Free games workshop in Haverhill for aspiring designers

A free three-day workshop for 13-16-year-olds interested in designing computer games is being held at Haverhill Arts Centre next month.

Called 'Ready Maker One', the workshop will run from 10am to 4pm from Monday, August 20 to Wednesday 23 and applications need to be in before Friday, July 20.

The programme will be led by Matthew Applegate who has been running the Creative Computing Club in Ipswich for the past six years and supported by artist Emily Godden and digital maker Katy Marshall.

Michelle Brace , co-ordinator, Haverhill Festival of Creative Technology, said: “This really is a special opportunity as we’ve got some fantastic people from the games industry on board.

"Young people will be able to meet people who work in different roles within games production and find out for themselves what goes into making a computer game.

"The event is not just for young people who already have skills in coding and digital making as we will be welcoming all young people with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to play and experiment.

"The aim is for those who take part to work in teams to design a playable game over the course of the three days.”

Each day will include a talk by someone from the games industry including Steven Huckle, founder of the Anglia Games Hub and Frazer Merrick of award winning games studio Tea Boy Games.

The programme includes a trip to the Centre for Computing History in Cambridge where young people will be presenting their games to parents and friends.

Their visit will also give them the opportunity to learn about the history of gaming.

The project has been funded by NEACO to ignite interest in creative technology careers and opportunities available as a result of progression through higher education courses.

To apply please email Charlotte@TakeYourPlace.ac.uk to receive the link.