Shortland Street actor wins scholarship for games

Karl Burnett as Nick Harrison. Photo / Supplied

Former Shortland Street actor Karl Burnett has been awarded this year's Sidhe Elite financial scholarship, given to a promising game development student who needs financial help for tertiary education.

It is offered by New Zealand game development studio Sidhe with Auckland's Media Design School.

Burnett, who played Nick Harrison in the long-running television soap between 1992 and 2005, said he was thrilled with his win, which would help with the cost of his diploma of interactive gaming course at Media Design School.

"I am finding the whole experience very humbling but extremely rewarding ... It's hard to believe that after a week, I was able to sit down and write a computer game."

Sidhe managing director Mario Wynands said the scholarship selection process had been intense because of the quality of the applicants.

"Karl shows a lot of natural talent and promise in game development ... There were many worthy applicants, but Karl's portfolio and commitment to learning made him stand out."

Media Design School chief executive Frances Valintine said the scholarship was an important part of the game development industry.

- NZPA