Given the continuing uncertainty related to physical cinema spaces and large gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCAD has decided to present the 2021 edition of SCAD GamingFest as an all-virtual festival.

Streaming April 9-10, the festival will include conversations with top developers and digital media experts. Past SCAD GamingFest guests include game designers, animators, visual effects supervisors, voice actors, writers, media reps, and chief creative officers from Blizzard, EA, Google, Magic Leap, Microsoft, Ubisoft, 42 Entertainment, Skillshot, and more.

Yes. All sessions will be streamed live at the scheduled time and date listed in the virtual program guide. For most sessions, audience members will be able to ask questions virtually. Maintaining this aspect of the SCAD GamingFest experience is a major priority!

It's simple — purchase or reserve a virtual pass! Pass sales go live Tuesday, March 23. Keep in mind that a limited amount of passes will be available, so be sure to secure yours as soon as possible.

SCAD students and other SCAD Card holders will receive a link to unlock free passes. Check your SCAD email for more information.

Content for the 2021 SCAD GamingFest will be presented via the CineSend platform, which gives viewers a high-quality, in-home cinematic experience while also providing security protection for our content producers. Our virtual festival will mimic the experience of our in-person festival as much as possible, with presentations and screenings at set times according to the festival schedule.

Sign language interpretation is available upon request for select live presentations. To request an interpreter, email [email protected]. In order to guarantee service availability, submit requests by Wednesday, April 7.

To purchase a pass, visit the SCAD GamingFest passes page and select the "Purchase Festival Pass" button. After completing the purchase process, you will receive an email confirmation, which will include a link for you to create your passholder password. This is the password you will use to access your festival experience.

After creating your password, you will be taken into the festival platform, where you may view all the sessions available to you as a passholder.

For questions regarding passes, email [email protected].

Since the 2021 SCAD GamingFest is entirely online, we are taking additional steps to prevent piracy and to protect the work of our content producers. As part of that process, only one Festival Pass is currently available to any one individual. This is because each purchased pass is tied to the email address provided by the purchaser, which helps ensure that sessions and exclusive content are not being widely shared.

It is possible to make large group purchases, but eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Once approved, and in order to complete the purchase, we will require a list of email addresses to tie each pass to a specific purchaser.

Email [email protected] for more information.

SCAD GamingFest accepts all major credit cards, and all payments will be made through the box office system. If you experience an issue with payment, we encourage you to contact your bank or email [email protected].

No. Certain events may have more restrictive audience limits. Passes typically sell out quickly, so be sure to make your purchases as soon as possible.

No. Passes are non-transferable.

We cannot resend lost passes. SCAD GamingFest is not responsible for lost passes. Email [email protected] if you have any additional questions.

Experience the virtual festival on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. After completing a purchase, use the link(s) provided in your email confirmation to access your content.

System requirements

You can watch content on PCs running Windows 7 or later and on Intel-based Macs running OSX 10.12 or later. You can also watch screenings on Android tablets and phones using Chrome, and on iPhones and iPads using Safari.

Windows PCs
Windows-based PCs must run Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10. Supported Windows browsers are Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera; Internet Explorer is not supported. We recommend using the latest version of your browser.

Mac computers
Macs must run Mac OSX 10.12 or later. Supported browsers are Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser.

iPhones and iPads
You can view content on iOS 11.2 or later. Please note that you must have Screen Mirroring turned off in order for content to play. Safari is the preferred browser on iPhone and iPad devices.

Android devices
You can watch content on Android 6.0 or later. Chrome is the preferred browser on Android devices.

Casting content to your television

Chromecast
You can Chromecast from a Chrome web browser on PC and Mac computers, as well as Android devices, by selecting the cast button () on the bottom-right side of the player.

Apple TV
If you have Apple TV, you can AirPlay from most browsers by selecting the AirPlay button () on the bottom-right side of the player.

HDMI
You can also connect your device directly to your television with an HDMI cable. Be sure to check your television for an available HDMI port.

Trouble accessing content

Forget your password?
Use the password reset option on the login page to reset your password. You will need access to the same email address you used to log in.

Video playback stalls or does not play smoothly
We use adaptive bitrate streaming, which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your internet speed. If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent, you may experience problems during playback. If you're on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to your router.

A black screen displays when casting content with AirPlay
You likely have Screen Mirroring turned on in your device settings. Please turn off the screen mirroring setting, and start AirPlay by selecting the AirPlay button () on the bottom-right side of the player.

Festival sessions will be available at the specified date and time seen on the schedule.

Note that all screenings can be watched only once, meaning that if you start a screening and then close the browser window, you will NOT be able to reenter to watch the show.

Once you start the screening in a browser window, do NOT close that window until you complete the show, or you will not be allowed entry a second time.