A major games careers event is coming to Hartlepool next week, giving young people the chance to discover what a career in one of the UK's most exciting creative industries could look like for them.
'Get into Games: Hartlepool' will take place on Thursday 28 May from 11am to 4pm at Hartlepool College of Further Education. The event is aimed at 12 to 21-year-olds, though all ages are welcome.
The event is designed to help young people understand the full range of roles available in the games industry, from art and design to programming, audio, production, and beyond.
Entry is completely free but registration is required. Register for free at: https://luma.com/u1wwxx51
Those attending can expect:
- A programme of careers talks from games industry professionals
- Stalls from local studios, colleges, and universities
- Games to play, made by developers working in and around the region and a range of retro games from across the eras of play
- Opportunities to book one-to-one advice sessions with professional developers
- Hands-on game development activities
By the end of the day, participants will leave with a clearer sense of:
- The different routes into the games industry
- Where their own interests and skills might fit
- What employers and educators are actually looking for
The event is delivered by national games skills charity Into Games, in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council and Game Republic, and is headlined by Ubisoft Reflections, one of the UK's most established games studios, known for titles including the Watch Dogs series and the iconic Driver franchise.
Declan Cassidy, CEO of Into Games, said: “For too many young people, the games industry still feels like it's for someone else. Hidden, competitive, or only accessible if you already know the right people. Events like Get into Games exist to change that.
“The North East has a growing, genuinely talented games scene, and Hartlepool young people deserve to know that these careers aren't just possible, they're right here on their doorstep.
“By bringing studios, educators, and working developers into one free, open space, we can help people see that there is a place for them in this industry."
Gemma Ptak, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Director of Housing, Communities and Growth, said: “We are delighted to be a partner in this major careers event for young people.
“With the creative industries booming in Hartlepool – including construction under way on a new screen industries production village and the borough home to the Northern School of Art, one of the UK’s leading specialist art and design institutions – Hartlepool is well-placed to be at the forefront of the growing games industry.
“There is no reason why young people in Hartlepool, whatever their background, can’t aspire to become world-class games developers, so I would encourage them to come along to this exciting event.”
Confirmed partners and exhibitors include: Ubisoft Reflections, Tanglewood, Observer Interactive, and lots more to be announced.