Advertisement

London Games Festival brings the gaming world to the capital

 (London Games Festival)
(London Games Festival)

The eyes of the gaming world will fall on the capital this later month as hundreds of game creators from around the globe are set to take part in the sixth London Games Festival, which today unveiled its full programme of events.

The event takes place after 12 months when – forced to remain inside – video games have been a lifeline for many people up and down the country. From climate-inspired indie creators to panels with VIP dignitaries and developers, the event promises to have something for everyone

London Games FestivalLondon Games Festival
London Games FestivalLondon Games Festival

The 2021 edition is set to include almost 400 games businesses, making it the largest showing since the festival launched as a physical event in 2016. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the event, which runs from 19 to 28 March, will be the most accessible edition yet, with content free online to anyone.

This year, the festival has chosen an Official Selection of 40 games highlighting a deep pool of creative talent, from South Korea, Israel and Australia – as well as homegrown games – representing quality, innovation and diversity.

Four themes have been highlighted: Made In London, Narrative Excellence, International Innovators and Pick Up and Play. The games will be presented via a dedicated showcase site available from 19 March, with associated store promotions act digital retailers.

London Games FestivalLondon Games Festival
London Games FestivalLondon Games Festival

The London Games Festival will also be profiling the Official Selection Games via its World Stage, a new destination for talks, panels and broadcasts. More than 70 shows will be made available to stream through YouTube and a dedicated at games.london over the course of the programme.

Highlights of the festival include:

  • Director’s Commentary: John Carpenter – a special event with the revered movie director which will be looking at his life through the lens of his love for video games

  • A free screening of the Tony Hawk documentary Pretending I’m A Superman: The Tony Hawk Video Game Store – which looks at the origin of the bestselling games series and its legacy and ways it intersects with skating and music culture – followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers

  • Original documentaries by Games London looking at Games Are Good For You and The Game Tech Revolutionising Movies

  • A series of industry panels and discussions on key issues and hot button topics in games, ranging from the metaverse (covered in an exclusive fireside chat with CCP Games CEO Hilmar Petursson) to mental health.

Indeed, opening up the conversation on mental health will be a key focus for the festival, which is partnering with games industry charity Safe in our World on its new Safer Together campaign. This will offer a public platform for gamers and industry insiders alike to connect, find people for multiplayer games and also be a safe space to simply talk.

In addition, the BAFTA Games Awards are set to be broadcast during the festival. This prestigious ceremony named its nominees last week with more than 30 games in the running, and the winners will be announced and available to watch online on the evening of 25 March.

London Games FestivalLondon Games Festival
London Games FestivalLondon Games Festival

Michael French, Festival Director: said: “Video games are a cultural force to be reckoned with, delighting and entertaining millions of people every day. This year’s London Games Festival showcases a variety of ways games have changed, reshaped and created culture.

“LGF 2021 has been designed to help games fans better understand and get more out of the pastime they love, while continuing to provide an invaluable spotlight for creators.

“From our Official Selection through to our work connecting developers with investors, we’re continuing to change perceptions and show off the best talent in London and beyond.”

To learn more about London Games Festival, go to www.games.london or @londongamesfest.

Read More

London Games Festival goes digital: How to hold a festival in a time of social distancing

Best gaming headsets 2021

Boom in gaming tech softens blow as FTSE dips on lockdown gloom