The competition challenged pupils to design and build original digital games around the theme WALES, using coding skills learned in the classroom and developed through hands-on support from M-SParc’s STEM and #OnTour teams, alongside industry input.
Over the course of the first four days, the Sgil Sparc team visited schools across four catchment areas: Holyhead, Botwnnog, Glan y Môr and Dyffryn Nantlle; working directly with pupils in their own learning environments.
Each catchment area selected 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams, with a total of 12 finalist teams invited to M-SParc on Thursday 29 January for a live final.
Alongside the main competition, pupils also took part in quick-fire coding challenges, designed to stretch their thinking and mirror the kinds of problem-solving tasks used in the creative-digital industry.
The project was delivered by Matt, STEM & Skills Officer at M-SParc, working closely with Nia (#OnTour & STEM Officer), with support from Sioned (STEM & Skills Officer) and Osian (#OnTour Officer).
Industry involvement played a key role throughout the competition, with Geraint Dafis from Shloc acting as judge, mentor and challenge-setter, helping pupils understand how their classroom skills translate into real creative-digital careers.
The final featured the best games being showcased, with constructive and positive feedback, before the winners were announced as Guto and Nedw from Ysgol Cymerau, Pwllheli. They lifted the trophy, designed and 3D printed by Osian, our #OnTour officer.
This project wasn’t just about games; it was about:
By connecting schools with industry and real creative challenges, Sgil Sparc aims to support the next generation of talent across North Wales.
The games created during the competition will be showcased as part of Creative Jam 2026, Gogledd Creadigol’s game and film challenge. While Creative Jam is aimed at ages 16+, showcasing the pupils’ work highlights how early skills development feeds into future opportunities.
tom@m-sparc.com
Tom used to work at the KFC in his hometown of Colwyn Bay before it mysteriously burned down. He then spent several years “on the lam” in East Germany, where he worked as an animator in Berlin. When the wall fell, Tom came home.
He enjoys climbing and hates ice-skating.
