Yorkshire Games Festival Returns To The National Science And Media Museum For Its Tenth Edition This February

Yorkshire Games Festival returns to the National Science and Media Museum this February, celebrating its tenth edition with Game Talks featuring industry leaders and a fun-filled half term programme, exploring all things gaming through hands on activities, workshops, and experiences for all ages. 

 This year’s industry-focused Game Talks return on 11 and 12 February, featuring discussions with leading voices in the gaming industry, as well as networking opportunities for aspiring and early careers games professionals. 

One of the largest festivals dedicated to gaming in the North of England, Yorkshire Games Festival offers a unique opportunity for gamers of all ages to engage with and celebrate gaming technology, exploring new developments and discover more about the history of video games in an interactive environment.

Commenting on this year’s festival Sally Folkard, Head of Screen and Cultural Engagement said: "We are thrilled to be celebrating the tenth edition of Yorkshire Games Festival at the National Science and Media Museum, marking a decade of bringing visitors together to explore the world of games. This milestone year offers something for all, whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or just curious about gaming, our 2026 edition includes the return of industry-focused Game Talks featuring leading developers, including Rebellion Developments and Hangar 13, as well as a packed February half-term programme of hands-on gaming fun. It’s a fantastic opportunity for visitors of all ages to come together to be inspired by the creativity and technology behind gaming.” 

The Game Talks programme includes sessions from developers of blockbuster titles such as Atomfall (2025) and Mafia: The Old Country (2025). Confirmed speakers include C.B. and Tom Bedford, co-founders of à la mode games, and Bad Viking, the indie game studio behind acclaimed titles Strange Horticulture (2022) and Strange Antiquities (2025). 

Discussions will take place in Pictureville Cinema between 10.00 and 16.00 on the 11 and 12 February, with sessions covering topics such as art production, gaming level design and world-building. These days will also include a series of workshops, available to all passholders on a first come, first served basis. 

Later in the festival, the museum will host a packed half term programme of gaming activities. Big Screen Gaming returns to Cubby Broccoli Cinema, giving visitors the opportunity to play together on the big screen. Playing with up to four people, festivalgoers can go head-to-head in Nintendo’s Super Mario Party Jamboree. 

Popular gaming comedy show Wifi Wars will also be returning to the festival on Thursday 19 February, following its success in previous years.  Audiences can play along and compete against one another in this interactive entertainment experience hosted by comedian, TV presenter and videogame pundit Steve McNeil. 

The Yorkshire Games Festival 2026 Showcase, created in partnership with Investigate Dot Games and York St. John University, will take place in the museum’s foyer. The Showcase provides a platform for developers at all levels to present their games to visitors, as well as offering visitors the experience the next generation of gaming talent. 

Boardgames distributor Hachette Boardgames UK will bring their catalogue of analogue games to the festival, showing that the logical thinking and problem-solving skills future games makers need can be developed non-digitally. 

Gaming charity YGAM and the National Videogame Museum will also attend this year’s festival, with drop-in sessions centred on gaming safely and the joy of gaming together. 

Pictureville Cinema will also screen films related to the festival over half term, including Kids‘ Club screenings of The Lego Batman Movie (2017) and Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019) at the reduced ticket price of £3.