Link Round-Up — June
So, England are going to win the World Cup, but who won at E3 and how can you win too?
With the World Cup impossible to ignore on our TV screens, let’s go over what is worth our time on the gaming screens, with a round-up of all things culture and videogames. If you want to get more involved with the Continue Network, there’s also the chance to attend our event in London!
News
Equality made headway at E3 2018, where it has failed horribly before. Assassin’s Creed has finally given players the opportunity to play as a female character in their new instalment ‘Odyssey’, and the sequel on everyone’s lips — The Last of Us 2 — provided fans with a rare moment, a same-sex couple sharing a kiss. Here’s the BBC’s verdict on the victory over bigotry.
One of the Continue Network’s key aims is encourage everyone to get involved in game creation, however simple or advanced they might be. Tim Sweeney is responsible for the development of a tool which enables people to make their own games with ease — the Unreal Engine. He told Newsbeat that small-scale teams and independent developers, responsible for hit games such as Rocket League and PUBG, are shaping the industry more than ever. Read the article here.
Features
With the Great Exhibition of the North currently underway, ArtsProfessional have developed an interactive map detailing levels of ‘arts engagement’ across England. Whilst it does not include Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish engagement, it is clear that arts attendance and participation is significantly higher in the south of England, especially surrounding London and the M4 corridor. Here’s the interactive map and AP’s article.
A study into financial stability for artists from ‘Creative Independent’ found that two thirds of creatives work on a freelance basis, with 42% of respondents working another job alongside their creative work.
Events
The next instalment in our Continue Network events is on the horizon, taking place on July 3rd at the British Library in London. Following an introduction from the Chief Executive of the British Library Roly Keating, we’ll havew talks from Global Game Jam’s Gorm Lai and Jo Summers as well as Paul Homer, founder of venue consultancy Lowlight and seasoned film programmer and curator. Tickets are a measly £5 and can be bought here!
If you want to network in the next few days, the International Games Funding Conference is in Liverpool this Wednesday — 27th June. If you’re an investor, there’s still time to get yourself to the event, UKIE want you there! Check out the event here.
Opportunities
Apart from our Continue Network events, we want to get you all together in a more regular and informal format. We’re in the process of initiating these formats, but if you have any ideas of your own, remember this is your network — help shape it! Get in touch with Chris or Alice at the National Videogame Foundation: chris@thenvf.org ; alice@thenvf.org
