LGF returns on October 24th

The London Games Festival is set to return to the capital for its fourth successive year from October 24th.

This year’s festival promises ‘something for everyone’, according to organisers – including parents seeking advice on safe gaming for their children.

Confirmed highlights of this year’s festival include:

the London MCM Expo at Excel, East London on October 24th and 25th;

the London Games Conference at Bafta in central London on October 27;

the Golden Joysticks Awards on October 30; and

the Eurogamer Expo at Old Billingsgate, on October 30 and 31.

Director General of ELSPA Michael Rawlinson said: The 2008 London Games Festival was a major success. With the rise in popularity of videogames in the UK I’m sure this year’s Festival will be a great draw and fun for everyone.”

Last year’s London Games Festival drew 200,000 attendees, with more than 60 events – including EA’s Be The One on Trafalgar Square, which saw gamers battle it out on-stage while live bands entertained the crowds.

VP and general manager of Electronic Arts in the UK and Ireland Keith Ramsdale, who served as last year’s festival chair, said:

The 2008 London Games Festival was the biggest and brightest. With support from all areas of the industry it is now well established as part of the worldwide event calendar and we look forward to its ongoing success.

"We have signed up a number of partnerships for 2009 and the festival is already taking shape well. The Government, media and the public took great interest last year and we look forward to welcoming them all back.”

www.londongamesfestival.com