Events
The full 2026 programme for NGF26 is here! Presented by The Forum with Lead Partner Norwich University of the Arts.
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2pm - 3pmHow Games Can Help Your Child Make More Friends (and Keep Them)
In this 60‑minute session, we’ll explore how both digital and tabletop games can strengthen skills like listening, empathy, turn‑taking and confidence in a way that feels natural and fun.
TalkWellbeingSENDFamily friendly -
4pm - 5pmHow to Make Tabletop Gaming More Inclusive
A panel of experienced players and professionals working in the tabletop games industry will share their insights into playing, designing, and running accessible tabletop games, both in-person and online.
PanelTalkFamily friendlyWellbeingTabletopSEND -
7pm - 9pmPlastic Invasion: How Warhammer Conquered the World
How did Games Workshop grow from two friends living out of a van to the biggest games company in Europe?
TalkAdult onlyTabletop -
4pm - 5pmNavigating Networking
Walking into a room of strangers and starting meaningful conversations can feel daunting. Explore what networking really means and why it matters in this interactive workshop. Learn strategies and techniques, take part in live networking practice, and join open discussions.
CareersIndustryWorkshopNetworkingTalkAdult only -
6pm - 7.15pmGive Us A Cluedo
What makes British games so successful, and why do we love them so much?
TalkFamily friendlyTabletopRetroIndustry -
11am - 12noonDeveloping the Next Generation of Technical Game Audio Professionals
Steven Coltart is a British composer, audio lead, technical music designer, and educator whose work spans video games, film, television, and immersive media. This talk examines the key roles within game audio, with a focus on the demand for audio programmers.
TalkVideo GamesCareersIndustry -
4pm - 5pmMake Games That Matter - Games Beyond Entertainment
In this talk, Imre Jele explores the best examples of games with purpose and meaning beyond pure entertainment, and puts forward a case of why learning the skills to create games-beyond-entertainment is also a crucial tool to create entertainment.
TalkIndustryCareers -
11am - 12noonTamagotchis and Death in the Internet Age
Looking at the history of children’s virtual pets, and the shift towards virtual worlds, this talk delves into what it means to lose something, and how we manifest grief for non-human creatures.
TalkRetro -
1pm - 2pmSkill Trees: How Learning to Make Games Can Unlock Many Careers Paths
Ready to level up your future? Join Niky Ellison, Communications & Strategy Expert, and Jake Montanarini Course Leader of Games at Norwich University of the Arts for an exciting exploration of the diverse world of game design and discover how these valuable skills can open doors in surprising ways.
Family friendlyVideo GamesCareersIndustryTalkPanel -
4pm - 5pmHow To Validate Your Game Ideas
You’ve got a great idea for a game, but how do you know if players will actually want to play it? This talk, with Jennie Burton (co-founder and Head of Marketing at Game Oracle), explores how market research can help game developers turn creative inspiration into commercially successful projects.
TalkCareersIndustry