London Games Festival to promote UK games masters

A new annual festival promoting the UK’s £2.8 billion gaming industry is coming to London, it was announced today.

The inaugural London Games Festival, which will take place from April 1 to 10, was launched with an image of a giant Boris Johnson tearing down and rebuilding the capital’s skyline in a version of the popular game Minecraft.

Media agency Film London and gaming trade body Ukie are organising the event as part of a three-year programme, Games London, which is worth £1.2 million and aims to help companies based in the capital generate £35 million in new business.

Mr Johnson said: “Through Games London we are supercharging an increasingly important sector that exemplifies the capital’s reputation for creativity and innovation.”

The festival is funded by the London Enterprise Panel, which is chaired by the Mayor. Highlights will include Now Play This (April 1 to 3) at Somerset House, giving audiences a first look at new games, and the Games Finance Market, matching budding designers with investors.

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