The judges for the 2023 Scottish Games Awards have been announced. Several leading Scottish games and news journalists are joined by a noted games entrepreneur and a member of the Scottish parliament, to choose the winners at a ceremony which will be opened by Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf.
The judges will be selecting winners for 15 categories of award, celebrating and showcasing outstanding success of individuals, organisations – and games – created in Scotland over the last 12 months. These 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.
The awards will be presented at a glittering awards ceremony, taking place at Platform in central Glasgow on the evening of Thursday 2nd of November, celebrating the very best of Scotland’s dynamic and thriving games ecosystem.
The First Minister will open the ceremony and have a chance to meet the nominees, discover the winners and play the games.
Chris Scullion, games journalist and author of eight books and encyclopedias on classic games 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
Chris 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.
Sounds brilliant.