UK trade association UKIE has today launched its first ever nationwide student game jam, charging those taking part with creating a game in 48 hours built around the theme of regeneration.

Sponored by Square Enix's Collective, the jam is tied to a new student membership scheme that offers internship and placement opportunities, live streams of talks and Q&As with industry experts, discounts and various other benefits.

"We have had the Student Membership in beta for the last few of months and it has been really great to see how much it is helping inspire and support our industry's future superstars," detailed UKIE CEO Dr. Jo Twist.

"We are delighted to be working with the IGDA to help give these students the best possible chance of getting the skills, knowledge, and relationships they need to get into the industry. We have already managed to open up internship and placement opportunities and give data and insight for student dissertations."

'Growing sector'

UKIE claims more than 300 students from North West Kent College, Birmingham City University, Norwich Arts University, the National Film and Television School, Southampton Solent University and Goldsmiths University have already signed up for student membership.

"We have already done some live streaming of talks by Mike Bithell and Andrew Smith via our Twitch.tv channel to students across the country, and we are planning a conference," added Twist.

"We are committed to improving the skills pipeline from 8 to 80 and now that we have tax breaks for the industry, it is important to nourish our growing sector."

In regards of the jam, the team behind the winning game will be offered an exclusive pitch on the front page of Square Enix's new project "Collective", six month free UKIE membership if they go on to establish a studio, and various other prizes.