Contest aims to get games design to next level

A new competition has started in Northamptonshire, aiming to discover the next big video game, like Minecraft or Grand Theft Auto. The UK’s gaming industry is huge, worth about £4. 7 billion, and many people dream of creating the next hit game. The contest invites game designers to submit their most original games, and the winners will be announced at the Northampton Film Festival. A group of expert judges from the gaming industry will choose the best entries. The festival’s director, Becky Carrier, said she wanted to do something special for the festival’s fifth birthday, and she noticed that Northampton has a large community of people interested in making games. She also pointed out that technology for games and films is becoming more similar, so it makes sense to bring these creative groups together.

To enter the contest, designers must submit a game that is based on a new idea and has at least one playable level. There are two categories: one for people under 21 and another for those 21 and older. All entries must be sent in by 30 November, and the winners will be revealed at the Northampton Film Festival awards ceremony at the Royal Theatre on 8 March 2026. The awards are being organized with help from a local arts charity and the University of Northampton. David Nicholls, who leads the game design program at the university, said that after hosting a networking event for game designers, he realized how much talent there is in the area. He believes the contest will show how creative people in the Midlands can be.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Royal Theatre, a historic building in Northampton. Becky Carrier, who started the festival, said she wanted to support collaboration between creative people in Northampton, the Midlands, and beyond. The festival will also have other events and will begin at Northampton Market Square on 6 September. For many teenagers, being paid to test games is a dream job, but it takes a unique idea to stand out in the crowded gaming market. The contest is a great opportunity for anyone who loves games to show their skills and possibly become the creator of the next famous game. If you have a story about Northamptonshire, you can contact the news team or follow updates online. The contest is expected to bring together game designers, filmmakers, and other creative people, making it an exciting event for the local community.