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11:00am
Andrew Smith Spilt Milk StudiosJazeena McCallum INTERIOR/NIGHT11:00am - 11:45amRoom 5Roundtables FREEDevelop: FTUE (First Time User Experience)
Tuesday 11th July11:00am - 11:45amRoom 5A relaxed and informal roundtable designed to help you get the most out of your time at the conference. A diverse panel of friendly and experienced devs from across the whole industry spectrum want to help anyone who feels shy, awkward, a little out of place, on the outside, or just unable to really squeeze all the goodness out of this amazing show. You'll feel positive, empowered and fully equipped to have an absolutely smashing time, with tips on how to be productive, tools to network, and commitments from volunteers to be your safety net should things get a little too much! Finally, should you feel like it would help, we'll match people up with Show Mentors to ensure however long you're in Brighton, you go back to your studio feeling invigorated and inspired!
Session Takeaway
- Shared experiences that will give you some ideas on best practise plus do's and dont's for networking at every event.
- Recommendations for talks to attend and delegates to meet, plus practical help to do so!
- Knowledge of safe and quiet spaces to help manage your experience at the show
- A mentor committed to helping you for the duration of the conference with introductions, meetings, advice, and someone to lean on!
12:00pm
Jennie Lees DeepMindOllie Purkiss DeepMind12:00pm - 12:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREEFrom the Tech to the Morality and Ethics of AI
Tuesday 11th July12:00pm - 12:45pmRoom 5This roundtable will discuss the implications of AI in the future by discussing how we are using it now. What do video games need to do to protect their own creativity? How will they protect their staff? Will designers and artists go the way of the Dodo? The implications are long reaching and at our doorstep. What will we do?
2:00pm
Sarah Brewster Fresh Seed2:00pm - 2:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREEIs Your Studio Ready for the Menopause Generation?
Tuesday 11th July2:00pm - 2:45pmRoom 5In this session we'll explore quite how deeply the issues lie around addressing the menopause in your studio and how ingrained in our thinking the biases are when it comes to issues around women in the workplace. Making up 52% of the population this issue will be yours to address now and in the future. And what's more there are many challenges women face that they've been conditioned to overlook. This session will help your studio understand what you need to consider, how to deal with female issues from the menopause to IVF and an opportunity to talk to women who have felt let down by the legacy of male dominated workplaces. Are you ready to change the world and make your studio a fully inclusive place to work?
Session Takeaway
- How to make really inclusive policy.
- How to create champions in your studio.
- How to create a culture of acceptance rather than judgement on this subject and others.
3:00pm
Estelle Bailly Hi-Rez Studios3:00pm - 3:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREEOvercoming the Imposter Syndrome
Tuesday 11th July3:00pm - 3:45pmRoom 5Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome
Do you sometimes feel like a fraud? Well, you're not alone!
In this presentation, I will explain you what the Imposter Syndrome is, what its implications are, and which effects it could have on you and your work.
I will also share a few tips on how to tackle the Imposter Syndrome and ensure you feel empowered.
Come & join me on this journey of transformation!
Session Takeaway
- You will get a better understanding of what the Imposter Syndrome is
- You will receive some tips (and exercises) to tackle the Imposter Syndrome
- You will get closer to finally boost your confidence, own your successes and embrace your brilliance!
4:00pm
Shane Barnfield Keywords Studios4:00pm - 4:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREEGames Talent Acquisition Roundtable
Tuesday 11th July4:00pm - 4:45pmRoom 5Keywords Studios is a Games Service provider that combines the cross-functional expertise of our Game Development and [Art Services](https://www.keywordsstudios.co...) teams. Collaborating across our global integrated network of 70+ studios, delivering the highest quality video game content to key developers and Publishers.
Myself (Shane Barnfield) and Eduardo Goncalves, both Directors of Talent Acquisition for the Create Service (Game dev & Art) at the Keywords Group would have a roundtable discussion with Stuart Godfrey (Recruitment Manager), Ben Potton (Development Director) and Rhys Cadle (Design Director) about some of the challenges to attract and retain games art and engineering talent, the initiatives in place at the studio to overcome them, the opportunities that remote hiring can represent and as well tips to start/develop a career in games.
