Many patrons were wowed by the innovation and creativity of UTT Animation students as they viewed for the first time the innovative online game ‘Crab Catcher’. The game is based on local iconic vendors fighting their way through the swamp while catching crabs and battling the doubles lady along the way.  Several levels up, the battles will evolve into all out war between the iconic nuts merchants and several other culturally specific vendors.  In keeping with the non-violence theme the weaponry used are simply nuts, barrah, channa and an occasional machete to swipe their way out of the mangrove.  Guided by their lecturer Omar Lewis the animation students were challenged to create a game that was reflective of their environment but still integrated the use of animation and gaming technology. 

Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Mr Fazal Karim, also tried his hand at ‘Crab Catcher’ & asked when the completed game will be ready. The students who collaborated on the entire process worked in groups to conceptualise design and game idea and were very excited by the reactions.  Lecturer Omar Lewis stated, "This is a one of a kind project, our students were thrown into the gamut of innovation, entrepreurneurship and problem solving.  Using stop-motion animation is also a first, as normally 3D special effects and complex solutions are the norm. Instead they put their heads together, thought outside the box and came up with a culturally rich and engaging concept that has never been done before.

In his feature address at the event Minister Karim said, "Too many times we have spoken about vocational training versus academia, this is an opportunity to close that gap, through what we call and many educators call the parity of esteem."  The competition will help develop TT on a global level, and can be considered an investment for the future of the country, he added. Chairman of the Gamers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (GATT) Nigel Bellamy was also consulted on the development of the game and committed to supplying his members for the beta testing when completed. UTT Students were very adamant to pronounce that no crabs were hurt during the development of the game. The game will be formally launched at the Annual Animae Caribe Animation and Digital Media Festival 31st October to 4th November for more info email animation@utt.edu.tt

UTT Animation Lecturers Omar Lewis and Camille Abrahams show off 'Crab Catcher' to the CEO of YTEPP Mr. Nigel Forgenie