A computer game that involves USC Cell Biology students creating their own pets to better understand genetic inheritance patterns will be among those demonstrated at USC’s third annual Serious Games Showcase on Friday 17 November.

Teams of USC Serious Games students will join USC staff and Sunshine Coast game developers at the free interactive event from 6pm to 9pm in the Engage Research Lab (Building E).

The event will allow the public to try a variety of mobile, computer, virtual reality and board games that combine fun gaming with serious issues such as the prevention of mosquito-borne disease.

Associate Lecturer in Serious Games Colleen Stieler-Hunt said six teams would deliver 10-minute pitches of the games they had developed over the past year.

“The students will be showcasing their educational games, story-based games and programming for the public and for potential employers,” Ms Stieler-Hunt said.

“It’s an incredible diversity of both serious and fun games, including use of the Vive virtual reality headset.

“We hope members of the wider community will delve into the idea of games with a higher purpose, as an industry.”

She said this year’s event had doubled the number of booths available for public interaction.

USC is the only university in Australia to offer a Bachelor of Serious Games.

People seeking further information can contact cstieler@usc.edu.au. Register here for the event.

— Julie Schomberg