AMD to fund young games developers

AMD hopes to get youngsters interested in computer programming

AMD has announced a new programme to sponsor young software developers, and will offer grants of $65,000 (£43,000) as part of an initiative for new games development.

The grants will be offered as part of the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, and will be awarded to US students in grades seven to 12.

AMD hopes that the money will inspire an interest in computer programming, and help to drum up interest in maths and science.

"The Alliance's addition of a video game design category to its annual competition validates the growth of game design as a creative learning tool for teens," said Allyson Peerman, president of the AMD Foundation.

"Digital gaming is the universal language of teens, and teaching them in that language can result in more engaged and better prepared students."

AMD said that the grants will be part of its larger Changing the Game campaign which seeks to develop young computer programmers by shifting focus from the consumption of PC and console games to the development of new software.

The company hopes to create new developers and boost interest in computer sciences and maths as a whole.