Escape Studios students at UK Games Expo 2025

This past weekend, something extraordinary happened. 

In February, we welcomed our very first cohort into the new MSc in Game Design at Escape Studios. As part of their Paper Prototyping module, our students designed and developed tabletop games, crafting unique, imaginative, and compelling experiences using just cards, boards, and dice. It was a module rooted in creativity, rapid iteration, and, above all, play. But none of us could have predicted just how far this work would go. 

Fast forward to May 2025: five of our students submitted their prototypes to the Publisher Speed Dating event at UK Games Expo; the UK’s premier tabletop convention, and now the second largest in the world, drawing over 42,000 attendees and clocking a 72,000 gate attendance over three days. 

Out of over 280 applicants, one of our students, Iva Zahova, who, in testament to her hard work, came onto the course without any formal background in games design, was selected as one of just 36 designers to present her game to publishers in a publisher-speed-dating event. Two others, Jojo and Yu, were invited to an exclusive publishing workshop, limited to just 12 participants out of a pool of 77. For a cohort in its first term, this level of recognition was simply staggering. 

When we shared this success with the UKGE organisers, we received a response that floored us: an invitation for our students to not simply attend the event, but host two tables on the show floor. The Director of UKGE, Richard Denning, welcomed us warmly, and we jumped at the opportunity. 

Our tables were set up in Hall 2, within the Education & Playtesting Zone, alongside other brilliant educators and designers. We had the pleasure of being neighbours with Liz Cable from Leeds Trinity University, who represented the fantastic Playful Learning Association and coordinating the education track on Sunday. The zone buzzed with curiosity and experimentation, a perfect fit for what our students had to share. 

Over the course of three unforgettable days, our students demoed their games to a steady stream of players—families, enthusiasts, fellow designers, and professionals. They collected feedback, explained mechanics, balanced rules on the fly, and perhaps most importantly, built real relationships within the industry. 

And what an industry gathering it was. I had the privilege of chatting with James from BigTable (think UKIE, but for board games), who is working tirelessly to unify and support the UK tabletop community. We connected with some of the most respected designers and publishers in the space: Rebellion Unplugged, Themeborne, Dark Frontier Games, Ludus Vulpes, as well as the titans like Modiphius, Asmodee, CGE, and Zatu. These weren’t just casual conversations; they were bridges being built, networks being formed, and futures being shaped. 

What struck me most though, was how naturally our students thrived in this environment. Watching them confidently pitch their ideas, respond to feedback, and represent Escape Studios with professionalism and enthusiasm filled me with pride. These weren’t just students showcasing coursework; they were designers, fully stepping into the wider world of games. 

For many, this was their first time at a major convention. For some, it was the first time their work had been seen outside a classroom. Yet they embraced every opportunity, challenge, and conversation with a level of grace that honestly humbled me. 

At Escape Studios, we believe in preparing our students not just with theory, but with experience. This event affirmed that philosophy. By giving students the tools and confidence to bring their ideas into real-world spaces, we’re not just teaching games design, we're empowering the next generation of storytellers, strategists, and creative leaders. 

And this is only the beginning. 

We're already making plans for UKGE 2026. With more students, more games, and even bigger ambitions, we can't wait to return and grow our presence. If you’re passionate about games, digital or analogue and want to build your career with mentorship, real-world exposure, and a deeply creative community, our MSc in Game Design might be the place for you. 

To learn more about our programme and see where your journey could take you, visit our MSc Game Design page.

And to all the educators, designers, publishers, and players who made UKGE 2025 so special - thank you. You reminded us why we do what we do. See you next year!