Main topics of the roundtable are as per below:
Games Talent market
- Attracting and retaining senior talent
- Talent Market supply
- Agency Recruitment: Pos and Cons
- Growing a diverse studio
Regional challenges & opportunities:
- Hiring Overseas staff
- Brexit
Application/Interviewing process:
- Remote interviewing
- Remote tests
- Application readiness
- Graduate recruitment
Session Takeaway
- Ways to overcome the low talent supply
- Attracting and retaining Senior Talent
- DE&I talent initiatives
- Games industry application process/requirements
5:00pm
Dom Shaw Ukie5:00pm - 5:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREEThe Impact Campaign: Careers and Stories of Game Professionals Making Impact!
Tuesday 11th July5:00pm - 5:45pmRoom 5In order for the games industry to continue to thrive, we need more people working in the industry who can bring different lived experiences and perspectives to their work and who can show others that regardless backgrounds, everyone can find a place and be included in this sector
Ukie’s #RaiseTheGame and Many Cats Studios have teamed up to deliver Impact, a new campaign that annually profiles a cohort of six disabled and neurodiverse games industry professionals of various levels and specialisms to demonstrate the unique perspectives, input and value they offer the industry over their careers by proudly advocating their identity.
In this session, members of the cohort will share their own career journeys to give greater visibility on those that are often underrepresented and not seen. The cohort will discuss their perspectives as disabled and neurodiverse people that often face challenges you likely can’t see from the surface level. The cohort will openly tell their stories to inspire the broader industry in the strength of those often overlooked and that being as accessible and inclusive is vital to welcome even more amazing talent in to the sector.
The full cohort will be revealed nearer to the conference, keep an eye out for more details!
Session Takeaway
- Insight into the strengths and challenges faced by disabled and neurodiverse game industry professionals
- Practical tips and techniques for employers to consider to make their work environments more accessible and inclusive
- Inspiration and confidence for game professionals to open discuss disability and neurodiversity to get more support within the industry
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11:00am
Andrew Smith Spilt Milk StudiosJazeena McCallum INTERIOR/NIGHT11:00am - 11:45amRoom 5Roundtables FREEDevelop: FTUE (First Time User Experience)
Wednesday 12th July11:00am - 11:45amRoom 5A relaxed and informal roundtable designed to help you get the most out of your time at the conference. A diverse panel of friendly and experienced devs from across the whole industry spectrum want to help anyone who feels shy, awkward, a little out of place, on the outside, or just unable to really squeeze all the goodness out of this amazing show. You'll feel positive, empowered and fully equipped to have an absolutely smashing time, with tips on how to be productive, tools to network, and commitments from volunteers to be your safety net should things get a little too much! Finally, should you feel like it would help, we'll match people up with Show Mentors to ensure however long you're in Brighton, you go back to your studio feeling invigorated and inspired!
Session Takeaway
- Shared experiences that will give you some ideas on best practise plus do's and dont's for networking at every event.
- Recommendations for talks to attend and delegates to meet, plus practical help to do so!
- Knowledge of safe and quiet spaces to help manage your experience at the show
- A mentor committed to helping you for the duration of the conference with introductions, meetings, advice, and someone to lean on!
12:00pm
Leon Killin Sumo GroupLadell Smith Auroch Digital12:00pm - 12:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREELGBTQ+ Roundtable
Wednesday 12th July12:00pm - 12:45pmRoom 5A open roundtable for LGBTQ+ games professionals and students having frank conversations about the challenges they face in our industry.
Session Takeaway
- An understanding of the concerns of LGBTQ+ individuals working in the games industry
- Techniques shared from first-hand experiences of celebrating diversity in workplaces
- Tips and tricks for pushing for better in-game representation from within the industry
- Building a sense of community and optimism for the future!
2:00pm
Sky Tunley-Stainton Safe in our World2:00pm - 2:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREEWhere is Your Safe Space Within the Games Industry?
Wednesday 12th July2:00pm - 2:45pmRoom 5This session will be a candid opportunity for attendees to share in an intimate discussion around mental health in our industry. Representing the mental health charity for games Safe in our World, attendees will be provided tangible examples of the methodology of Safe in our World, and be brought into the conversation to share in the ultimate questions:
- Where are your safe spaces within creating games?
- How do we instill trust in our teams?
- How do games provide you refuge?
And what are the asks that we can be making to ensure a better environment that is conducive for creativity, for sharing, and that allows us to bring our vulnerabilities and our whole selves into the workspace?
