Experience New Games and VR at Aesthetica
What does the future of film look like? Technology is reshaping the way stories are told and shared, and, as a festival, we’re excited to see what’s next. That’s why, every year, we dedicate part of our programme to new developments in interactive media. In 2025, Aesthetica presents the third edition of our interactive Games Lab, where festival-goers in York can experience a curated selection of groundbreaking independent titles. We see gaming as the future of storytelling, and are the first UK festival to have a space dedicated to play – alongside masterclasses and workshops about the future of the field. In addition, our VR Lab returns for 2025, in collaboration with LCC London. It invites audiences to step inside narratives and encounter worlds from entirely new perspectives. Here a run-down of what’s in store:
The Games Lab | 5-9 November
There’s something for both adults and children to enjoy at our Games Lab, taking place at the National Centre for Early Music (YO1 9TL). This year’s Official Selection includes everything from arcade games, puzzles and deck builders to point-and-click adventures, simulators, RPGs and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or completely new to the world of interactive storytelling, this is your chance to pick up a controller and get involved with a truly genre-defying collection of titles, designed by the best new indie developers. One-hour slots run throughout each day of the festival. Free with pass; advance booking recommended.
Interactive Gaming & VR Workshops | 6, 8 & 9 November
Get hands on with workshops. We kick off the festival on 5 November with Inside the Virtual Studio, in which members of our Official VR Selection will talk about their work. On Thursday 6 November, Interactive Storytelling: Crafting Narratives Across Film, Games & XR, presented by London College of Communication, invites attendees to experiment with story frameworks that respond and adapt to audience input. Then, later in the day, Careers in Interactive Media: Pathways into the World of Games and Storytelling takes a practical look at roads into this fast-evolving field. At the weekend, we’re running daily workshops for kids aged 7-14 (additional ticket required), who will take their first steps into coding and game development with guidance from ComputerXplorers. Advance booking recommended.
VR Lab | 5-9 November
Now in its seventh year, our 360° Cinema and Immersive Experiences Lab – proudly supported by UAL’s London College of Communication – returns to push the boundaries of storytelling. These immersive films transport you straight into the story, allowing you to explore both real-world and fantastical environments up-close. This year’s edition, at the National Centre for Early Music (YO1 9TL), includes powerful documentaries, touching animated tales and narratives where every decision matters. This is an invitation to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world through their eyes. Free with pass; advance booking recommended.
VR & Games Happy Hour | 6 November
Meet us for drinks on Thursday 6 November, at Thor’s Tipi in York’s scenic Museum Gardens. A destination for those working in – or passionate about – new technologies, the VR and Games Happy Hour brings people together to contemplate the future of games development, VR and immersive filmmaking. This is the ideal place to generate ideas about what’s next for interactive entertainment and beyond. This event includes a free welcome drink upon arrival. Free with pass.
Gaming & VR Masterclasses | 5, 6 & 8 November
Learn more about VR and gaming from experts. On 5 November, attend Gaming for Good: The Power of Interactive Storytelling, which asks: how can games shape the future of social justice and inclusivity? What role does gaming play in our mental well-being, education and personal lives? Then, on 6 November, join us for Narrative, Technology, Design: The Evolving Landscape of Games Development, which brings together representatives from Altered Gene, Double Eleven and Brainspark Games. Also on Thursday, hear from Adipat Virdi, whose The Future of Now talk will cut right to the principles of immersive storytelling. There’s also Alternative Realities: What’s Next in XR, running 8 November, which looks at the possibilities afforded by VR, AR and MR technologies. Free with pass; advance booking recommended.
Aesthetica Film Festival runs 5-9 November in York, UK. To purchase your pass, click here.
To book your place at the Games and VR Labs, Masterclass or Workshops, click here.
The download the festival programme, click here.
