Back for its sixth year, FXP Festival, the Cambridgeshire-based education initiative focused on computer game design and development will, for the first time ever, invite students to participate in either a nine-week virtual Festival, or attend the popular three-day games jam in person – or both!
Now open for schools to register, the FXP organisers have created the new format to ensure the 2022 Festival remains accessible for all, while taking into account any restrictions that may be in place at the time.
The Festival, which is a registered charity, is being supported by Ukie, the trade body for the UK’s creative games and interactive entertainment sector. Over 300 students participated in FXP Festival 2021, and the initiative provides a gateway for students to develop their skills, through game design and development, and gain an insight into the opportunities available to them in the games development industry.
The virtual Festival will run over a nine-week period, from 19 April 2022, culminating in a prize giving ceremony on 29 June 2022. The in-person event will take place from 9 – 11 July 2022 at Cambridge Regional College. Thanks to FXP Festival’s supporters and sponsors, including Anglia Ruskin University, it remains completely free for all students who wish to participate.
FXP Festival 2022 will once again have three core modules that will be directed by experts in the gaming industry, including Mark Ogilvie, Creative Director at Jagex, who will lead the Game Concept & Design module. The Game Narrative and Game Production modules will also return for 2022, providing students with the opportunity to focus on both the technical and creative elements of game design.
Mark Ogilvie, FXP Festival co-founder, trustee and expert lead for the Game Concept & Design module, said: “FXP Festival plays an important role in breaking down perceived barriers to game design and development as a career and enables students to learn more about the opportunities that they have on their doorstep in Cambridgeshire. As the lead for the Game Concept & Design module, I love helping students reach their creative potential and seeing the next generation of game designers taking part in the competition.”
Alison Taylor, FXP Festival co-founder, trustee and Managing Director of Conscious Communications, added: “By running FXP Festival we are providing important opportunities for young people in the county to engage with industry leaders in the region, as well as developing the skills they need to succeed in the future. Giving teams the choice of how they would like to participate means the 2022 format will be even more exciting and engaging than ever. We are looking forward to seeing the results of the teams’ collaboration, creativity and communication.”
FXP Festival is open to entries from schools and Colleges in Cambridgeshire. Each team can be made of up to five people aged between 12 and 19, however, projects will be judged in two age categories: Year 8 – 11 and Further Education.
To find out how to sponsor the event or register your school’s interest, visit fxpfestival.com.