Safe in our World is here to impress urgency for a cultural shift in the games industry so that this is a healthy and thriving work environment for everyone who makes games. So we invite all attendees to come on this journey with us and get empowered to talk about mental health and make more asks within their companies to make mental health and wellbeing a priority.
Session Takeaway
- Attendees will be provided with actionable examples of current activations regarding mental health and wellbeing in the games industry, that they can take with them and make the ask of their companies too.
- Attendees will have had the chance to be heard and contribute in an inclusive session built around safe spaces, and be guided on how the same can be done within their own workspaces.
- Attendees will have a better understanding of the methodology of Safe in our World and why mental health is not only a crucial need for people who make games, but be shown that in improving the health of the environments for creators, it creates a trickle effect that positively impacts player environments as well. And that drives better loyalty and love from our players, and nurtures the love we all have for making games.
3:00pm
Lauren Kaye Limit Break MentorshipJo Haslam Limit Break/Snap Finger ClickJenny Kassner Limit Break/PlayStation London StudioHarun Ali No Brakes Games3:00pm - 3:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREEHow Mentoring Is Tearing Down Walls in the Games Industry
Wednesday 12th July3:00pm - 3:45pmRoom 5Are you feeling like you need a helpful voice in the games industry? Or are you interested in how you can help the next gen of games industry professionals? Join our round table where we discuss Mentorship and how Limit Break Mentorship can help you find your way.
Please note: This Roundtable will be recorded for use on the SPG podcast.
Session Takeaway
* What a healthy Mentorship relationship looks like
* How Limit Break is helping with the match making process
* More confidence in how to meet the right mentor
4:00pm
Dr Gina Jackson OBE SkillfullMick Morris Psyop4:00pm - 4:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREECreating Allyship in Games: See Something, Say Something
Wednesday 12th July4:00pm - 4:45pmRoom 5Allyship is defined as a practice that needs to be embedded within an individual's sense of everyday commitment to equity. How do we create Allyship within our industry?
We've all heard or experienced bad behavior at events over the years, and the increased reports in 2023 are frightening.
Collectively what can we do as individuals and organisations to stamp out the unacceptable behaviour reported at events? Join us to brainstorm ideas. We will discuss how we can create Allyship within our industry to challenge and confront toxicity. Please help us create an action plan for change.
Come to this roundtable to be a part of a positive change in our industry.Session Takeaway
Discussion topics include:
- How can Allyship help promote a more positive culture?
- How do we stop this sort of unacceptable behaviour?
- How can we offer advocacy and support?
- What can your studio do for you?
- What's the trade body doing?
- What are events doing?
- What resources are available?
5:00pm
Jade Leamcharaskul POCinPlayNida Ahmad POCinPlay5:00pm - 5:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREEFinding Your Community + Social Mixer by POCinPlay
Wednesday 12th July5:00pm - 5:45pmRoom 5The aim of this roundtable is to give a general guideline of creating and maintaining support structures for your community as well as sharing resources from an organisational, personal, and mentorship level. This session is also a chance to have a chat with the PiP team and other PiP members.
There will be a Social Mixer afterwards which is open to all. Non POC (People of Colour) attendees are welcome to join, however please remember that this space focuses on those who are racial minorities and that you are a welcome guest.
Session Takeaway
- Gain insight and confidence in building and safe guarding your community
- Expand knowledge of other DEI resources
- Make new connections -
11:15am
Meg Rouncefield d3tPeter Yates d3t11:15am - 12:00pmRoom 5Roundtables FREECreating Among Chaos: Finding Your Flow with a Noisy Brain
Thursday 13th July11:15am - 12:00pmRoom 5While trying to build up a support group for neurodiverse individuals within our studio, not only did we realise there were "far" more of us than we originally thought, we also discovered that we were all struggling in similar areas. All of us were experiencing issues with overwhelming amounts of information and emotional dysregulation that made sitting down and getting the work done impossible. We soon began to swap references, psychological studies, and our own tried and tested methods that have helped us maintain our attention when working - or more specifically, reach a state known as “hyperfocus.” Hyperfocus is described as an “intense fixation on an interest or activity for an extended period of time” and is often triggered by engaging in “special interests.” By exploring what types of activities trigger these "hyperfocus" states for us, we can begin to understand which elements we need in place to be able to concentrate on our work as well.
