Norwich Games Festival is back!

A young woman with long strawberry blonde hair wearing a VR headset
2024, NGF24, Norwich Games Festival, Events

From Thursday 30 May - Saturday 1 June.

We're thrilled to announce that Norwich Games Festival (NGF) is returning this summer, after a four year break! The Festival promises three days of amazing events, workshops, talks, and free interactive activities for everybody to enjoy!

Presented by The Forum, in partnership with Norwich University of the Arts, NGF features lots of hands-on game play, including retro arcades and VR experiences, as well as industry events. Throughout the Festival, visitors will find The Forum's main Atrium packed full of stands and stalls, all showcasing the best in gaming, and with lots of activities to try.

Norwich Games Festival will give visitors the chance to explore every aspect of gaming, including art, storytelling, coding and design. NGF welcomes industry experts, and showcases games in every stage of development - and gives people the opportunity to network and develop their own skills.

Ellie Buchan, Norwich Games Festival Producer, says:

“I am thrilled to be working on this fantastic festival, which brings together all the fun of playing games whilst also focusing on the creative and technical aspects of creating them. There will be some festival favourites, such as the Retro Arcade, but I am also excited to announce that there will be some festival firsts... we're having a Game Jam, where brand new games will be created in the build up to the event, and fully playable during the 3 days!”

As well as lots of free events and activities, NGF includes a series of ticketed events and workshops, designed to introduce people to the skills in gaming, and develop knowledge and expertise. There's something for everyone - from beginners to committed gamers, to those working or studying in the industry.

We're delighted to be working closely with Norwich University of the Arts, as a lead partner. The team from Norwich University of the Arts will be sharing tips on studying and starting a career in games, as well as showcasing the work of their students.

Sarah Steed, Director of Knowledge Exchange and Employability at Norwich University of the Arts, said

“Norwich University of the Arts is excited to be part of the reboot of Norwich Games Festival. A chance to explore the potential that games offer for study, employment, innovation and sheer entertainment! We look forward to building a new festival that really puts Norwich on the map”.

Tickets are already on sale for fantastic preview events with boardgame designer James Wallis on Saturday 18 May, with the full programme due to be announced in early May.