BITTERNE in Southampton isn’t the first place that springs to mind when you think about international computer or video games development.

Far from the neon glow of Tokyo or the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, in an unassuming studio in the middle of a city suburb live independent developer Bitmap Bureau.

Founded by industry veterans Steff Barnet, Matt Cope and Mike Tucker Bitmap Bureau have just launched their latest title for consoles and PC – 88 Heroes.

The game was developed over the course of two years with help from students and graduates from Southampton’s Solent University and City College who worked on everything from testing to level design.

By creating strong links with local educational establishments Bitmap Bureau hope that they can help budding game makers get experience.

In it players are tasked with saving the world from the evil Dr H8 who will destroy the earth in 88 minutes, unless players can guide 88 unlikely heroes through 88 fiendishly challenging levels.

Mike Tucker, the company’s creative director, said: “There are quite a few firms popping up now, some with publishing deals or that are getting their games out there on various platforms.

“We have a lot of university courses now, Solent has got one and the University of Southampton at least have a unit on it.

“Thanks to the internet, it’s easy to put a game together and get it out there.”