York St John University hosts North England’s largest games event and inspires the regions next industry leaders

York St John University partnered with Game Republic, an industry-led games business network, to host the annual event which aims to connect students with games experts and employers. 

The Game Republic Student Showcase promotes the significant games development industry in the North, encouraging the brightest and most committed students to stay in the region and build their careers after graduation. 

The event is an opportunity for students to show their skills and knowledge to employers, with the possibility of placements and full-time jobs up for grabs. 

Students on York St John University’s Computer Science with High Performance Graphics and Games Engineering MEng and BSc courses presented alongside the best final-year student videogames work from 15 universities and colleges.  

Naomi Kirk-Muir, third year Games Design student at York St John University said: “My game, which had climate change as its theme, was part of an ongoing university project so it was great to showcase this work and get feedback. Meeting experts from the gaming industry, as well as looking at projects by my peers from here and other universities, allowed me to expand my network for the future.” 

Judging this work were representatives from five Yorkshire games companies, including Sumo Digital, Distinctive Games, and Red Kite Games with prizes awarded to the best projects in the following categories - Game Design, Game Art and Animation, Game Audio, Game Technology and Best Team. 

Harrison Hogarth from York St John University won the Sumo Digital Award for Game Design.  

A full list of category winners and a video of some of the creative entries can be found on the Games Republic Student Showcase webpage.  

Andy Sandham, Senior Lecturer in Games Design at York St John University said, “The Game Republic Student Showcase is a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their work and demonstrate how York St John is at the forefront of games course education. 

“The atmosphere was buzzing with creativity, and we know connections have been made that will reach far beyond the event itself.”  

Managing Director of Game Republic, Jamie Sefton, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Game Republic Student Showcase in partnership with York St John University.  

“Over the last two decades, the day event – which is the biggest of its kind in the UK - has resulted in hundreds of placements and full-time jobs for graduates in the region’s games industry. We’re hoping that the event will kickstart more careers in the diverse and successful games industry.” 

 Find out more about Games Design at York St John University