A UNIVERSITY has become an unlikely paradise for computer games addicts.

Teesside University has established the National Centre for Computer Games to support the UK games industry and carry out pioneering research into the popular entertainment field.

It will build on the university's existing expertise and its two computer games courses.

The centre will include a games vault comprising of a collection of hardware, publications, and games ranging from early classics to the newest.

The vault will be open to academics, companies and members of the public.

Matthew Holton, head of the visualisation section of the school of computing and mathematics, said: "With the National Centre for Computer Games, the university will play a key role in encouraging the next generation of games designers to achieve new levels of technical sophistication and game-playing art.

"The past ten years have seen huge advances in gaming technology, and what was once regarded only as a child's pastime has become a legitimate adult activity, with more realism, improved graphics and better playability demanded from every new game. They have quickly become a hugely influential part of popular culture."

For more details on the centre, or the university's computer games courses ring Mr Holton on (01642) 342600 or Carol Cooke on (01642) 384422