Five reasons to visit Backspace this week

All this week, a series of games events are being held in Royal Leamington Spa to celebrate the efforts of the local area’s development community.

Backspace, which is held annually in the town, aims to shine the light on local studios to both the industry and consumers, aiding the latter with careers advice and giving them the chance to try out the latest games.

We spoke to event director Natalie Griffith about the week’s highlights (excluding the Develop Quiz being held in the town on Thursday, October 30th, of course).

Pop-up exhibition chronicling more than 30 years of games development in and around Silicon Spa
Saturday, October 25th to Sunday, November 2nd

"Following the multi-award winning first Backspace festival, the 30+ year exhibition timeline again tells the full story of Silicon Spa’s highs and lows, and shines a light on the internationally acclaimed games and franchises that have been developed in the town an across Warwickshire. The exhibition also houses the winners of the inaugural schools’ game design competition, showcasing the designers of the future and their Warwickshire-themed game ideas."

Leamington ‘Spa-Cade’ games trail across town with six locally-produced games to try out
Saturday, October 25th to Sunday, November 2nd 

"The Leamington ‘Spa-Cade’ games trail across town gives local games the opportunity to shine in new and unexpected settings – a variety of retail outlets spread through the town centre. Indie games Minutes, Deep Loot and Super Killer Hornet join the roster alongside big studio titles from Codemasters and Sega. The Spa-Cade also includes exclusive first-looks at Codemasters’ new Toybox Turbos and the Halloween edition of Crazy Taxi: City Rush."

SpecialEffect accessible gaming showcase
Wednesday, October 29th, 2pm – 5pm

"A team from the gaming for the disabled charity are bringing a variety of their inspiring adapted technology to celebrate the fact that it’s truly possible for gaming to be for everyone. Visitors will be able to try out the eye control EyeGaze technology as well as a variety of other adapted devices. SpecialEffect are also one of Backspace’s official charities, alongside the locally based Myton Hospices."

Game industry careers evening at Warwickshire College
Wednesday, October 29th, 6pm – 7.30pm

"Following a series of five similar events across the county in the months running up to this year’s festival, Warwickshire College is hosting Backspace’s final games industry careers panel. Moderated by me, the packed panel of locally employed industry professionals in a variety of roles will discuss their careers, how they got into the industry and what they’d advise to students today who are keen to get started in games."

Exclusive reveal of brand new Oculus Rift game from Warwick-based Viewpoint Games
Saturday, November 1st, 2pm – 4pm

"Viewpoint Games, one of the most recent additions to the Warwickshire games scene, will be exclusively revealing their brand new Oculus Rift title, VR Karts. Hosted at the Backspace exhibition venue, visitors will get the chance to try the game for the first time, as well as offer testing feedback to the developers."

You can find out more about Backspace and its events at www.backspaceuk.com