Students want rugby fans to convert to their game

England's Abbie Ward in action at the 2022 Women's Rugby World Cup

University students are involved in the development of an "arcade-style game" as part of the build up to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup,

The University of Northampton says West Northamptonshire Council has commissioned the game.

Earlier this year, the university set up an "in-house games studio" and an "interactive research studio".

Six World Cup games are due to be played at Northampton Saints' Franklin's Gardens stadium in August and September.

Students are involved in developing an "arcade-style game" as part of the build-up to the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup

The university offers a number of gaming courses - including Games Art, Games Design, Games Programming and Animation.

Staff said the studio - called "Goblin Games" - would involve students on gaming courses.

They added, in an online statement: "West Northants Council has commissioned the talented team at Goblin Games to deliver a purpose-built arcade machine – accompanied by an arcade-style game built specifically for the event – as part of their build-up to the Women’s World Cup in September 2025."

Vikaas Mistry, a senior lecturer in games design, said the in-house games studios, gave students an "unrivalled opportunity" to develop skills in an "innovative and industry environment"'

Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, where games will be played during the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup

West Northamptonshire Council recently announced details of games being played in Northampton.

"We are incredibly excited to be hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 here in West Northamptonshire and to see six matches take place at Northampton’s Franklin's Gardens Stadium," said Daniel Lister, the council's Conservartive cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure.

"Hosting these matches will not only promote rugby and women’s sport but also provide a significant boost to our local economy, and we can’t wait to be a part of the action."