The London Games Festival officially starts today. Events are being held over London, from Shepherd’s Bush to Shoreditch. If you’re in town during the next week, you’ll probably find something nearby.

The website is slightly better laid-out than last year. You can browse the event listings and or find events by location.

Here are a few that I’ve picked out:

• Computational Brain - Will brains and computers be able to work together to eliminate disability, or even enhance a normal human brain?
  I’d consider going but I have no idea if it’s pitched to the layperson or biologists and AI researchers.
• Will Wright - BAFTA Annual Lecture - The subject of the lecture, chosen by Will himself, will be ‘Interactive Entertainment - the Oldest Art Form’.
  I hear Will Wright’s lectures are always worth attending. Tickets are very limited and may be already gone.
• Working with Games Writers - Our panel of top games writing experts covers in-house, independent freelance and group freelance perspectives and will explore everything you’ve always wanted to know about games writing, games writers and exactly what goes on in the shadowy world of interactive narrative.
  As long-time readers will know, writing and storylines are rather important to me.
• Dare at the Festival
  - The exhibition features concept art, finished characters, games trailers, playable demos and a documentary film plus some games will be available for free download on a first come first served basis – bring a laptop.
  I’m glad to see that they’re bringing the games down here. Dare to be Digital is a great way to scout for talent and innovation. Since it’s based in Dundee and I’m in London, I never actually get to see what comes out of it.

There’s also the London Games Fringe. The fringe deals with the less commercial side of gaming, including a Women in Games mixer (what’s a “mixer”?), skills sessions, Sense of Play and other sociable events.

We’ll be at Video Games Live tonight. What events do you think look worthwhile?

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