March 2024
New opportunities and news about Scotland's National Games Strategy...
March has been a quiet month for games in Scotland as far as we are aware. However, the work on creating a monthly newsletter continues! We will keep you up to date on any games that have been released as well as keep an updated list of any game related events we hear about!
As for us, ScotCreate is slowly but steadily growing with more and more folks joining us on Twitter and Discord! We are also reaching out to more people that will hopefully help us make ScotCreate an even more valuable platform for everyone around. What’s more, plans for our first in-person event! If that’s for you, keep a look-out for our tweets or join our Discord! It’s likely going to be a very casual and informal event, but something to look forward to nonetheless!
As usual, if you have any news, any games you would like to have part of this newsletter or any events you would like shared, please get in touch! We would love to hear more from the games, esports and content creation communities in Scotland!
News
Scotland’s National Games Strategy
Over the past couple of weeks, Brian Baglow from the Scottish Games Network has been travelling across the country to host several workshops that invites anyone from the games and wider related industries to share their perceptions and opinions on how games, esports, content creation and more could be supported at a more national level.
If you are interested in sharing your opinion as well, there are still several workshops planned until the end of the month and an online session on the 8th April!
Recently released games
Manic Mechanics
Grab your wrenches and put on the overalls because it’s getting greasy! Manic Mechanic, by 4J Studios, is a fun multiplayer game where you facilitate the car craze on Octane Isle. Repair as many vehicles as you can, battle your way through different levels and challenge the local Master Mechanics to prove you are better than everyone else! Play solo, with or against friends and show everyone who’s the best Manic Mechanic!
This game is available on Switch, PlayStation/Xbox and now also on PC through Steam!
Monstrum 2
Monstrum 2 is a game by Team Junkfish published 2 years ago, however has recently been made free to play!
This is an asymmetric, multiplayer, survival horror game where you team up with other people to try and escape Sparrowlock, the labyrinth of an old research facility out at sea! Or, you become the monster and teach the survivors a lesson in horror! With many fun and different ways to play the game, much horror and many jumpscares, Monstrum 2 is a great game for anyone who enjoys playing with and against others in horror games and is now free to play!
Skye Tales
Published last year, we still thought Skye Tales deserved a feature!
Skye Tales is a sweet exploration and puzzle game where you get to play as Skye the friendly magic dragon. Explore the world of Brinn, help locals with their quests and even find cute skins to spice up your magical self. Skye Tales focuses on allowing the player to play at their own pace, so whether you want a bit more of a puzzling challenge or just want to do some cosy exploration, it’s entirely up to you! Play Skye Tales on Switch, PlayStation or find it on Steam and Epic!
Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The London Case
Released last year in August Hercule Poirot: The London Case is the second instalment in the Agatha Christie games series by Blazing Griffin. In an exciting addition, Poirot’s sidekick Hastings joins this chapter and accompanies Poirot on his adventure. Put on the detective hat, dust off the grey cells, explore the world to find clues and solve mysteries and puzzles!
Play this game on Switch, PlayStation, XBox or find it on Steam, Epic and GOG!
Events
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!
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!
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!
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!
Opportunities
Caledonia Esports - Volunteering, staff opportunities
Caledonia Esports who has been organising many small esports tournaments and events since they started is looking for support! If you want to bolster your portfolio, learn some new skills or just want to help and give some of your time to support and become part of a fantastic group of people, then this is for you!
Caledonia Esports are looking for folks to cover several positions: admin team, events team, social media team, support team, development team, and of course content creation! For more information and an idea about what each role entails, have a look at their application form.
We also highly recommend going and saying hi to them in general and maybe check out the fun tournaments they organise on a regular basis!
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.