The National Videogame Museum (NVM) has announced the success of its Summer 2024 Informal Learning Programme, supported by Just Flight, a leader in flight simulation software. The Videogame Museum has said that this partnership has empowered thousands of visitors, from families to school and community groups, to engage with video games in new and exciting ways. Now, the NVM is calling on other games companies to join this initiative and help shape the next generation of players, creators, and innovators.
The summer learning programme coincided with the second phase of the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) project, focusing on how the Museum engages with its audience. A complete revamp of the gallery’s interpretation, updates to the Made in Sheffield collection, Arcade Space, and The Lab brought fresh, themed experiences to the museum. Just Flight’s sponsorship made these educational activities possible, delivering hands-on learning experiences to more than 6,000 visitors over July and August 2024.
The NVM’s summer programme saw over 30% of visitors actively engage in the hands-on learning initiatives in our dedicated education room. Themed activities like arcade cabinet papercraft, game design workshops, and high score challenges provided rich opportunities to develop skills and spark creativity. In addition, all visitors experienced interactive features on the gallery floor, such as object handling and high score competitions.
The team at NVM have shared that this is where game companies can make a lasting impact. By supporting learning initiatives at the NVM, companies not only contribute to enhancing visitor experiences but also gain Fresh Marketing Opportunities, Community Engagement and leave an Industry Legacy
Impact of Just Flight’s Support
Just Flight’s contribution made it possible to deliver a dynamic range of learning activities tailored to specific themes:
- The Arcade (24th July – 11th August): Exploring the history of arcade gaming, visitors created their own arcade cabinets, competed for high scores, and learned the mechanics behind joysticks.
- The Lab (12th August – 25th August): Visitors became game designers, creating board games, modifying game mechanics, and joining in a multiplayer snakes and ladders challenge.
- Made in Sheffield (26th August – 3rd September): Celebrating Sheffield’s place in gaming history, visitors crafted their own Gang Beast characters, played Monte Mole, and composed music using Micro Bits and Sid Chip emulators.
Andy Payne, Founder and CEO of Just Flight said “we are proud to be able to support such a brilliant grass roots initiative which has directly helped visitors to the NVM develop skills and kickstart their creativity. We would encourage other games companies to join the initiative and spread these wonderful opportunities”.
A Growing Audience and Opportunities for Partnership
Visitor numbers surged during the summer holidays, with record attendance in the last two weeks of August. The programme also attracted community groups such as sports camps and scout groups, further expanding the Museum’s reach. This growing audience presents even greater opportunities for future sponsors to engage with visitors in meaningful ways.
Join the Initiative
The NVM is inviting other games companies to step forward and contribute to these impactful learning programmes. By doing so, sponsors will help ensure the UK remains a global leader in video game culture, education, and innovation.
“Our partnership with Just Flight has been instrumental in delivering our educational reach this summer,” said Cat Powell, Co-CEO and Director of Visitor Experience of the NVM. “We hope other games companies will see the value in joining this initiative and help us continue to inspire the next generation of game creators and players.”
For more information on how your company can get involved, please contact Cat Powell (cat@thebgi.uk). To find out more about the National Videogame Museum’s Education and Learning Offer go to: https://thenvm.org/learning/
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