Nominations open for gaming industry's 'best game ever made in Yorkshire and the North' award

Jamie Sefton, managing director of Game Republic, said he believes the awards will shine a “much deserved” spotlight on the region's gaming industry, which has produced games including Hogwarts Legacy, Broken Sword, Worms and Gang Beasts.

He added: “The Awards will draw attention to the small, medium and large studios we have here, highlighting their work, the individuals, the games and the efforts our local companies are making to support the industry, inclusivity, talent and the community too.”

The Awards will be judged by industry sponsors alongside "Boss Judge" Rhianna Pratchett.

Ms Pratchett has worked on titles including Heavenly Sword, Mirror’s Edge, the Overlord series, Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider and Lost Words: Beyond the Page.

She said "I am honoured to have been invited to be 'boss judge' for these awards and am very much looking forward to seeing the nominations. It is great to see so much positive work happening in Yorkshire and The North and I am excited to learn more about the wonderful projects that these teams have been creating."

Alongside awards for developers, companies and games, the Game Republic 20th Anniversary Awards will also include an Inspiring Course Leader and Best Game-Related Research Award category.

Dr Jackie Mulligan, co-director of Game Republic, said: “we are fortunate in the region to have excellent Universities and colleges that are supporting new talent and generating opportunities. We are very much looking forward to seeing the nominations in this category.”

The award for Best Game Ever Made in Yorkshire and The North will have its final shortlist put to a public vote in October.

Awards at the event have been sponsored by Tileyard North, Red Kite Games, Eaton Smith Solicitors, Other Things agency, Escape Technology, Lenovo, Boneloaf and Barclays.