Cupcake & GamePad Social @ Samsung KX

Who says networking can't be enjoyable! Join us for a summertime hangout playing video games and meeting industry professionals in the tastiest networking event around!

Following the launch of our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign, we've teamed up with campaign sponsors Rocksteady Studios (Batman: Arkham, Suicide Squad) and Splash Damage (Gears of War, Wolfenstein) plus campaign partners Urban MBA to invite young people and aspiring game professionals to meet those in the industry for some fun and inclusive networking at Samsung KX.

This amazing opportunity will allow you to network with game developers and meet others as excited about games as you are!

"Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Video Game Representation

The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign brings young people and aspiring games professionals from underrepresented backgrounds closer to the video game industry, empowering them to be a part of shaping its future.

The campaign was launched in February 2022 with a launch livestream where organisers Nigel and Tazziii explain their vision and what is to come:

What To Expect

This is networking with a twist. You can expect a low pressure environment to meet new people and satisfy your sweet tooth while playing video games.

On entry to Samsung KX, you'll be greeted by the mayamada team and cupcakes (while they last!) before getting to know other attendees and industry professionals.

After taking some time to get to know everyone, we'll open up to casual gaming across Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles. Hop on and hop off games including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Just Dance, Nintendo Switch Sports and more.

Then things will get competitive! We'll be running an inclusive esports tournament where teams of game developers aspiring professionals will battle in some friendly competition across Overcooked! All You Can Eat, Rocket League and Knockout City for a chance at some amazing prizes thanks to our campaign sponsors.

All the while you'll be able to see photos from the "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign as we take over Samsung's 10 metre-wide curved screen to showcase the 40 players and makers taking part. You will also be able to get involved by taking your own photo for a chance to win a campaign t-shirt!

Who Is This Event For?

This is an event for young and aspiring game professionals of all ages, backgrounds and gaming experiences to discover how to network and pick up these valuable skills for a bright future in video games.

If you have ever wondered how to get started with networking, this is an event for you. GamePad host Tazziii will be taking attendees through networking 101 while we also get stuck into amazing cupcakes made by our friends at Kups Bakery.

You'll end the evening with your first steps in games industry networking under your belt and maybe even some contacts under your belt! Parents, guardians and carers are also welcome. It's important for those supporting the next generation of diverse talent to get a better understanding of the industry, so come and see what gamin is all about.

Getting to Samsung KX

We'll be in the Samsung KX concept store in Coal Drops Yard, a short walk from Kings Cross station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria).

By Train: Samsung KX is located a short walk from Kings Cross station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria): Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, London, N1C 4DQ

By Bus: King's Cross Station (Stop E, G or R) via buses 17, 91, 259, 46, 63, 30, 73, 91, 205, 390.

By Car: The closest car park is Handyside Car Park, a multi-storey car park in the Tapestry building on Canal Reach.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

We're proud to have a number of organisation supporting the "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign. A special thanks goes to our campaign sponsors, Splash Damage and Rocksteady Studios! Their support allows us to put on free events as part of the campaigns ensure that everyone can take part and get closer to the video games industry.

You can check out lookilikeagamer.com to find out more about the campaign today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why only tabletop design?

We want to create an experience that is inclusive and accessible for people of all ages. Everyone is able to get into tabletop games where lengthy Dungeons & Dragons campaigns or a quick game of Uno. By focusing on low tech design principles, we are able to engage young people and parents while learning the key principles of game design whether you're working in Unreal Engine 5 or have a hand full of dice.

How many people can be in a team?

A team can be a minimum of 2 people to a maximum of 4 and made of young people, friends parents and guardians. We are creating an environment where everyone can take part and discover the process of game design.

I've never design a game before, can I still attend?

Of course! This event is designed to be an accessible entry point to the world of game design. So don't worry if you have never tried to design a game before, we'll be supporting you along with developers from some of the biggest video game companies in the country!

Is there an age limit for taking part?

There is no age limit to the event...in fact, we're encouraging young and aspiring designers to work together with older family members so all can learn the process of game design and leave with enough knowledge to support each other.

I work in games design, can I attend?

We would love to have your support! If you work in the games industry and would like to volunteer your time to support teams with their tabletop design, prototyping and testing, then get in touch with the campaign team via email: [email protected].

What are your COVID-19 procedures?

We ask that all attendees make use of the hand sanitising station on entry to the venue. The Friends + Family Game Design Jam is a mask friendly event. While it is no longer mandatory to wear masks, we encourage attendees to consider others during the event

Our event team will be helping to keep workplaces clean to reduce the risk of infection. This means surface will be cleaned during breaks and as needed during the day.