Centre (ETC).

ETC-Adelaide is part of ETC-Global, which includes campuses in Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley and will soon expand to include Korea and Singapore.