FXP Festival, the free video game narrative, design and coding competition for Cambridgeshire’s secondary school and college students, is returning in 2025 for two days at Cambridge Regional College, on 7-8 July.

Registration for FXP Festival 2025 is open to students from Years 9 to 13 and gives them the chance to showcase a number of creative and technical skills. Whether they’re interested in coding, games concepts and designs, or are passionate about storytelling, FXP Festival enables students to put their skills to the test to create the best game under a surprise theme that will be announced at the event. The games will be judged on three categories:

• Concept: designing and mapping out the creative concept of an original computer game.
• Development: building and programming of an original computer game.
• Narrative developing the plot and storylines for an original computer game.

Alison Taylor, FXP Festival Co-Founder and Trustee, and CEO of Conscious Communications, said: “Last year, we were thrilled to host our first in-person FXP Festival since the pandemic, and we are now excited to build further on last year’s success with FXP 2025. For almost a decade, FXP has given students a unique opportunity to use the skills they’ve developed in the classroom to design and build their own video games, under the guidance of some of the region’s leading games professionals. The experience supports participants in learning first-hand that a successful career in STEM is achievable, and that opportunities to do so are available right on their doorstep in Cambridge. On behalf of all of the FXP trustees, we look forward to welcoming this year’s participants to what is sure to be another unforgettable experience.”

Every year, FXP Festival has been adjudicated by experts from within the games development industry, including Jagex’s Creative Director and FXP Co-Founder and Trustee, Mark Ogilvie. Alongside participating in the physical event, students will receive guidance and mentorship from experienced industry professionals on how their games can be improved.

Mark said: “I’m in a privileged position, making games for a living. I have to pinch myself regularly! I’m proof that a career in games development is a real thing that our kids can aspire to, and FXP is an important step in that dream; a 2-day practical workshop going through all the ins and outs of games design from idea generation, art, marketing, pitching and gameplay. No previous skills are necessary, but we do expect boundless enthusiasm and passion for games! There are few things greater in this world than seeing ideas come to life – although one of them is seeing the future of games development blossom before your eyes.”

FXP Festival 2025 has a maximum capacity of 55 teams, which are available on a first come first serve basis. Thanks to its sponsors, it is completely free to enter and participate in.