ELEVATE: Eye

Make Your First Game. 

We are looking for young people in Eye (Suffolk, UK) who want to started their games career by creating a variety of narrative games.

The 5-day intensive programme is free of charge and open to anyone. Prioritizing people who live in or around the parishes of Eye, Yaxley, Mellis, Thrandeston, and Brome & Oakley if events get sold out, we welcome anyone aged 14 and over (with no upper age limit) who wants to learn how to tell their story and learn more about making a narrative interactive game! 

Game developers from throughout the region and beyod will be holding workshops helping the participants learn how to tell their stories, connect with the wider games industry of the UK and make their first game. 

No previous game development experience is necessary!

Game Anglia and their industry partners will be teaching everybody how to make a narrative game using bespoke kits which have been developed specifically for the ELEVATE programme. Participants can join for one or more sessions, as each workshop will have its own take-aways

The programme is free-of-charge, taking place throughout June, August, October and November.

Lunch will be provided to everyone attending. A travel bursary of up to £25 per participant from the five target parishes is available.

Workshops

4 August 2025 - Sound Design Workshop

Have you ever wondered how the magical sounds in your favourite video games are created? Curious what it’s like to design the noise for squashing a Goomba, hearing a dragon breathe fire, or summoning a Jinn from an ancient lamp?

Join us for a hands-on, free sound design workshop with Sam Thomas (he/him), Lead Sound Designer at Dlala Studios, whose work includes the BAFTA-nominated Disney Illusion Island. He’s bringing 11 years of work experience in games, tips for affordable tools, and a love for the craft to the table. Sam stated, “Sound Design is the most fun discipline in video games”, and that he’s looking forward to sharing it with the audience!

30 June 2025 - Level Design Workshop 

Want to get a taste of what it’s like to design your own level – no experience required?

Join us for a hands-on, once-in-a-lifetime taster session led by Maria Barte, a seasoned level and game designer who’s worked on awesome franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Need for Speed, and FIFA. Whether you're curious about how games are made or dreaming of a career in the games industry – this session is for you!

Expect a beginner-friendly introduction to Level Design from a games industry pro, a chance to design your own game level on paper with fun creative exercises (which you can even use for a tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons!)