The Capital of Emerging Gamedev | Student Games Festival Comes to Warsaw October 8–9
Warsaw will once again become a meeting place for young game creators from around the world. The second edition of the Student Games Festival will take place on October 8–9 at the Palace of Culture & Science, an international event dedicated to the work of students and emerging game developers.
Much more than a showcase of the most exciting student projects, the festival also comprises two days of meetings, workshops, lectures, discussions, and consultations with industry professionals. The aim is to create a space where young creators can not only present their projects, but also gain the knowledge, connections, and skills they need to begin their careers in the video game industry.
22 Games From 10 Countries
The festival will showcase 22 of the best student games from 10 countries, selected from 192 submissions across 32 nations. The creators of the nominated games will be present at the festival, providing the opportunity to meet the teams in person and learn more about their inspirations.
All students are welcome to visit the CV & Portfolio Zone, where they will have the opportunity to receive feedback and professional materials from experts representing renowned game development studios from across the globe.
“This festival is for students and about students, which is why this year they are co-creating the programme with us. They know best what kind of knowledge and support they need,” says Ewa Maria Szczepanowska, Festival Director.
A Programme Created With Students, For Students
This year's conference programme is being developed in cooperation with 12 student academic societies from leading Polish universities educating future game developers and game studies scholars. This approach is intended to ensure that the workshops, lectures, and panel discussions address the real needs and challenges faced by students and young people entering the game development industry.
The programme will include discussions on the skills currently expected by the job market, funding opportunities for game production, and the relationship between education and a rapidly evolving game industry. Panels will bring together representatives of the games sector, public institutions, academia, and the cultural sector. Academic representatives from Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands will also discuss the challenges involved in educating the next generation of game creators.
Guests Include CD PROJEKT RED, 11 bit, Larian, Bloober Team, & More
The Student Games Festival will provide an opportunity to meet acclaimed creators and experts from the international games industry. Among the special guests are Rami Ismail, one of the most recognized independent game developers and experts on the global indie scene, and Jakub Dvorský of the acclaimed Czech studio Amanita Design, known for its distinctive auteur adventure games.
Creators behind major titles (including recent hit The Blood of Dawnwalker), will discuss their work and experiences. The programme will also feature developers and representatives from studios such as Bloober Team, CD PROJEKT RED, Larian, and the festival's patron, 11 bit studios.
The Best Student Game Awards Ceremony
The festival will culminate in the Best Student Game Awards ceremony, taking place on October 9 at 6:00 PM. The event will bring together representatives of public authorities, cultural institutions, universities, the games industry, as well as students and creators of the nominated games. Awards will be presented in four categories, alongside a special Amnesty International Award for the best game addressing human rights issues. The ceremony will also feature a concert by the duo DVA.
The festival will officially open on Thursday, October 8 at 11:00 AM. Over the course of two days, participants will be able to take part in a wide-ranging programme of workshops, panel discussions, lectures, presentations, CV and portfolio consultations, and the nominated games zone.
The detailed programme will be published at www.studentgamesfestival.com.