Tom Cole
University of Greenwich
Tom is Senior Lecturer in Games Development at the University of Greenwich. His research is situated at the boundary of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Games Studies, and focuses on the broadening and deepening of emotional engagement in videogames. He organises game jams, and for eight years directed AdventureX - the Narrative Games Convention, an internationally recognised sell-out event. Tom was previously at Supermassive Games where he was a designer on the BAFTA award-winning horror game Until Dawn and artist on Killzone Shadow Fall.
Tom Cole is speaking at the following session/s
Opportunities For Talent: Workshopping The Foundations Of A Better Future
How 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.
Session speakers
Graduate Journeys: Experiences, Challenges, and Gaps in Education and Support
This Free Round table gives the opportunity to hear firsthand from those that have made the journey from education to industry and those that build the pathways. It provides the opportunity to participate in an open discussion around those experiences and their learnings.
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 education and industry truly collaborate.
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.
Session speakers
Fixing The Talent Crisis: Moving From Conversation To Action
This 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.
Session speakers
Developing Tomorrow’s Talent: Studio Strategies And Solutions
This 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.
Session speakers
Welcome and Games Edu Keynote
Alongside an introduction to the full Games Edu track by Dr Tom Cole, this keynote will offer insight into how one leading UK studio is approaching early‑career development and structured training for new talent. The session will outline the principles behind studio‑led learning, the challenges of building effective pathways, and the opportunities this creates for both studios and graduates. Full details, including the confirmed speaker and final topic focus, will be announced shortly.
Session Takeaway
Session speakers