In this session we discuss our unique challenges as neurodiverse designers in the games industry, and share some of the methods we've discovered while trying to manage our noisy brains. We talk short attention spans, burnout, and how our passion for zone games has helped us to discover our own creative flow state while we work.
Session Takeaway
Through our session we hope to:
- Raise awareness of neurodiversity within the games industry.
- Provide methods for finding and maintaining a creative flow when working.
- Encourage others to bring their authentic self to work.
12:15pm
Nigel Twumasi mayamadaTazziii mayamada12:15pm - 1:00pmRoom 5Roundtables FREE“Do I Look Like A Gamer?”: Bringing Genuine Diversity to Video Game Narratives
Thursday 13th July12:15pm - 1:00pmRoom 5As part of the "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign, we will explore the current state of storytelling in video games and the importance of bringing genuine diversity to narrative design.
The roundtable will be moderated by mayamada co-founder Nigel Twumasi, who will lead a conversation with players and makers to discuss examples of diversity across video game storytelling, and how to distinguish between tokenism and authentic representation.
The panellists will emphasise the importance of creating genuine diversity in narrative design, not just for the sake of representation, but to improve storytelling in the medium going forward. This means the need for game makers to incorporate a diverse cast of characters that add depth and complexity to stories, making them more engaging and resonant with players.
We will help game developers to understand why creating genuine diversity in narrative design matters, and how to spot when tokenism is happening where there should be sincere efforts to involve diverse voices in the creative process.
Ultimately, our industry benefits from better games, and there is much we can learn from diversity done well in video game storytelling which includes authentic and nuanced representations of characters from different backgrounds, experiences, and identities.
We value open, honest dialogue so the session will end by welcoming questions from the audience as we encourage further discussion on the topic of diversity in video game storytelling.
Session Takeaway
- Why creating genuine diversity in narrative design makes your game more engaging and resonant with players.
- How to go beyond surface-level representation and tokenism to create diverse storylines.
- How to involve diverse voices in the creative process and conduct research to ensure accurate and authentic representation.
- What we can learn from positive examples of diversity in video game storytelling.
2:00pm
Stacy Knapton AardmanBen Laws Splash DamageWill Marshall Dovetail GamesJonathan Quinn Aardman2:00pm - 2:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREETech Leadership in Games
Thursday 13th July2:00pm - 2:45pmRoom 5Join Develop’s roundtable discussion on the oft-overlooked topic of technical leadership in the video game industry. Whilst public post-mortems, retrospectives, and interviews tend to focus on studio founders, and creative and game leads, strong technical leadership is a crucial aspect of building a successful game.
Unfortunately, finding reliable resources and guidance on technical leadership can be problematic. Engineering blogs and social media prioritise exciting technical solutions, or zeitgeist debate, leaving leadership strategies and support in the shadows. This can lead to a knowledge gap for incumbent and aspiring technical leaders, who often have to rely on personal networks or an extrapolation of a discussion from another field.
This siloing of knowledge can lead to stagnation and limit growth opportunities for individuals and the industry. Good leadership is hard, so why not give it the same attention and effort that you might give to a technical challenge? This roundtable aims to bridge the knowledge gap by providing an open forum for technical leaders to share their experiences, strategies, and insights. Through this discussion, attendees will improve their leadership practices, and make meaningful connections to advance their careers and the industry as a whole. Learn from your peers and become better (absolutely no guarantees).
Session Takeaway
- Practical improvements to your leadership skills, covering topics critical to you, in areas such as: team and studio leadership, strategy, process and direction, engineering and delivery, and personal development
- An awareness of best practice, and a refresher on what you should be doing as a leader
- Make new connections
- Fun debate, and hopefully some new motivation
3:00pm
Tom Cole University of Greenwich3:00pm - 4:45pmRoom 5Roundtables FREE“Together We Are Stronger” - Building Bridges Between Higher Education and the Games Industry
Thursday 13th July3:00pm - 4:45pmRoom 5Building on a very successful and well-attended roundtable session last year, this is a 90 minute workshop for communication, collaboration, and forging new relationships between higher education and the games industry.
Session Takeaway
Clear communication of what issues and pressures are facing Higher Education
Clear communication of the issues and pressures facing the games industry
Collaborative generation and discussion of potential solutions to benefit both sides
