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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.
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts has officially opened Phase Two of its ambitious redevelopment at 20 Bank Plain — a landmark Grade II listed building in the heart of Norwich.
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Graduation •
Five leading figures from the fields of design, fashion, games and the visual arts will be awarded Honorary Professorships at the University’s graduation ceremonies next week.
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Alumni •
Toby Hills, Senior Technician – Immersive & Virtual Production at Norwich University of the Arts, has been named Best Newcomer and awarded a prestigious Papin Prize during the UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS) 2025 held this week.
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Alumni •
Norwich University of the Arts is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Ben Stopher as its next Vice-Chancellor.
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BA Animation •
This summer saw the launch of the University’s new Sustainability Awards, alongside nominations for Norwich students for a range of high-profile industry awards.
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BA Graphic Communication •
Norwich students were awarded a total of five pencils at this year’s D&AD New Blood Awards, which showcase recent graduate work across design, advertising and craft.
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International •
Gresham Global will act as the University’s official representative in India, widening access to world-class creative education.
Institution •
Dr Ellie Nixon and Dr Kirk Woolford have been recognised for their significant contributions to knowledge and high levels of academic achievement.
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Alumni •
Richard Bracewell, Lecturer for BA (Hons) Film and Moving Image Production, worked with Norwich students and graduates to produce the Fens-based comedy.
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Alumni •
Norwich University of the Arts has been ranked among the UK's top two specialist creative arts universities — and the highest outside London — in the 2026 edition of The Complete University Guide
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East Gallery •
We are delighted to offer two opportunities to join the University as an East Gallery Fellow – Creative Practice, for twelve months from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026
Institution •
The UK games industry is now worth a staggering £7.82 billion, with East Anglia poised to become the next major growth cluster
Research •
Norwich University of the Arts presents a series of live performances and immersive video installations as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.
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Winners announced in two age categories 11-15 and 16-19, and two theme categories ‘Responsible Production and Consumption’ and ‘Gender Equality’.
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts is making a bold and exciting move toward a more sustainable future.
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BA (Hons) Illustration •
Gabriella discusses how her creative practice and wider University experience has helped to manage and communicate topics around mental health.
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Combine creative flair and technical skill and work in multi-skilled teams within a studio environment to create innovative and arresting art for games.
Love working with code and see yourself as a technical problem solver with a passion for games?
Explore and develop your skills of current game studio pipelines and be part of a collaborative, supportive department.
Explore and develop your skills of current game studio pipelines and be part of a collaborative, supportive department.
Love working with code and see yourself as a technical problem solver with a passion for games?
Combine creative flair and technical skill and work in multi-skilled teams within a studio environment to create innovative and arresting art for games.