The first Yorkshire Games Festival was held in 2016 to showcase video game design, production, and culture. Since then, the event has become well-regarded for its high-profile guests, interactive experiences, interesting masterclasses, and games showcase, and it is now the largest gaming festival in the north of England.
The festival is, however, providing much more than a fun and exciting annual attraction for gamers, developers, and industry professionals, as it has a positive effect on the local economy, community, and gaming industry. Continue reading to find out how the Yorkshire Games Festival is impacting the region each year.
Inspiring and Promoting New Talent
Many people might not give a second thought about the time, creativity, and effort required to make an innovative video game until they attend the Yorkshire Games Festival. The event’s main goal is to inspire the younger generation to enter a career in the gaming industry. For this reason, it annually hosts the Young Developers Conference to provide attendees with insights into the creative process, gaming design, coding, and more. After attending the conference, people are more likely to view the industry as a realistic career path, causing them to feel inspired when playing a PlayStation, Xbox, or a game like Big Bass Bonanza at NetBet online.
The festivals’ various activities aim to prove that many paths are possible. Also, attendees will receive valuable advice to secure their success in the industry and improve their employability. It is a must-visit for students, graduates, industry professionals, and those considering a career in gaming.
A Boost to the Local Economic
The Yorkshire Games Festival is helping to transform the region’s tourism industry, as thousands of people from across the UK and abroad attend the event each year. Its host city, Bradford, has witnessed an influx of visitors since the festival was established in 2016, as many tourists are supporting local restaurants, hotels, cafes, and other hospitality companies across the city. The money visitors spend on food, transportation, accommodation, retail, and attractions will boost the local economy, helping the city of Bradford and the Yorkshire region to flourish.
The Yorkshire Games Festival’s popularity is helping to turn the region into an outstanding gaming development hub. As the event attracts phenomenal guests and speakers and has a fun yet educational programme, the festival may continue to attract considerable investment into the region, which may lead to more job opportunities and a stronger local economy.
Highlighting the Region’s Gaming Industry
It might surprise you to learn that Yorkshire and Humber account for 9% of the UK’s gaming industry. For instance, attendees will not want to miss the Northern Games Showcase, which shines a spotlight on the most exciting, successful developers from across Yorkshire and the North of England. It provides the public with an opportunity to learn about their new and upcoming projects, while providing local gaming developers with an opportunity to network with passionate gamers in Yorkshire, receive valuable feedback, secure exciting partnerships, and boost sales.
Creating a Gaming Community
The annual gaming festival encourages people from across the UK to gather and share their passion for the video game industry. In addition to hosting conferences and guest speakers, the event hosts a family-friendly Let’s Play! Weekend, which unites people of all ages to play video games, participate in interactive activities, and attend fun workshops. For example, people from across the country can battle it out on Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros at the Big Screen Gaming Sessions.
The next Yorkshire Games Festival is scheduled for 2026 at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford. Keep your eyes peeled for further announcements. You will not want to miss it!
