The University of Warwick’s Esports Centre played host to the Festival of Play, a one-of-a-kind school trip for 9–14-year-olds to explore careers in gaming.

The event, on 11th July, featured interactive workshops, inspiring talks, and innovative games, highlighting careers in the video games industry. The event is delivered in partnership with Electronic Arts, UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE), and Digital Schoolhouse.

In its third year, the festival expanded even more, educating and empowering young learners about the technology behind video games and promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) subjects.

Digital Schoolhouse and Warwick student volunteers conducted mini tournaments, learnt about Esports, and guided children in forming teams and competitions, with results tracked on a league table.

Andrew Todd, Regional Engagement Director at The University of Warwick, said: "We are thrilled to celebrate the Festival of Play, which opens up CreaTech, gaming and esports to schools, fostering both community engagement and future talent.

“Collaborating with Digital Schoolhouse and UKIE to bring this event to Coventry and Warwickshire is a significant achievement, showcasing our commitment to supporting local schools and highlighting the potential of creative and digital careers.

“It was fantastic to see a number of Coventry schools take part, making the event a true community success."

The University of Warwick has recently been recognised as the ‘best UK university for gamersLink opens in a new window’ and has been awarded ‘Esports University of the Year’ six years in a row.

These accolades come as searches for ‘game developer qualifications’ have soared by 250%, reflecting a growing interest for careers in the gaming industry.

Shahneila Saeed, Director of Digital Schoolhouse said, "It has been exciting to watch the Festival of Play grow year on year thanks to the support and partnership of Electronic Arts.

“Bringing the Festival to The University of Warwick has allowed us to offer a wealth of unique and inspiring opportunities to students and teachers.

“They engaged in hands-on learning, discovered the latest in gaming technology, and gained valuable insights into the video games industry. We are incredibly grateful to The University of Warwick for their support in making this event a success”.

This one-of-a-kind school trip is not just for students; the conference is a fantastic opportunity for continuing professional development, providing teachers in attendance with the skills to bring computing lessons to life in the classroom by teaching in fun and playful ways.

Siân Mayhall-Purvis from Digital Schoolhouse added, "Bringing the Festival of Play to the University of Warwick has allowed us to interact and engage with students in an exciting and interactive environment. Our series of mini tournaments in their state-of-the-art Esports Centre helped to demystify esports and show young learners the diverse opportunities available in the gaming industry."

The event comes at a vital time for Esports at Warwick and throughout the region. The gaming industry contributes over £1.5 billion to the West Midlands economy, with Warwick’s recently re-opened £4 million Esports centre helping to launch the careers of tomorrow’s Esports superstars.

Festival of Play has been a huge success over the past two years, engaging hundreds of school pupils and their teachers in a uniquely interactive gaming careers experience.

It also offers an opportunity for university student volunteersto network and learn from attending video game companies, and industry professionals.

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Notes to Editors

For further information about the Festival of Play contact Digital SchoolhouseLink opens in a new window.