Norwich University of the Arts sponsors Norwich Games Festival

The much-loved Norwich Games Festival (NGF) is making a grand return to The Forum from Thursday, 30 May to Saturday, 1 June.

With an exciting programme of events, workshops, talks, and free interactive activities, this festival promises something for everyone, from committed gamers to curious beginners.

Presented by The Forum and lead partner Norwich University of the Arts, the Norwich Games Festival provides a unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the world of gaming. Highlights include hands-on gameplay with retro arcades and fully immersive VR experiences, as well as industry-focused events ranging from workshops to networking sessions.

Returning to Norwich for the first time in four years, NGF is set to delight visitors with a wide array of activities. Attendees can explore various aspects of gaming, including art, storytelling, coding, and design. Norwich University students will also be showcasing their impressive work throughout the festival.

Associate Professor Mark Wickham, Director of Computer, Arts, and Technology at Norwich University of the Arts, said: “For us as educators and subject enthusiasts, this is a chance to showcase our work to the ever-growing community of game developers, players, and studios in the region; demonstrating exactly why Norwich is such a great place to make games.”

Festival Producer Ellie Buchan added: “I am thrilled to be working on this fantastic festival, which brings together all the fun of playing games whilst also focusing on the creative and technical aspects of creating them. There will be some festival favourites, such as the retro arcade, but I am also excited to announce that there will be some festival firsts… we’re having a game jam, where brand new games will be created in the build-up to the event, and fully playable during the three days!”

From 10am to 4pm daily, The Forum’s main Atrium will be bustling with stalls and stands, offering interactive fun including hands-on video game testing and gameplay, arts and crafts, and exclusive early looks at games in development. Visitors will also have the chance to interact with game developers and gain insights into careers in gaming from local colleges and representatives from Norwich University of the Arts.

The Gallery will host a Retro Games Arcade, featuring rare and family-favourite consoles like the Phillips CDI, Atari 7800, Amiga 1200, BBC Micro, C64, MSX 2, Neo Geo CD, and GameCube, along with an esports competition. Additionally, ticketed events will include a Board Game Design Masterclass, the live comedy gameshow WiFi Wars, and a classic video game quiz.

Ticketed events include a Board Game Design Masterclass, a live comedy gameshow WiFi Wars and a classic video game quiz. The festival’s inspiring programme is filled with workshops and classes, offering valuable upskilling and training opportunities from industry experts, ideal for those aspiring to build a career in games.

Norwich Games Festival invites people of all ages to explore the creativity, art, and fun in games. With activities for families and exclusive events for adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information, visit: norwichgamesfestival.co.uk

Norwich Games Festival is presented by The Forum, in partnership with lead partners Norwich University of the Arts, and with the support of Connected Innovation and Norfolk County Council.