February 2024
Another month gone by, and more news and updates!
This is the second newsletter ScotCreate has created for this year with news, games, opportunities and of course events! Alongside our newsletter and our plan to help share more about what’s going on in Scotland in games, esports and content creation, what we do and what we are working to create overall as part of ScotCreate has been getting more attention. Many ideas and plans are still in the works and we will hopefully be able to announce them soon!
We are also happy to mention that we finally had our first Discord community night, getting together and playing some Lethal Company. If having some fun, laughs, and a bunch of banter sounds like something that you would be interested in then join the Discord and come say hi to us! There will be many more to come and as we continue to grow, they will be more frequent and also bigger!
News
Scotland’s national strategy to support the gaming industry
The Scottish government has decided to back the creation of a national games strategy! With further support from CodeBase and their TechScaler program this strategy would hopefully see support for Scotland’s very diverse and extensive game ecosystem on a national level.
The Scottish Games Network will embark on creating a plan of action which will look to combine the inputs of many different industries, education and more to inform the strategy. In that regard, they will host workshops to gather evidence and insights; keep an eye out for the dates!
We believe that content creation is an invaluable part of games and that if you think about games, thinking about content creation should not be all too far behind. As such, we will be joining the workshops held by the Scottish Games Network to bring our knowledge about content creation and our hopes about its future in Scotland to the table.
We would love to hear from you, content creators across all of Scotland, what you would like to see as part of this, how would you see content creation at a more national level, what support would you like to see, etc.!
If you have any comments or suggestions that you would like to highlight in such a discussion, please reach out to us via email so that we can put them forward at the workshops.
NeonHive - Publisher announcement
NeonHive, Glasgow based and award winning PR, community and marketing agency, goes publisher!
NeonHive announced earlier this month that on top of their usual work, they are branching out into publishing to support game studios in launching and publishing fantastic new games. They have also helped create many fantastic events such as the Games for Weans campaign for Glasgow Children’s hospital and won Creative Agency of the year by MCV/Develop Awards last year, so a move like this is only natural and very much welcomed!
Recently released games
Viewfinder
Brain-breaking puzzles and gorgeous visuals will meet you in Viewfinder, a game released mid last year by the incredibly creative Sad Owl Studios (but we still wanted to draw some attention to it because it is really great fun)!
Grab your polaroid and take pictures that will do far more than simply hang on a wall.
Hint: you use them to carve your way through this wonderfully created world, all while uncovering the mysteries it has to offer! Oh, and pet the cat, always pet the cat!
The Zhukov Line
The Zhukov Line is a super fun, Iron Lung reminiscent, game by the fantastic Fish Tin Games! As a fast paced, one-room horror game, time, efficiency and nerves are of the essence; simply don’t panic and don’t die of course! Your job is to fulfill the mission, get this train to the destination and who knows what else will happen!
Go and play it because, best of all, it’s totally free (props to Fish Tin Games)!
Rise of the Village Hero
Rise of the Village Hero is an indie RPG game created by the one dev army from Ludus Pax Studios (who, mind you, is also a dedicated student at the same time)! Slay goblins, pick up their swords to slay even more, complete quests and become the Village Hero! With nostalgic RuneScape vibes if you enjoy good old fashioned be-the-hero games then this is for you!
Also definitely have a look at the developer log on the Ludus Pax Studio website for a great insight into the ups and downs, challenges and triumphs of being a solo developer!
Events
ACME Comic Con - 9th March 2024 / 10th March 2024
The ACME Comic Con is back in Glasgow this year in March! Whether you are a gaming, comic, anime, cosplay fan or more, this is the location for you to be and enjoy a weekend full of fun, creativity and meet some fellow enthusiasts!
Glasgow Anime and Gaming Con - 6th July 2024 / 7th July 2024 (Glasgow)
Anime and games, what more could you ask for? Are you a cosplayer and want to participate in a Cosplay Masquerade? Do you love lip sync battles, talent shows, anime bingo, quizzes and more? Well then this is the place for you! Activities, anime, cosplay, boardgames, RPGs are all included!
Video Games Music in Concert by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra - 31st May 2024 (Edinburgh)/ 1st June 2024 (Glasgow)
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra presents Video Games Music in Concert! Don’t you love music in games? The nostalgia of the Pokémon theme, the hair raising chills of Dark Souls boss music, the serenity of Stardew Valley farming tunes and so much more?
Although these might not be the tunes picked and played at this event (but who knows), you still do not want to miss having video game music performed by a fantastic symphony orchestra!
Game On - 29th June to 3rd November 2024 (Edinburgh)
For a little bit over 4 months the National Museum of Scotland is inviting enthusiasts to their Game On exhibition about the creative and technological advances in games. This interactive exhibition will allow you to play games and explore many different ways in which games and consoles have evolved and changed!
WorldCon - 8th August 2024 to 12th August 2024 (Glasgow)
The 82nd World Science Fiction Convention is coming for the third time to Glasgow this year! With fantastic speakers and many events around anything science fiction this is the conference for anyone interested in books, TV shows, games and more!
Opportunities
Battle for Glasgow (2024) - Volunteering opportunity
The Battle for Glasgow is back! After two successful years, the three Glasgow based universities are back, battling for the crown in five different games! As part of the event, many volunteers are needed.
Whether it is production, on air talent, marketing, or more, volunteers are an integral part of creating this fantastic esports event! So if you have any interest in building on your existing skills, trying something new or relating, this is your opportunity to shine, bolster your portfolio and CV and get involved in some exciting live events!
Woodland Trust - Volunteering opportunity (young adults)
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity who works on preserving, restoring and protecting UK’s woodlands and ecosystems. They are now looking for content creators on a volunteer basis to help with their work!
This is a great opportunity for anyone who has content creation experience and wants to look into either developing their skill in a different setting or working on their portfolio. This flexible role is for anyone between 16-25 years and requires you to work a minimum of two hours per month over the course of a 12 month period.