Games Development Masterclasses with BAFTA

Interested in games development? The British Academy for Film and Television Arts (and video games) have teamed up with the Institute of Contemporary Arts to produce a series of London-based masterclasses on game design and development. Each class will feature an expert talking about their field in a small, intimate environment.

The next event is at 6pm this Wednesday 9th March with David Hego, Art Director for last year’s Batman: Arkham Asylum.

“From concept phase to final implementation, David explains how the team created the dark and gothic mood of the game, covering the theory and practice of the visual narration, lighting, colour schemes, and “hyper-realistic” look of the iconic comic-book characters.”

Find more info on the BAFTA site: Mastering Your Craft: Games Art Direction in Batman: Arkham Asylum, with David Hego

This will be followed by a writing masterclass on 23rd March with Revolution Software’s Charles Cecil.

“In 2010 [Cecil] worked as game designer, executive producer and a voice director for the PC/Mac adaptation of the BBC’s Doctor Who, in collaboration with writers from the TV series and show runner Steven Moffat. He previously designed the game adaptation of Robert Zemeckis’ Christmas Carol, and acted as an executive producer for the game of The Da Vinci Code. Charles has a particular interest in the narrative and aesthetic aspects of interactive entertainment”

Tickets are £12 to the general public, less with concessions or ICA membership. Book your place through the ICA website: BAFTA Masterclasses – Writing for Games with Charles Cecil

At the end of the month, 30th March has a session on game design.

“Rare Studios reveal the challenges and most effective approaches in creating cutting-edge entertainment on new and rapidly evolving hardware platforms.”

Again, general tickets are £12. Book early – these sessions do sell out. Mastering your Craft: Game Design with RARE Studios

Throughout March and April there are events covering visual effects, cinematography and other aspects of media production. Here’s the full schedule for BAFTA at the ICA.