A panel of judges for this year’s Scottish Games Awards – celebrating the best of Scotland’s computer and video gaming industry – has been formally unveiled.
In total, eight judges will select 15 winners across multiple categories showcasing emerging talent and best new games from the Scottish games ecosystem in the last 12 months.
First Minister Humza Yousaf will open the ceremony at Platform in Glasgow on Thursday, November 2, an event that takes place as part of Scottish Games Week.
Chris Scullion, games journalist and author of eight books and encyclopedias on classic game consoles, returns as the chair of the judges. He is joined by:
- Brian Baird – Technical Director, Bethesda
- Lauren Bergin – News Editor, PCGamesN
- Natalie Don – MSP, Renfrewshire North & West
- Joe Donnelly – Features Editor, Games Radar
- Keza Macdonald – Games editor, The Guardian
- Neil Mackay – journalist/columnist, The Herald
- Jordan Middler – staff writer, podcast host, Videogames Chronicle
- Brian McNicoll – Head of Entrepreneurship, University of Dundee
The categories on the night include best large and small budget games, technical achievement, art and animation, audio, educator of the year, community spirit, diversity champion, rising star and lifetime achievement awards.
Scullion said: “The inaugural Scottish Games Awards last year was a fantastic way to raise awareness of some of the most talented game developers in Scotland. I’m delighted to be returning to chair the judging panel for this year’s awards, and have no doubt the calibre of entries will be just as impressive.”
Brian Baglow, the director of Scottish Games Week, said: “We could not be happier to welcome Scotland’s First Minister to open this year’s ceremony. Scotland has a global reputation when it comes to games, but too often the conversation gets stuck on past success. The Scottish Games Awards are about recognising and rewarding the incredible talent, creativity, generosity and general awesome work taking place all across the country – today!
“I’m very grateful to Chris and all of the judges for taking part in this year’s competition. I know they’ll have a tough job picking out winners from the amazing entries we’re receiving, but there are some incredible games in there, so it should be a lot of fun too.”
Entries for the 2023 Scottish Games Awards are open until 18:00 UK time on Friday, September 22nd. Entries are open to everyone creating games, from professional studios to part-time indies.