We all know what it's like to play games and how much fun it is to explore other worlds and try new gameplay mechanics. But if you've ever wondered what it's like to be on the other side, designing just such a game, you'll want to check out SCAD's GamingFest.

SCAD's GamingFest will explore just about every aspect of gaming with industry experts and SCAD alumni, and there will even be a little active gaming as SCAD students go head-to-head in esports competitions during the event. We're giving away 10 free passes to this awesome digital event to PC Gamer readers. Keep reading for info and to enter for a chance to win.

Brought to us by SCADFILM, SCAD's GamingFest will take place virtually on April 9 and 10. The event will feature a number of keynote speakers from leading companies. And for the first time, all of the keynote speakers will be SCAD alumni, highlighting the university's accomplishments in the gaming field. Guests include Jeff White, VFX Supervisor and Creative Director at Industrial Light & Magic; Jolie Menzel, Lead Narrative Designer at The Coalition; Matt Ward, Bungie's Cinematic Director), and Seth Smith (Senior Game Designer) of Riot Games.

"SCAD alumni fit the bill, as we attracted the best speakers for GamingFest. This year, more than a dozen alumni are returning to SCAD to participate in our festival," SCADFILM Senior Executive Director Leigh Seaman said of the keynote speakers and event guests, "Recent graduates entering the exploding gaming industry will give you insight into what it's like to be in the industry.

Events are scheduled every hour during Gaming Fest. If you attend, you can hear about the latest gaming technologies like Quixel and explore how artificial intelligence is changing game development. There will also be a discussion on scenario design.

The event will also mark the launch of the SCAD Game Studio, which will allow visitors to download and play a number of student-created projects. The event will also include a special first look at student-developed games at "The Making of Zoelie" presentation on April 10." "Zoelie is a testament to SCAD's talented students who become industry-leading creative professionals as well as pioneering problem solvers," said SuAnne Fu, SCAD Chair of Interactive Design and Game Development." The project involved students from top-ranked degree programs including Interactive Design and Game Development, Animation, Visual Effects, Sequential Art, Sound Design, and UX Design working together to create Zoelie's magical game world.

Students not only create games, they play them, and on the second day of GamingFest, SCAD will have an alumni voice panel and live Q+A with faculty from the university's School of Digital Media along with Skillshot Media including a competition of SCAD vs. SCAD Rocket League Twitch have taken over.

Since SCAD was founded in 1978 by current President Paula Wallace, the university has grown into an extensive resource for students studying art and design in over 75 disciplines.SCAD has a wide range of professional equipment from 3D printers and laser cutters to motion capture studios and AR/ VR labs, to professional-grade equipment that students can use hands-on. The university offers bachelor's and master's degrees, with over 40 majors and minors; 92% of SCAD graduates are working in creative fields.

SCAD's interactive design and game development graduates have gone on to work for large companies like Google and Microsoft, as well as game studios and publishers like Gearbox, Blizzard, and Bethesda. In addition, more than 2,800 students and graduates have found creative jobs in Georgia's booming entertainment industry alone, giving back to the community.

Those interested in attending GameFest can register here, and SCAD has also given away 10 free passes to PC Gamer for the virtual GameFest 2021. Those interested in winning one of these passes have until April 8 to enter using the widget below. You can also follow the action on social media @scaddotedu and @scadfilm.

For more information about SCAD's academic opportunities, visit the SCAD website.