Organizers Warwick District Council, Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire Games Collective are reflecting on an inspiring and motivational event for all involved.
Interactive Futures’ first in-person event since the Covid-19 pandemic sold out with an audience of hundreds of students, parents, and local people looking to break into the video game industry.
Participants enjoyed a jam-packed program of talks hosted by Games Creative Director and Curator Marie Foulston on a variety of topics ranging from why there is a career for everyone in gaming, different paths into the industry, and what it might look like. the future of gaming. as.
The event also shed light on how well the industry responds to equality, diversity and inclusion issues.
Dozens of ‘Silicon Spa’ studios were on display, including:
- Kwalee
- Rebellion
- playground games
- Lively: a keyword study
- SEGA HARDlight
- Ubisoft
- games of the third kind
- laboratory 42
- high leamington
- secret mode
- RiVR
- soul assembly
There was also the opportunity for delegates to enjoy valuable one-on-one time with developers, artistic creatives, and recruiters to review portfolios and CVs.
Chris McCarthy, Head of Recruitment at Third Kind Games, said:
“As an integral part of the thriving gaming hub in Leamington Spa and Warwickshire, Third Kind Games was proud to support Interactive Futures and inspire the next generation of game creators.
“From our perspective, it was great to see so many enthusiastic students, their parents, and people looking to break into the industry at Interactive Futures. It further reinforces the work we’re already doing alongside other local game studios at schools and universities to engage students of all ages and backgrounds to understand the career options available to them within the industry.”
Cllr Martin Watson, Warwickshire County Council Economics Portfolio Holder, said:
“We were delighted to be able to support local studios to organize this event that has involved so many people.
“The video game sector is a crucial part of the Warwickshire economy and offers incredibly rewarding careers due to the range of opportunities and required skills that we must showcase as a viable career option so that we can support its continued growth.”
We are very fortunate that many of the game studios in our area got involved to make this year’s event a success and made it fun for everyone who attended.”
Cllr Ella Billiald, Warwick District Council Arts and Economics Portfolio Holder, added:
“We are delighted that, in partnership with Warwickshire County Council and local game studios, we have been able to provide a forum for students and individuals wanting to enter this dynamic and growing industry to come together in the heart of Silicon Spa.
“Our sincerest thanks to the studio staff who took the time to serve on the panels and offer one-on-one support to students with reviewing their portfolios and CVs. We can’t wait to continue this momentum when we return to the Center Royal Spa for Interactive Futures 2024”.
The next Interactive Futures event is planned for early 2024, with more information and contact details available soon on the Interactive Futures website.
