Written by Georgia Cairns
It’s one thing to create a project or write an essay, submit it to your teacher or lecturer and wait hopefully for a good grade. It’s another thing entirely to take that work and display it loud and proud at an event specifically designed to do just that.
Introducing ECGX 2025…
The ECGX (the Edinburgh College Games Expo) is an annual event hosted by Edinburgh College that allows students of the FE/HE-level games development and digital design courses to showcase their end-of-year projects.
The event is open to the public and for the last two years has been held at Codebase, Edinburgh, the most recent one taking place on the 5th of June 2025. The concept is simple; students submit their solo or group project games, those projects get a dedicated computer at the event, and every student gets the chance to stand next to their creation and say proudly ‘look at what I made’.
Industry Meets Education
Local indie game developers, big-name company professionals and university lecturers all attended this event, giving students not just the opportunity to showcase their work but also the chance to experience real-world networking and create industry connections.
Standing next to their accomplishments, the event promoted conversation between students and visitors, meaning that individuals could really delve into their game designs, emphasising the effort and learning that went into them. The event teaches students how to advertise themselves and talk about their work.
Making a good impression at this expo can set students up for future advantages in their careers.
New Talent
Ro Ross, HND Computer Games Development Graduate 2025, who showcased their solo game Diggy Hole at ECGX 2025, said they “thoroughly enjoyed” the event. “It had a great atmosphere around it, especially for meeting other people. It was nice getting to talk with the various types of people in the games industry, from fellow students who are also studying games development, to people who are interested in entering the games industry, all the way to people who have been making games for decades.
It’s a daunting and nerve-racking prospect to move out of the classroom and into the real world, but the students of Edinburgh College found the experience to be both a fantastic opportunity for industry experience and connection, and a point of real pride and achievement.
Students were encouraged to invite friends and family, making the whole event feel celebratory with a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The variety of games and projects showcased meant there was entertainment for visitors of all ages, and looping projections of game clips and 3D animations made by students from the past year helped to make this expo the perfect stage for these burgeoning developers and an exciting event for visitors.
DOUBLOONS!
Lurii Kupreev, HND Computer Games Development Graduate 2025, who also showcased their game this year called the event “outstanding”, saying, “It’s a challenge to present your work to strangers, but it’s also a meaningful tribute at the end of your studies. I received strong emotional proof that the profession I’ve chosen is valuable to many people.”
As a fun twist to the day, this year’s events saw visitors receive a ‘Golden Doubloon’ on arrival that they were encouraged to give to the student whose game they most enjoyed playing. As people made their way through the maze of computers, testing and trying out as many games as possible, students started to rack up their Golden Doubloons. The promise of prizes to those lucky enough to have received the most in their categories got students motivated and had classmates vying for the attention of guests.
This was a fantastic addition to the day. It helped even the more reserved individuals open up and gave visitors the chance to express their appreciation for the games showcased. Winners received £50 or £25 vouchers at a game store of their choice and bragging rights over the rest of their class.
The ECGX was a successful and fun event that gave students the opportunity to showcase their talents and accomplishments, and gave visitors the chance to play innovative and exciting games made by the promising game developers and digital creators of Edinburgh College.
The annual event should not be missed by anyone looking for a glimpse at the upcoming talent in the Scottish games industry.
We’d like to thank Georgia for her contribution to SGN.