The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced a new public exhibition which will show off playable versions of the latest games from the world's biggest games companies. 'Inside Games' will take place on 12th March at the Tobacco Dock, Wapping, London, the same day as the British Academy Games Awards, hosted by Dara O'Briain. Tickets are available for the public to purchase now.
The event is BAFTA's first-ever pre-Awards event and will offer hands-on access to the public across a wide range of new and upcoming blockbuster games titles. A chain of BAFTA-curated talks with leading game developers will be offered at the event whilst 'Inside Games Arcade' will offer a playable showcase of many games.
Games varying in scope, platform, style and development budget will be shown at the event and public tickets to the British Academy Games Awards will be available for the first time. Tickets for entry to 'Inside Games' (12.00 - 5.00pm) will be available for £12 in advance, with a limited number available on the day and tickets to the British Academy Games Awards presentation (5.30 - 9.00pm), including access to the earlier 'Inside Games' event are available now for £30.
"After a review of last year’s Awards activity, the committee believed it was time to broaden the ways in which BAFTA celebrates games and to enable the industry to engage more directly with gamers. Our Inside Games event has been curated by BAFTA to give gamers unprecedented access to the developers behind some of the best new titles of 2014. Also opening our Awards to the public for the first time is another way in which we are helping them have a better connection with the industry," commented Harvey Elliott, Chair of BAFTA's Games Committee.
Exhibitors at Inside Games will include:
- Deep Silver- showcasing the post-apocalyptic sequel to Metro 2033, Metro Last Light, on HD super-screens
- Electronic Arts- showcasing the highly anticipated Titanfall on Xbox One ahead of its release in spring
- Jagex- showcasing RuneScape, multi-award-winning fantasy MMORPG with Mark Ogilvie, RuneScape design director, presenting a talk about the game
- Microsoft- more details to follow...
- Namco Bandai Games- showcasing a sequel to Dark Souls, Dark Souls II, due to release 14th March
- SEGA- showcasing titles including Company of Heroes 2, Football Manager, Total War and Sonic the Hedgehog
- Sony- more details to follow...
- Valve- showcasing the first ever Secret Shop to appear in London, with a wide range of merchandise including bundled exclusive digital items for games such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Team Fortress 2 and Portal.
The tickets include a number of freebies as well as entry to the show(s). The 'Inside Games' £12 ticket allows you access to the show and arcade and get a brochure, a complimentary drink and a chocolate BAFTA mask made by Hotel Chocolat. If you go for the whole day with the £30 ticket you will additionally get entry to the award ceremony hosted by Dara O'Briain and entry to the pre-awards drinks reception. Please note that you need to be over 18 to attend either of the events.
