London Games Festival returns in 2026: what you need to know
Fans of gaming, take note: The London Games Festival has announced the lineup for its upcoming edition. This annual event celebrates the best of gaming in the UK and beyond, culminating in the prestigious BAFTA Games Awards in April. With a staggering 102,000 attendees across 26 events last year, the festival is a must-visit for gaming enthusiasts, offering a mix of industry meetings and fan-centric activities.
Launching on March 27 and running until April 19, this year’s festival promises an exciting lineup of events. Kicking things off is the Player/Performer event at the V&A Museum on March 27. Curated by Susie Buchan and Kristian Volsing, this evening will feature live-action roleplay, cosplay drag, talks on professional acting in video games, and experimental live-coded music, promising a unique and captivating experience for attendees.
While Somerset House’s Now Play This festival may have come to an end, one of its curators, Holly Gramazio, is not skipping a beat. She has organized three new events to run during the London Games Festival, including Strange Play. On April 13, an open mic session will allow performers to showcase short playable works, followed by a showcase on April 18-19 featuring boundary-pushing performances like Tamagotchi Séance 3 and The Turdis escape room.
For a more relaxed gaming experience, head to the 16-Bit Sky Bar event at the Hyatt City East on April 14. Attendees can enjoy retro games, consoles, prizes, and mingling with fellow gaming enthusiasts in a casual setting, making it the perfect opportunity to showcase your speedrunning skills while socializing over drinks.
Delve into the world of game development at The Rules of Watching event led by artists Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley and Symoné. This jam and talk session on April 15 will see 15 game makers and creatives exploring game development skills before discussing their findings. The theme, The Rules of Watching, offers a creative challenge for attendees to interpret as they wish.
Discover the intersection of gaming and storytelling at the Play Praxis event on April 16 at Siobhan Davies Studios. Professionals, players, philosophers, and scientists will engage in roundtable discussions to design their own short game across three exciting strands: Game Demos, Game Poems, and PlayLab.
Be among the first to experience the latest game releases at New Game Plus on April 16-17 at Exhibition White City. With over 70 titles on display, attendees can chat with developers and test out upcoming games before they hit the market, making it a must-visit for gaming enthusiasts.
Finally, immerse yourself in the enchanting music of iconic video game franchises at the London Video Game Orchestra event on April 17 at Cadogan Hall. Featuring music from beloved games like Mario Kart 8, Final Fantasy, and Halo, this orchestral performance is sure to delight gaming fans with its nostalgic tunes and epic melodies.