Developers, animators, designers and programmers from the thriving West Midlands’ games industry are spoilt for choice this December as Gamer Camp and Game Central join forces to present a series of free-to-attend evening events across the region.
The three weekly events, from training scheme Gamer Camp and industry network Game Central, include the first monthly 'Meet ‘Em Up’, bringing together the people behind DJ Hero and indie game Frozen Synapse; a Q&A with one of the godfathers of UK gaming, Blitz Games Studios co-founder Phillip Oliver; and an innovative ‘Show n’ Tell’ event for developers new and established.
Game Central Meet ‘em Up: Thursday 3rd December 6:30pm-9pm
The first of Game Central’s montly ‘Meet ‘em Ups’ invites all those with a passion for games to meet up for an evening of show and tell, lively conversation and a few pints.
This month we’ll be discussing the increasingly important role of marketing all the way from triple A titles through to indie releases with the people behind DJ Hero (Freestyle Games, Activision), indie developers Mode 7 (fresh from promoting their latest indie title Frozen Synapse at Nottingham’s games festival Game City), and Oliver Birch, director of digital download marketing agency PlayReplay.
‘Meet ‘em Up’ will be at The Newbold (18 Newbold Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4HN), to attend please RSVP via meetemup.eventbrite.com.
Phillip Oliver Q&A: Wednesday 9th December 6:30pm
Then on Wednesday 9th December there’s an opportunity to quiz Phillip Oliver – once named, along with his brother Andrew, as one of the “Top 10 Brits that changed video games forever” by The Times.
Starting at 6:30pm, the event takes place at The Old Royal (53 Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2DP). To attend, please RSVP using the following link: gamercampwithblitzgamesstudios.eventbrite.com
Show n’ Tell Tuesday 15th December 6:30-11:30pm
To cap off the series of Gamer Camp events, Games Show n’ Tell gives gamemakers the chance to share a drink with fellow developers in a relaxed pub setting, as several developers demo their latest work for a special screening.
The event will be at The Victoria (48 John Bright Street, Birmingham, B1 1BN), and to attend, please RSVP via: gamesshowntell.eventbrite.com
The three events form part of Game Camp; a four-week training course by Birmingham City University, the Interactive Digital Media project and Screen WM supported through regional development Advantage West Midlands, to support the region’s games industry.
"Recruiting experienced development staff has been a long term challenge for the video games industry,” says course leader and former Studio Director at SEGA Racing Studio, Guy Wilday. “The concept behind Gamer Camp is to provide practical experience of the game development process which would then be directly relevant to any potential employer." And are supported by Game Central, the new regional games network for the West Midlands, established by Screen WM and Producers Forum and supported by AWM to help support the regional games industry.