The first ever London Games Festival will take place 2 - 7 October, bringing gamers out of their darkened bedrooms and forcing them to interact with one another in real life. This "celebration of interactive entertainment" not only hopes to draw the dedicated, unblinking gamer away from their consoles and into the real world, but also promises to cater for those working in the industry, parents who are baffled and bemused by what their kids are playing and for those curious about the future of games and the gaming world.
Across venues ranging from HMV - Oxford Street, The Roundhouse, Cafe Royal, 01Zero-One, John Lewis and the National Film Theatre, events in the festival include:
- Games showcase with celebrities playing against each other, favourite game characters (ie. professional actors in costumes wandering around looking despondent) making appearances and the chance to have a go yourself
- Games Career Fair for those who want to get into the industry
- First ever BAFTA Video Games Awards
- Lizard's Lair, the gaming world's version of TV's Dragon's Den. The brave and the brainy get the opportunity to pitch their games ideas to professionals in the sector... if you dare...
Most events are free and won't require booking or tickets but check the festival programme and information for details.
London Games Festival, 2 - 7 October, various central London locations. For festival programme and information, go to the website here.
