24th – 27th October
PLAY. CREATE. COMPETE. FOR FREE
Get ready to level up this October half-term as Next Level takes over Centrale with four days of gaming, esports, creativity and digital experiences all free!
Whether you’re into gaming, creating, competing or just want to try something new, there’s plenty to discover.
Alongside gaming experiences, you can meet people working in the industry, discover different career pathways and find out what skills, courses and opportunities could help turn your interests into a future career.
Get creative with BRIT Arcade
The BRIT School will bring a dedicated BRIT Arcade, showcasing the creative side of game development and giving visitors the chance to have a go themselves.
Design your own pixel art character, customise and drive a racing game using Unreal Engine 5 and see how artists build forests, paths and other game environments. Visitors can also explore a showcase of BRIT student work and find out about more the school’s Games, Art and Creation courses.
Reaching Higher’s ‘4 Runners’ Podcasting live
Reaching Higher will bring its young people into the heart of the event, with their podcast group “4 Runners” recording live from the Gamers Corner, speaking to people working in the industry as well as other young people and special guests about gaming, creativity and opportunities in the industry.
Meet Young Creators
Reaching Higher will also be bringing its gaming group as youth ambassadors for the whole event, helping visitors get involved and taking part in the gaming activities themselves.
Hear from people working in the industry
Head to Gamers Corner to hear directly from people working across gaming and the creative industries.
Details on speakers will be revealed soon.
Plenty of Play
Take on gaming challenges, explore the arcade, test your reactions and compete for a place on the leaderboard, all while discovering the creative and technical skills behind the games you play.
Whether you’re already thinking about a career in gaming or want to find out what’s possible, Next Level is a chance to play, meet, create and discover where your interests could take you.
Next Level is free to attend and takes place in Centrale on the Upper Mall from 24 –27 October.
Come along, have a go, discover something new and level up your half-term.
Full Next Level Programme
Saturday 24 October
11.30am – 4 Runners Podcast: Interview with Heart of Gaming: Explore women’s experiences in gaming, making games more accessible and the different roles involved in running an arcade. Hear about career journeys, the technical skills needed to repair and restore arcade machines, and the people and expertise behind the games.
12.30pm – 4 Runners Podcast: Interview with Dexter Simms: Hear Dexter’s perspective on the links between technology, gaming, education and career pathways, followed by a Q&A.
2pm – The BRIT School presentation: Discover Digital Arts and the Creative Industries, learn more about the course and find out how creative interests can lead to opportunities in the industry.
3pm – 4 Runners Podcast: Panel discussion: Join a discussion with Andy Lemon from LSBU, Ben from The BRIT School and Rebecca from Heart of Gaming, bringing together perspectives from education and the gaming industry.
Sunday 25 October
11.30am – 4 Runners Podcast: Interview with BRIT School students: Hear directly from students about their creative work and experiences studying digital arts.
12.30pm – The BRIT School presentation: Find out more about Digital Arts and the Creative Industries, including the course and potential routes into creative careers.
1.30pm – 4 Runners Podcast: Interview with Heart of Gaming: Continue the conversation about women in gaming, accessibility, arcade careers and the technical work that keeps classic games running.
2.30pm – Reaching Higher discussion: Hear from the organisation about its work with young people and the importance of creating opportunities for them to develop their interests and skills.
Monday 26 October
11.30am – 4 Runners Podcast: Interview with BRIT School students: Discover student projects and hear about their experiences of developing creative skills.
12.30pm – 4 Runners Podcast: Interview with Heart of Gaming: Find out more about working in gaming, from accessibility and representation to arcade operations and machine restoration.
1.30pm –4 Runners Podcast: Interview with Frankie: Hear about Frankie’s experience in gaming and esports, with an opportunity to meet and connect with a guest from the industry.
3pm – 4 Runners Podcast: Interview with UpHub: Explore creative career pathways and how to take the first steps into the industry. The discussion will cover gaining experience through projects, volunteering and work placements, alongside opportunities in content creation, podcasting, virtual production and digital media.
Tuesday 27 October
11.30am – 4 Runners Podcast: Interview with BRIT School students: Another chance to hear from students about their creative work and experiences.
12.30pm – Talk with Andy Lemon from LSBU: The history of Tetris: Discover the story and development of one of gaming’s best-known titles, exploring how a simple game became a classic.
1.30pm – 4 Runners Podcast: Interview with Ukie: Learn more about the UK games industry and the opportunities it offers, with insight from the organisation representing the sector.
2.30pm – Talk with Andy Lemon from LSBU: Building a creative portfolio: Get practical advice on showcasing your work, building a freelance portfolio, using social media to get noticed and presenting your skills to potential clients or employers.
3.30pm – 4 Runners Podcast: Reaching Higher round up
