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Ukie Digest: Member News - May 2021

Each month we share news from our members here. If you are a Ukie member and would like to share some news then please complete this form

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Magic: The Gathering world re-created in Gather town called a "masterclass in pandemic event planning" by Forbes

YRS TRULY
YRS TRULY

To celebrate Magic: The Gathering's newest Strixhaven set, YRS TRULY worked with Wizards of the Coast to create an interactive Strixhaven experience using Gather.town. It features a fully custom-made map, interactive objects, quests, treasure chests and secret rooms.

Find out more.

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AWS Credits for game startups

AWS (Amazon)
AWS (Amazon)

As part of our partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), we are thrilled to announce that we are now an AWS Activate provider. The AWS Activate Program provides games startups with the resources they need to quickly get started on their journey to the cloud – including credits, training, and support. Sounds too good to be true? It isn’t! AWS understands how tough it is to build a successful game and the struggle that comes with having costs whilst the game isn’t launched, so they want to help.

Get in touch with Leon to get more information on how to apply.

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The People's Choice Award 2021 NOMINATIONS!

POCKET GAMER
POCKET GAMER

Regular PG readers will know that once a year we ask you to nominate your favourite mobile gaming experience of the past 12 months for the Pocket Gamer People's Choice as part of the PG Mobile Games Awards - run by our sibling site PocketGamer.biz in celebration of all aspects of the mobile games industry.

Simply type your favourite game (that received a full release during 2020) in the form below - ideally using the official App Store or Google Play game name - to ensure it's in the running.

Not sure if the game was released in 2020? Heck, nominate it anyway and we'll check on your behalf. Got more than one in mind? No problem, multiple nominations are all good.

Nominations close at midnight on Tuesday, May 18th, so make sure you show your GotY some love before it's game over.

Eligible games receiving the most nominations will then make up our shortlist, at which point we'll open up voting for the overall winner on PocketGamer.com.

Find out more.

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Getting employee wellbeing right

Connor Broadley
Connor Broadley

For the majority of people, working life over the past year or so has changed dramatically, thrusting employee wellbeing into the spotlight more than ever before.

Companies across all sectors are reflecting on how they looked after their employees’ wellbeing previously, what learnings can be taken away from lockdown, and what this means for the future.

Find out more.

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NFTS Games MA Graduation - Let's Play Showcase

National Film & Television School
National Film & Television School

On Tuesday 25th May, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, graduating students of the NFTS Games Design and Development MA will be showcasing and playing their graduation games online via Zoom. Join them for an exciting let's play showcase and the first look at their fantastic games which have been made in collaboration with other students across the film school.

Book via Eventbrite here.

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Is the UK Games and Immersive Industry ready for Apprenticeships?

Into Games
Into Games

Take part in a new landmark study into the viability of apprenticeships for the immersive sector and help develop a roadmap for making the industry more accessible for all.

Scope and Aims

We hope to gather information from at least 150 studios across the UK with a mix of quantitative surveys, interviews and case studies.

This research will;  

  1. Assess the viability of apprenticeships in the immersive and games sectors  
  2. Better understand the industries aspirations and barriers
  3. Create a UK ‘Map of Opportunity’
  4. Assess demand for any new apprenticeship standards that might be needed to be developed
  5. Provide an evidence base for a practical plan of action
  6. Provide studios with support and help in accessing apprentices

Find out more.

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Game Audio Resources

Unlock Audio
Unlock Audio

Unlock Audio's YouTube page is a free resource for developers in need of game audio support and education. 

Check out the YouTube channel here.

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Mental Health Awareness Week - Courses Available

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event when there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.   Mental Health Awareness Week is all about starting conversations about mental health and the things in our daily lives that can affect it.  

There are a number of courses available; from mental health awareness courses to in-depth mental health first aider courses. 

Check out the latest courses here.

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Games Services Forum Discount

A a two-day virtual affair, running 16th and 17th November, bringing studios and publishers together with service providers/vendors for a series of 'speed' business meetings. The event is hosted on a powerful bespoke platform by Forum Events, who have been providing this kind of service for over 20 years, with media support coming from MCV/Develop.  

10% discount offered to Ukie members up to the end of May. 

Find out more.

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