Mayamada co-founders Nigel Twumasi and Lao Karunwi are on a mission to challenge the overemphasised perception that gaming is an unsocial and geeky pastime, and their upcoming GamePad summer event aims to change that view by showing gaming as a socially inclusive and fun activity for all.

“GamePad is an event with fun at its core, but with a serious message. Online gaming is too often surrounded by stories of harassment and social isolation. By making gaming an activity grounded in the real world with real people who can meet and become friends, problems of animosity and trolling are greatly reduced,” Twumasi says.

“We want an event that allows everyone to get involved; whether you’re an expert or a parent who wants to spend time with their children. No matter where you’re from or what you look like, you can enjoy games.”

With that inclusive spirit, GamePad already has the backing of some of the industry’s biggest names, including Ubisoft, Bandai Namco and Nintendo.

The summer GamePad event takes place on Saturday 2 September 2017, at Maker Wharf in Bethnal Green (56 Warner Place, London E2 7DA). It starts at 12pm and tickets are available at the GamePad website.

Attendees to GamePad are also being encouraged to bring their unwanted games to be donated to children in hospitals across the UK, helping them stay positive through tough times.