Mark Backler of Sketchbook Games discusses the Game Anglia Festival, highlighting student engagement and event success.
Maria Barte spoke at the event. She is a game designer for Electronic Arts. She worked on Need for Speed and Assassin’s Creed. Maria graduated from the University of Suffolk.
Katherine Bidwell also spoke. She founded State of Play Games. Her studio won many awards, including a BAFTA for artistic achievement. State of Play Games is in Cambridgeshire.
Game Anglia organized the festival. It is a Community Interest Company based in Ipswich. Game Anglia started in 2019.
Attendees could play new games. Organizers gave out awards for best student game and best independent game. “Game of the Show” was another award.
Mark Backler, the founder of Sketchbook Games, thought the event went well. Many people played new games. He said it was a great success.
Many students came to Game Anglia. Mark noted the large student attendance from the university and local colleges. He found this encouraging.
Mark said the speakers performed well. Developers had many people play their games. Awards were given out at the end of the event.
Students showcased games. They attend local colleges and the university. The event’s turnout was amazing, showing the industry can grow with the right support in the East of England.
Chris Filip co-founded Game Anglia. Two hundred students and developers attended. They participated throughout the day.
The next Game Anglia event is a meetup, the Suffolk Game Developer Meetup. The University of Suffolk hosts it on March 12th. It includes networking, game showcases, and a talk about the industry.