Tandem Events has announced a new format for the development industry awards. The Develop:Star Awards will focus on honouring creative excellence, whilst at the same time bringing some fun back into the evening. The Develop:Star Awards will be decided and voted on by the development community and will recognise the very best games and talent within the industry, with categories that will enable teams and studios of every size to shine.

Taking place during the Develop:Brighton conference on the evening of Wednesday 10 July at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, the Develop:Star Awards will be split into 15 different categories, focusing on the achievements of development teams and the success of great games over the previous 12 months.

“The Develop Stars will be chosen by developers; peer group recognition of the very best the community has to offer. We’re limiting the number of categories to streamline the  awards ceremony, and, whilst the Develop Stars will be highly coveted, we’re also determined to bring back a sense of fun to the evening,” commented Andy Lane, managing director of Tandem Events.

Within the 15 categories, one ultimate ‘Develop Star’ will be awarded to honour an extraordinary game developer for outstanding achievement and contribution to the industry.

Nominations will be free for all categories and they will be shortlisted down by a panel of industry experts. The final voting will then be opened up to the game development community to select the winners.

Confirmed partners include Sony Interactive Entertainment, Epic Games, GamesIndustry.Biz and Network N.

“As long-term supporters of Develop:Brighton we’re delighted to get behind the plans for the Develop Stars; recognising and celebrating the hard work, passion and world-class talent the games industry pours into its craft,” commented Michael Denny, SVP, Worldwide Studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Mike Gamble, Head of Games Licensing, Epic Games, EMEA added, “There’s so much our development community should be proud of; so an enjoyable awards night that salutes the best in the business in an entertaining way is definitely the way forward. We’re delighted to support the Develop Stars and shine a light on exceptional talent.”

“We’re determined to make the Develop Stars as inclusive as possible with awards that are aimed at every level of the industry and with ticket prices that are affordable. It’s going to be a very special night that will give this remarkable community the chance to celebrate the amazing creative talent that exists within UK and Europe,” continued Lane.

The Develop:Star Awards will run parallel with Develop:Brighton conference and expo, Europe’s leading game developer conference with over 2,300 delegates, which takes place at the Hilton Brighton Metropole from Tuesday 9 July to Thursday 11 July 2019.

Further details including categories, judging process and how to buy tickets will be announced early in 2019.