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9:45am
Laurence Oldham Digital Impact IncubatorTom Cole University of GreenwichJake Habgood Sumo Digital9:45am - 10:45amRoom 5Games:Edu Track Intro & Keynote: Apprenticeships & the Tacit Knowledge of Game Development
Tuesday 14th July9:45am - 10:45amRoom 5Following a brief introduction and welcome to the day’s events by track hosts Laurence Oldham and Dr Tom Cole, in this keynote, Jake Habgood explores the role of formal and informal apprenticeship in the games industry. Drawing on experience from his own early career at Gremlin Graphics and 20 years of leading training initiatives across industry and academia, the session examines how much of what defines an effective developer is not easily codified, but instead acquired through observation, collaboration, and participation in real production environments.
The talk focuses on tacit knowledge, the practical understanding of workflows, judgement, and team dynamics that emerges through close interaction with experienced colleagues. It argues that this form of learning is central to game development, where rapid iteration, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and shared problem-solving are essential. The session also considers how changes in working patterns, particularly the shift toward remote working, affect the transmission of this knowledge by reducing opportunities for informal exchange, mentorship, and apprenticeship-style learning.
The keynote reflects on the implications for studios seeking to build capability, maintain cultural cohesion, and support early career development, particularly where traditional learning pathways are disrupted. It outlines considerations for sustaining effective knowledge transfer and team development in modern production contexts, before concluding with a Q&A.
Session Takeaway
- Understand the role of apprenticeship, both formal and informal, in developing games industry skills.
- Recognise the importance of tacit knowledge in production environments.
- Identify the challenges remote working presents for knowledge transfer and team development.
- Consider approaches to sustaining effective learning and cultural cohesion within studios.
11:00am
Laurence Oldham Digital Impact IncubatorCaroline Marchal INTERIOR/NIGHTLouise Andrew d3t – A Keywords Studio11:00am - 11:45amRoom 5Developing Tomorrow’s Talent: Studio Strategies And Solutions
Tuesday 14th July11:00am - 11:45amRoom 5This expert panel brings together leaders from a broad range of studios to share how they build and nurture talent in the games industry.
- The panel will draw from their deep and varied experience and approaches, providing insights into the challenges and successes they’ve encountered.
- Attendees will gain a practical understanding of the diverse strategies studios use to develop talent, the real-world obstacles faced, and the benefits of investing in future professionals.
- The panel is especially relevant for studio leaders and educators seeking actionable strategies for talent development.
There will be time allocated for audience questions.
Session Takeaway
- Gain real-world insights into how studios are actively addressing talent pipeline challenges.
- Understand the practical challenges, costs, and successes of different approaches to talent development.
- Learn what studios see as the key benefits and future directions for building and sustaining talent in the games industry.
12:00pm
Tom Cole University of GreenwichLaurence Oldham Digital Impact Incubator12:00pm - 12:45pmRoom 5Opportunities For Talent: Workshopping The Foundations Of A Better Future
Tuesday 14th July12:00pm - 12:45pmRoom 5How can we evolve the conversation from talent needs into sustainable growth opportunities?
Work alongside education and industry panelists of this and the previous session to raise your own issues and success stories, helping address your challenges and architect the foundations of a more resilient talent ecosystem.The session begins with high-impact Provocations for Growth from a broad field of experts. Each speaker will provide a brief, five-minute talk on their experiences and expertise.
Following these insights, the floor opens for a Foundations Workshop. Participants will work in mixed groups of educators and industry to capture ideas using Padlet technology. Working through the obstacles, groups will brainstorm potential solutions drawing out and building the foundations for action.
Session Takeaway
- Identify and address shared barriers in the education‑to‑industry talent pipeline.
- Collaborate on practical ideas to support graduate development.
- Learn from cross‑sector perspectives, industry education, and those bridging the gap.
- Contribute to actionable foundations for future talent growth.
4:00pm
Laurence Oldham Digital Impact Incubator4:00pm - 4:45pmRoom 6Graduate Journeys: Experiences, Breakthroughs and Insights From Both Sides
Tuesday 14th July4:00pm - 4:45pmRoom 6This Free Round table gives the opportunity to hear firsthand from those who have made the journey from education to industry and those who build the pathways. It provides an opportunity to participate in an open discussion about those experiences and their lessons.
In this open, organic conversation, the students and the path builders will share the positive impact of studio-led mentorship and dedicated incubation. We’ll explore the gaps they found and how the support structures helped them overcome those challenges.
Whether you're a student looking for your own path or a studio head looking to build a better internal culture, join us for a constructive look at the practical magic that happens when industry pathways and emerging talent meet.
Session Takeaway
- Gain first‑hand knowledge from those that have made the transition from education to industry.
- Learn how studios and programmes support graduates through mentorship and pathways.
- Gain clarity on practical next steps for moving from education into professional practice.
5:00pm
Laurence Oldham Digital Impact Incubator5:00pm - 5:45pmRoom 6Fixing The Talent Crisis: Moving From Conversation To Action
Tuesday 14th July5:00pm - 5:45pmRoom 6This Roundtable is focused on the learnings from today’s Games Edu track. We will be consolidating and sharing our thoughts with each other, giving plenty of time for networking to build the necessary bridges and move the discussion into practice.
We will cover the key outcomes from the earlier sessions in the track. Giving a chance for educators, studio leads, and practitioners to share their own observations and challenges, looking for the common ground: where are the successes happening, and where do the challenges remain?
Moving on to networking and further discussion with the view to building the connections that will create lasting links to maintain the momentum and turn conversation into action.
Session Takeaway
- Consolidate key themes and learning from the Games Edu track.
- Share challenges and successes in developing early‑career talent.
- Build new connections across industry, education, and bridging organisations.
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There are no sessions on this day.
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There are no sessions on this day.
