The Leamington Spa video games hub will next week give parents, children, students and more the opportunity to discover how to forge a career in one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK. And there’s even the opportunity to learn how to create a video game!
Interactive Futures is a free virtual event that takes place during half-term week, from Tuesday, February 16 to Saturday, February 20. While Tuesday will focus on topics related to those already working in the industry, the rest of the week is dedicated to careers, learning – and fun.
Sessions have been created to appeal to different age groups:
Primary school age children and parents (11am each day, Wednesday February 17–Saturday February 20)
– Digital Schoolhouse will provide practical workshops on how to create a video game. All you’ll need are pens, paper and imagination!
Primary/secondary age children and parents (2pm each day, Wednesday February 17–Saturday February 20)
- Join the Mobo Games Jam! Learn about games for social impact, generating stories, production, prototyping and more.
Secondary age children and parents (12pm each day, Wednesday February 17–Friday February 19)
- Discover why there’s a career in games for everyone – even if you don’t like maths or science!
- What skills do you need for a career in games? We’ll tell all
- Looking at options after school? We’ll provide information on Further Education, Higher Education and Apprenticeship options
FE/HE students (1pm every day, Wednesday February 17–Friday February 19)
- Question everything! We look at how to Design with Curiosity
- Make sure you present yourself well, via a session on how to curate your portfolio and hone your CV. Plus top interview techniques from those in the know
- Discover how some of the region’s upcoming video games stars kicked off their career journeys
Parents and families (11am-1pm, Saturday February 20)
- Are video games a distraction or vocation? Why parents should take play more seriously when it comes to a future career path
- Find out about the benefits of playing video games
- Discover the range of careers available now and in the future
Plus! A series of special keynote sessions at 10am each day, including:
- Caroline Dinenage MP, Minister of State for Digital & Culture
- Matt Western, MP for Warwick and Leamington
- Ed Shedd, Chair, Create Central
- Rick Gibson, CEO, British Games Institute & the National Videogames Museum
- Dr Jo Twist, CEO, Ukie
- Declan Cassidy, CEO, Into Games
Interactive Futures is hosted by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), Warwickshire County Council and Warwick District Council.
Sarah Windrum, board director at the CWLEP and chair of its Digital and Creative Business Group, said: “There are so many great sessions lined up throughout the five days of Interactive Futures to appeal to a wide range of children and students.
“The games sector is a crucial part of the Coventry and Warwickshire economy and it offers incredibly rewarding careers due to the variety of opportunities and skills required. This is why we want parents to join as well to find out more.
“We are really fortunate that so many of the video games studios in our area are willing to give their time to take this part in this virtual event and I know it will be great fun for everyone attending. I plan to join with my nine-year-old and help boost her digital career too!”
