10th BAFTA Young Game Designers competition launches

Entries for BAFTA’s 10th Young Game Designers (YGD) competition are now open.

The competition is split into two categories, game concept and game making, and divided into two age groups, 10-14 and 15-18.

For the game concept category, entrants must submit an original game idea supported by accompanying art, gameplay ideas, diagrams and/or level designs.

For game making, entrants need to submit a working game prototype featuring at least one playable level.

BAFTA says winners will receive support in further developing their ideas, plus mentoring opportunities and the chance to showcase their work to top industry figures.

A fifth prize, the YGD Mentor Award, is nominated by the public. It recognises an inspirational person involved in teaching young game creators in the UK.

Submissions will close on March 11, 2020, with entries shortlisted to 40 finalists from across the UK. They’ll be announced in May and the winners revealed at a ceremony in June 2020.

BAFTA Games Committee chair Jo Twist said: “BAFTA’s YGD competition is a fantastic way for young people to explore the craft of game design and the creativity in the entries makes for an exciting future for British games.

“Games are one of the most interesting ways of telling modern stories, increasingly spanning a wide range of topics and often tackling difficult issues that young people encounter.

“By mentoring young talent from all backgrounds and championing the next generation of games makers, YGD is an investment in the future of this industry.”