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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Times varyThe Sunflower Snug
The Sunflower Snug is a calm and relaxed space, open to all, that has been specifically designed with the support of SEND specialists to welcome those who may find attending the main Festival challenging.
SENDFamily friendlyWellbeingVideo GamesArts & CraftsFreeTabletop -
Times varyPlan and Make a Game
Create, play and take home your own paper-based game in just one hour.
WorkshopTabletopFamily friendlyActivity -
10am - 4pmThe Arena - Fri 29 May
The Forum is home to The Arena during NGF26 where you’ll find a huge variety of FREE interactive gaming fun for all ages. You can just drop by and play. There’ll be plenty of your favourite games there, plus lots to discover and try out!
FreeFamily friendlyThe ArenaSENDSports & ExerciseWellbeingCareersTabletopVideo GamesRetroIndustryShowcaseArts & Crafts -
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 -
2pm - 3.30pmIt All Flows Somewhere
It All Flows Somewhere is a large-scale tabletop map-making game. You'll create a communal map of a fictional neighbourhood, discovering the histories of the area and the people who live there. After the session, the physical maps you have created will be scanned and translated into a digital world that you can visit at home!
Family friendlyWorkshopActivityArts & CraftsTabletop -
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 -
5.15pm - 6.15pmStamina Is Key: How to Build a Sustainable Studio
Dr Ross Burton, data scientist and the technical co-founder of Game Oracle, shares what Steam market data reveals about building a studio that can keep shipping until the breakthrough happens.
TalkCareersIndustry -
6.30pm - 9pmWork in Norwich Networking Evening
Join Work in Norwich and Norwich Games Festival as we highlight and connect you with the businesses, community groups and organisations that can help you start-up, scale-up and sustain your brand.
Adult onlyCareersIndustryNetworkingTalkPanel -
Open daily from 10amThe Gaming Lounge
Join us in the cosy board game and puzzle lounge where hosts John 'Actualol' Purkis, Slice + Dice and Norwich Games Convention will teach you how to play new, traditional and locally made tabletop games.
FreeFamily friendlyTabletopThe ArenaActivityWellbeingRetroDrop-in