The British Academy of Film and Television Arts, whose abbreviation is addicting to pronounce, have announced a new initiative called the BAFTA Crew Games 2014.

The BAFTA Crew Games 2014 is the result of a partnership with the nonprofit training group Creative Skillset and the charity Wellcome Trust, and is essentially an exclusive club of sorts for young and eager members of the game industry to mingle with and learn from some of the biggest names in gaming.

The initiative has a very limited 100 spots for potential recruits, who are required to have at least two years experience in the gaming industry and must be actively making some kind of creative contribution to games in the UK.

For the low, low price of  £15, accepted applicants will have access to:

• 4 Live masterclasses with BAFTA winning and nominated professionals from the Games Industry at venues held across the UK;

• 4 interactive livestream Q&A sessions focusing on a range of subjects from BAFTA nominees or professionals with BAFTA-nominated credits;

• 8 downloadable podcasts of all live events in the programme;

• Networking opportunities for BAFTA Crew members and local industry after the live masterclasses.

• The opportunity to engage with leading scientists and researchers from the Wellcome Trust – BAFTA Crew members will have the opportunity to discuss story, ideas and concepts aiming to explore how Biomedical Science can inform Game Design.

• Exclusive online social networking and the chance to meet with other BAFTA Crew Games 2014 members, speakers and programme partners;

• Access to travel bursaries to support attendance at live events not held in your region.

The program speakers at the moment haven’t been confirmed, but the BAFTA assures us that some gaming superstars can be expected, as their previous speakers have included Quantic Dream’s David Cage, Bedlam’s Christopher Brookmyre, Mike Bithell, David Braben, and perhaps most prominently, Hideo Kojima. 

BAFTA Crew Games is but the latest incarnation of the organization’s Crew initiative, which has had versions for the film and television mediums. Director of Learning and Events Tim Hunter said:

BAFTA Crew has had great success within the film and television sector, so it’s the perfect model to equip a new generation of games makers with the skills and networks they need, helping to ensure that the UK’s games industry continues to punch above its weight. BAFTA is at its best when it’s celebrating creativity and connecting talent, and BAFTA Crew Games will do exactly that

Applications are due on 17 November at noon, so potential members have a considerable amount of time to decide.