Yorkshire Gaming Festival 2024 Proves Huge Success

The Yorkshire Gaming Festival has once again proven its popularity despite the temporary closure of its usual venue, the Science and Media Museum.

This year, the festival took place at various venues this year from 7th to 10th March, offering a plethora of activities that showcased the future of gaming and provided fun for the whole family.

According to the Science and Media Museum, over 9% of the UK’s games industry is based in Yorkshire and the Humber. This concentration makes the festival an excellent platform for both local and international games to be enjoyed and tested by a diverse audience.

Sally Folkard, Head of Screen and Cultural Engagement at the National Science and Media Museum, commented on this year’s success, stating:

“We’re thrilled to deliver another packed Yorkshire Games Festival to celebrate all things gaming. The programme not only welcomes an impressive lineup of industry experts working across the gaming sector to inspire the next generation, but also offers families opportunities to discover the industry with free gameplay and activities.”

The festival provided numerous ways for attendees to get involved, including speeches from industry professionals and recent graduates entering the field. Workshops were organised for participants of all ages to explore new and innovative video games during the ‘Let’s Play Family Weekend’. Northern Developers had the chance to showcase their games and projects to an eager audience ready to playtest. Additionally, code-cracking and couch co-op tasks were available, allowing participants to demonstrate their teamwork and problem-solving skills.

This year’s event featured prominent names in the gaming industry, such as Larian Studios, creators of the BAFTA award-winning Baldur’s Gate 3, and Square Enix, known for the Final Fantasy series since 1987. These appearances offered valuable networking opportunities and insights into the future of gaming.

An adult-oriented event also took place at the Alhambra, where a games night featured multiplayer games like Crawl, Heave Ho, and Ultimate Chicken Horse on a big screen. Attendees enjoyed a wide range of card games and tabletop RPGs, including classics like Dungeons & Dragons. The event aimed to inspire community engagement in Bradford, with free refreshments and snacks provided, and a team on hand to teach and recommend games.

The Science and Media Museum is expected to reopen in 2025, just in time for next year’s gaming festival. The Yorkshire Gaming Festival continues to be an inclusive event, inviting everyone to explore the gaming industry and potentially discover a new hobby. With the opportunity to interact with experienced gamers and developers, attend Q&A sessions, and enjoy a vast selection of games, the festival remains a highlight for gaming enthusiasts.

For those interested in the gaming scene, the Yorkshire Gaming Festival offers a unique and engaging experience, showcasing the future of the industry and fostering a sense of community among gamers.

With the programme now underway, plans are in place to review and expand the programme after this initial run. Future iterations are expected to incorporate social media management, graphic design, video content creation, and podcasts, providing students with a broader range of skills and making them well-rounded candidates for various roles in the media industry.