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Kind of a Big Deal's Starcrossed for Windows Phone makes Dare to be Digital's BAFTA shortlist

Taking on two other titles

Kind of a Big Deal's Starcrossed for Windows Phone makes Dare to be Digital's BAFTA shortlist
Having been tested by 10,000 people across a three day period, Kind of a Big Deal's Starcrossed has been chosen as one of three titles set to compete for a BAFTA in 2013.

Alongside two PC-based releases, the Windows Phone game – created by Kimi Sulopuisto, Petri Liuska, Andrew MacLean, Minttu Meriläinen, Vili Viitaniemi – has made the shortlist for BAFTA's 'One to Watch' award, set to be announced during next year's ceremony.

Big with BAFTA

It's all as a result of Kind of a Big Deal's decision to enter Dare to be Digital – the annual game design competition held at University of Abertay in Dundee.

"This is the biggest thing I've achieved in my life," said Sulopuisto.

"I'd absolutely encourage anyone looking to make their own games to enter Dare to be Digital – you've nothing to lose, and you could win so much."


Starcrossed for Windows Phone

Kind of a Big Deal was able to enter Dare to be Digital – itself typically aimed university students and recent graduates in the UK – as this year's Nordic competitor thanks to Scottish Government backing.

Said support also allowed Chinese and Indian teams to make their mark during 2012's competition.

Those who dare

"I'm hugely impressed with the standard of all the games on show and the professionalism and passion of all the Dare to be Digital teams," said BAFTA Games Committee member Johnny Minkley.

"It was a hard choice for the judges, but all three BAFTA nominees are strong games and very different games. It will be a really tough decision for the judges to pick the final BAFTA winner at the Video Games Awards next March."

The game's were played as part of Dare's ProtoPlay festival, which for the first time included Dare Indie Fest - a conference aimed at budding entrepreneurs and indie studios.

The Indie Fest itself provides grants of up to £25,000 to small and startup games companies, thanks to the Abertay Prototype Fund.


With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.