Wrexham Glyndwr University to Host One of Wales’ Top Entertainment & Gaming Events

Wrexham Glyndwr University is to once again play host to one of the most popular entertainment events in Wales.

Level Up: Games, Media and Technology Expo returns to the University on Wednesday May 17.

The Catrin Finch Centre will again play host to the free conference, which welcomed more than 500 gamers, entertainment organisations and businesses in spring 2016.

Games Wales North, Welsh Gaming Network, Quantum Soup, Gaia Technologies, Static Shell Studios, Vivid Virtual Reality and Code Club are among the partners exhibiting.

Rich Hebblewhite, a Senior Lecturer in Computing and Programme Leader for Computer Game Development at the University, said this Level Up will be bigger and better than ever before.

“We have a vast selection of virtual reality, serious game applications, robotics and computing technology alongside the typical entertainment and retro games,” said Rich, founder and organiser of the event.

“Visitors will also be able to engage in technical workshops and also enjoy some traditional board games with our Tabletop Gaming Society, who will be on hand to teach people how to play.

“Our student eSports society will also be initiating people into the world of professional competitive gaming.”

The University is celebrating after three student groups were awarded grants to set up games studios.

Each team receives £5,000 to turn concepts into prototypes ready for further professional development.

Supported by the Computing department’s innovative Business Accelerator programme – mentoring and incubation support giving students vital experience of the commercial aspects of the sector – they will be in a prime position to capitalise on their ideas on graduation.

“This year has seen enormous success for our students across our game development programme, with three of our final year teams going on to form professional game development studios of their own,” said Rich.

“We’ve also received significant investment to purchase cutting edge technology as part of our work in serious games, alongside real-world organisations and charities.”

He added: “Our Zone Enterprise and Careers teams will be in attendance at Level Up to chat with people who are looking to form their own companies or find employment in the games arena.

“Developers will be on hand all day, and we will also be running a selection of workshops – and it’s all completely free of charge.”

The event runs from 10am-5pm. For more information, visit the Level Up website or email [email protected]. Alternatively you can contact [email protected]