What is London Games Festival?
It’s that time of year again for London Games Festival; 12 days of game-related events and activities for you to attend all across London celebrating the gaming world we live in today! Whether you’re a casual gaming fan, a hardcore gamer or someone completely new to the scene then there’s bound to be something happening for you. Here’s a look at some of the top events that are coming up during this massive festival:
1. EGX Rezzed
What is it?
The perfect place for indie games developers and an even better place to try some of the new and upcoming indie titles. There’s plenty to get your hands on and there’ll even be talks and panels with industry professionals on how to get into the field yourself if that’s up your street.
Why should I go?
Have you ever been to EGX? Well EGX Rezzed is the smaller version of it, if you’ve enjoyed EGX events in the past then this one will surely not disappoint.
When is it?
Thursday 4th April to Saturday 6th April 2019 at Tobacco Dock.
How much?
£20+ , Details and tickets here.
2. Games Character Parade
What is it?
A huge cosplay (costume-play) parade event in London to set your creative side free and dress up as your favourite character. Whether you’re into cosplay, a beginner or just a fan of the art then you don’t want to miss this spectacular parade.
Why should I go?
You won’t want to miss out on seeing your favourite character come to life, and there’ll be arts and crafts events and free game exhibits to enjoy all day as well so there’s something for all the family to enjoy.
When is it?
Saturday 6th April 2019 at Guildhall Yard.
How much?
FREE , But if you are going to be cosplaying you have to register your cosplay. Details and registration here.
3. ‘Now Play This’ Exhibition
What is it?
An event that takes you on a walk through experimental game design, bringing community together and getting you to play games with family, friends and new people. There’s plenty of games to try out here from many indie developers and small-time companies.
Why should I go?
From quiet games that let you reflect to colourful and loud illustration games, there’s bound to be something new here you hadn’t even considered playing before, you never know what new game might spark your interest in the long-term.
When is it?
Saturday 6th April to Sunday 14th April 2019 at Somerset House.
How much?
£4+, Details and tickets here.
4. Haiku Adventure
What is it?
An on-going exhibition looking at the similarities between traditional Japanese woodblock prints and video games. Head on over to the exhibition to see original Japanese prints right next to interactive game displays, this really is looking at an ancient craft from a modern eye!
Why should I go?
This exhibition is definitely something spectacular you won’t want to miss, there aren’t many events out there that link something so ancient with something so new and upcoming. Want to know how they’ve managed to do this exactly? Well you’ll have to go and see for yourself.
When is it?
Running until Sunday 15th September 2019 at the William Morris Gallery.
How much?
FREE, Details here.
5. VR in a Bar
What is it?
Ever had the chance to try a VR experience? Well now you can in an incredibly relaxed, bar environment! VR is incredibly immersive but it shouldn’t be isolating, and playing it with friends in an exciting bar setting sounds like the perfect way to break down these barriers.
Why should I go?
This is the perfect Friday evening you won’t want to miss, so bring your friends, drink and experience VR the way it was intended. There’s plenty of fun to be had and it’s something you can do with your friends so this is surely something for the calendar.
When is it?
Running until Sunday 15th September 2019 at the William Morris Gallery.
How much?
FREE, Details and Tickets here.
6. UK Best Selling Game Awards
What is it?
A brilliant award ceremony celebrating all things UK-gaming from the past 30 years! Meet industry professionals, see what’s been out on the gaming market and chat with other like-minded people. There’ll even be talk about physical retail in gaming and how it has contributed to the gaming industry over time.
Why should I go?
Ever wanted to know what the best UK selling games have been over the past 30 years and to find out over classy drinks and a chance to network with industry professionals? Well you won’t want to miss out this fun evening then
When is it?
Thursday 11th April at Strand.
How much?
FREE, Details and Tickets here.
6. Level Up Link Up
What is it?
A fantastic indie game networking event for all that aims to bring people of African and Caribbean heritage into the video games industry. Following a wonderful talk from Nareice Wint you’ll be able to network with all sorts of other like-minded people and industry professionals.
Why should I go?
A very important event you really won’t want to miss, something like this tackles stereotypes and brings more like-minded people under the same roof. There’ll be plenty of people to network with so be sure to bring your business card!
When is it?
Saturday 13th April in Dalston.
How much?
£6.88, Details and Tickets here.
How is mayamada getting involved?
Our next GamePad event will be taking place this summer, so unfortunately doesn’t fall under the time period of LGF this year but we’re still really looking forward to it! There’ll be something for everyone regardless of gender, race or background, so we’d love to see you there for a day of casual gaming, relaxation and socialising with friends old and new.
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyrwwJ0fKHQ
But just because GamePad doesn’t fall on LGF this year doesn’t mean we aren’t doing anything to do our part! You can catch us on one of the main partner events, Afrotech Festival where we will be hosting our very own kids video game tournament, so bring the family! Alongside this we’ll also be running a stall at Barkade, an arcade furry meet at The Heart of Gaming and finally we’ll be at Westminster Reference Library‘s networking evening where mayamada co-founder, Nigel will be speaking about hosting your own social gaming events. We’d love to see you over this fantastic next two weeks so let us know if you’ll be joining us!
You can see the full roster of events at the official London Games Festival website here.
