Game designers from across the world descended on Dundee to have their creations tried out by local players.
The city, which has become known as a hub for the industry thanks to the production of successful titles such as Grand Theft Auto and Lemmings, is playing host to 16 student teams.
Their latest games are being tried out and judged by members of the public over the four day Dare ProtoPlay event.
The festival, which is the culmination of Abertay University’s Dare to be Digital game design competition, has attracted international entrants to compete for the grand prize of three spaces on BAFTA’s Ones to Watch Award shortlist.
This year’s attraction was kicked off by Niamh Houston, under the alias Chipzel, who played energetic, melodic dance tracks using Gameboys.
The international artist produces music by harnessing the console’s soundboards, and also creates soundtracks for video games.
Tents hosting the 16 games were packed on Thursday morning, and Daniel Saxon, a developer for Green Bean Conspiracy, said the event was a great way to get new input.
He said: “It’s nice getting good feedback from different players it’s invaluable, really. It’s given us new ideas things like simplifying the controls.”
The 21-year-old helped create Steal Everything, one of the games being judged this week, and graduated from Edinburgh University earlier this year. The game was created in just a few months, and he admitted the creative process had been hectic and tiring.
“I haven’t slept since 7am yesterday morning. We’ve had a busy eight weeks putting it all together.”
Alexander Dudok De Wit, one of eight students behind Deep Space Mine, hoped the experience of the festival would positively influence future developments.
He said: “Playing and testing is so important, and having played some of the other games, we’ve already got ideas to change ours. From today we can maybe make changes for tomorrow and so on.”
Professor Gregor White, head of the School of Arts, Media and Computer Games at Abertay University, said: “This year’s festival has a really eclectic mix of games from all over the world, from a music game played using a real snare drum to frantic multiplayer games. One game even offers a meditative experience as you explore a beautiful garden.”
The free event is suitable for all ages and is expected to attract thousands of people to the Caird Hall and City Square before its closing ceremony of Sunday.