The London Games Festival 2025, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is set to be the UK's biggest games event, running from April 2 to April 13 across various venues in the capital. As reported by Film London, the festival will feature a diverse lineup of events, including the BAFTA Games Awards, Games Finance Market, and a free public showcase in Trafalgar Square, aiming to champion diversity in the creative industry.
New Game Plus Expo Highlights
New Game Plus, the festival's headline event, will debut on April 3-4, 2025, at the London Museum. This consumer-focused expo will showcase over 30 games from the festival's Official Selection, featuring upcoming titles from around the world across all platforms. The event will also highlight the 2025 Ensemble exhibition, spotlighting the work of eight Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic developers based in the UK.
- Open to both public and industry professionals
- Tickets go on sale in December 2024
- Runs alongside an industry conference
- Part of the festival's efforts to support diversity in game development
Ensemble Exhibition at Trafalgar
The Ensemble exhibition, a centerpiece of the London Games Festival 2025, will return to Trafalgar Square, showcasing the talent of UK games professionals from Black, Asian, and underrepresented ethnicities. This free, open-air exhibit aims to highlight the diverse roles and opportunities available in the creative industries, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity in the gaming sector. The exhibition will feature interactive displays and gameplay stations for up to 8 digital games, each exploring innovative ideas from diverse voices.
- Runs from April 11-12, 2025, as part of the festival's two-day takeover of Trafalgar Square
- Builds on successful appearances in 2022 and 2023
- Complements other festival activities, including free game demos and family-friendly events
- Supports the industry's efforts to improve diversity and representation in game development
Screen Play Keynote Speakers
Screen Play, the London Games Festival's conference on the intersection of games and other entertainment industries, has announced its first wave of keynote speakers for 2025. Story Kitchen co-founders Dmitri M Johnson and Mike Goldberg will deliver the opening keynote, discussing the convergence of games, film, and television. Their company is behind the $1 billion Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise and is developing adaptations of popular game properties like Just Cause, Streets of Rage, and It Takes Two.
- Amanda Kruse from Big Fan Games will lead a panel on adapting entertainment IPs into games
- Cyrille Imbert, CEO of Dotemu, known for Streets of Rage 4 and TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, will join the panel
- Entertainment lawyer Simon Pulman will moderate the keynote discussion
- Crystal Dynamics will also participate in the conversation
For guests attending the London Games Festival 2025, the Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel offers a convenient and comfortable stay. Located near the iconic Hyde Park, the hotel provides easy access to central London, making it an ideal choice for those attending events at the festival.
Book Now