Posted: 25 June 2025
Four talented Game Development students from University Campus Doncaster (UCDon) stood out as they joined over 180 peers at the largest-ever Game Republic Student Showcase, held at Sheffield Hallam University on Tuesday 17th June. The prestigious event brought together students from 14 universities and colleges across the North of England to present their work to top games industry professionals.
Now in its 17th year, the showcase is a cornerstone of the Game Republic calendar, providing a platform for the next generation of developers, designers, and artists to display their skills. The event featured 55 projects, including game demos, character designs, technical innovations, art portfolios, and animations. Judging categories included art and animation, narrative design, technology, game design, and teamwork.
Representing UCDon, the four students showcased their creativity and innovation among the region’s brightest talents, with their projects attracting attention from visiting industry leaders responsible for some of the world’s most iconic game titles.
James Cotterill, Programme Leader of the HE Cert, FdA, and BA (Hons) Game Development courses, commented: “The Game Republic Student Showcase is an incredibly exciting opportunity for our students to present their work to leading industry professionals. It’s always a real pleasure to be involved in such a vibrant, supportive event that celebrates emerging talent and helps bridge the gap between education and the games industry. As Programme Leader, I’m proud to see our students gaining recognition and inspiration through this invaluable experience.”
Jamie Sefton, Managing Director of Game Republic, remarked, “It has been fantastic to see such a huge response to the call for student projects. This makes it our biggest event yet and highlights the talent we have in our partner universities and colleges. I expect to see a high standard of work produced by the 174 students attending, including some great games and new tech.”
For the four Game Development students from UCDon, the showcase was more than just an opportunity to network and learn, it was a chance to celebrate their passion and showcase their skills on a professional stage, signalling exciting futures ahead. Following the event, Sheffield Hallam University also hosted the inaugural Game Republic Careers Conference, designed to support students as they step into their first roles or launch their own businesses in the games industry.
