# Student-Designed Gaming Festivals The Level Up 2016 Student Games Showcase Honors Young Developers By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-04-05 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/level-up-2016 References: [levelupshowcase](http://levelupshowcase.com/) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Level-Up-Showcase-399963493433508/timeline) On Wednesday, April 6th, Toronto is set to host the Level Up 2016 Student Games Showcase. The event not only highlights some of the top student-designed video games, but it also gives video game-enthusiasts a chance to get a glimpse at the future of gaming. The Level Up 2016 Student Games Showcase is a hands-on event that takes place at the [Design Exchange](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-luxe-design-show) in downtown Toronto. The event will showcase some of the best video games developed by students in animation, game design and computer science programs at post-secondary schools across Ontario. Last year the event featured 80 unique projects from 16 different [colleges and universities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centennial-college). This year, attendees can expect a number of games using innovative technology such as motion sensors and VR platforms. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Student-designed Gaming Festivals:** Opportunity to showcase and celebrate video games developed by students, highlighting innovative technology like motion sensors and VR platforms. - **Youth Game Developers:** Recognition and promotion of young talents in animation, game design, and computer science programs, providing a platform for their creations. - **Innovative Gaming Technology:** Exploring and adopting new technologies such as motion sensors and VR platforms to enhance the gaming experience. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Video Game Development:** Opportunity for video game developers to discover and collaborate with promising student designers and benefit from their fresh ideas. - **Education:** Creating opportunities for colleges and universities to showcase the talents of their students in animation, game design, and computer science programs. - **Gaming Entertainment:** Incorporating innovative technologies like motion sensors and VR platforms to improve the gaming experience and attract more customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Immersive Gaming Activations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-odyssey-gaming-booth.md) - [Toronto-Based Esports Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragfest.md) - [Interactive Motorsport-Inspired Gaming Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-worlds.md) - [Charitable Developer Games Showcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humble-games-showcase-2025.md) - [Canadian Gaming Showcases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ubisoft-forward.md) - [Premium-Quality VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandbox-vr.md) - [Toronto Gastro-Gaming Businesses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oche.md) - [Collegiate Esports Lounges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centennial-college.md) - [Three-Dimensional Art Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-doubt-your-eyes.md)