North West Playtesters return to The Sharp Project this October, this time with our friends at BAFTA. Join us for a day of testing new tabletop games, video games, virtual reality and more.

We will be welcoming both professionals and enthusiasts to showcase their games and gather valuable feedback from the general public and industry peers. If you are a fan of playing games, this is a chance to be one of the first to try out up-and-coming titles and give feedback directly to the developers.

This time we are supported by BAFTA. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally.

They will be hosting a workshop for the Young Game Designers competition, a competition they hold every year for 10-14 year olds interested in game design. The BAFTA Young Game Designers Game Concept Workshop will run from 1pm to 2pm and is available for children aged 10 to 14. Whether you love to code, draw or write the story, BAFTA YGD gives you an insight into the world of game-making and a chance to meet game developers in the UK Games industry. This workshop will help you to develop and shape your initial idea into and provide tips on how you might develop it further. For more information see http://ygd.bafta.org.

• Free entrance for everyone.

• Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.

• Photography may take place that will be used on our social media.

• There will be food available to purchase at the venue with complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks.

• There will be complimentary alcoholic drinks at the evening networking drinks.

Itinerary

12pm - Doors Open for Playtesting.

1pm - BAFTA YGD Game Concept Workshop

5pm to 8pm - Evening networking drinks, all welcome.

For Game Developers

If you are a game developer/designer interested in showcasing your game, please fill out this form in addition to getting your free ticket on Eventbrite. Please note you will be responsible for bringing your own equipment.

How to Get Here

Free parking is available at the venue.

The Sharp Project is centrally located 10 minutes outside Manchester city centre in the North West of England.

By Car

Satnav – 1 Thorp Road, M40 5BJ (53.50201, -2.19344)

From Manchester City Centre

Head towards the Northern Quarter or Victoria Station, then onto Oldham Road (A62) via Great Ancoats Street. Continue along Oldham Road for 2 miles (3 km) and turn left onto Thorp Road (B6393), then immediately left again into The Sharp Project and press the buzzer.

From the Motorway Network

Head for the M60 (ring road) East, take junction 22 and head towards Manchester city centre along Oldham Road (A62) for 2.5 miles (4 km). Turn right onto Thorp Road (B6393) and immediately left into The Sharp Project. Press the buzzer.

By Tram

Our nearest Metrolink stop is Central Park, which is on the Oldham & Rochdale line (via Victoria Station).

By Bus

The following services pass The Sharp Project: 24, 72, 82, 83, 180, 181, 184, 188, X82 and X84.