MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Ukie has become a major funder of this year’s Now Play This, part of the London Games Festival, to support more experimental game commissions via a new three-way partnership with Games London and Now Play This CIC. According to a press release, Ukie’s funding, in particular, "will enable more commissions and content to exist for practitioners to showcase their work to the public".
In 2019, the festival will run at Somerset House April 6-14th, with talks and workshops for practitioners on the first weekend, and more family-focused events on the second. It will feature "exciting hands-on gameplay for all ages to enjoy, from solo games to multiplayer collaborative experiences, from a host of multidisciplinary artists and creators". Visitors can also enjoy a range of free outdoor gaming installations, as well as talks and workshops.
"Now Play This is a true celebration of the culture, curiosity and creative breadth of games," said Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of Ukie. "We are delighted that this contribution from the sector means more creativity and artistry from the community. We’re also pleased that the funding will help Now Play This to have more original commissioned work and more opportunities for anyone interested in our powerful form of art."
"We are extremely grateful to Ukie for their enhanced support of this year’s Now Play This at Somerset House," added Jonathan Reekie CBE, Director of Somerset House Trust. "This has enabled us to double the length of the festival to nine days, with more games, talks and workshops for visitors of all ages. With Ukie’s support, Now Play This continues to offer a vital platform for talented artists and game developers and ensure that experimental game design often engaging in unexpected subjects is thriving."
The 2019 open call for Now Play This is now closed. If you’ve applied and have yet to hear back about your submission, festival organisers say prospective presenters will be contacted shortly.
