Game visuals today span the artistic spectrum, from iconic mobile graphics to lush AAA productions and now of course the shift towards virtual reality and a return to photo-realism. Our Art Track will provide artists with inspiration, practical advice, best-practise guidance and real-life case studies from not just the games industry but other creative industries too.

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Nothing ruins a good game faster than annoying music or inferior sound effects. Our Audio Track is a day long conference on Thursday 12 July for anyone involved in sound or music and video games. Audio professionals can expect to be inspired by the latest techniques and trends, plus hear from peers and experts who will share their own experiences and knowledge on all things sound related.

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It's all very well making a great game, however without some commercial know-how and a sensible business model then you won't get very far in today's hugely competitive games industry. Our Business track brings together some of the smartest brains in games to share  real-life case studies, practical advice, and best-practise tips so you can run a truly successful business as well as make great games. Also covers the challenges of game production, funding and marketing.

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The games industry clearly remains the most exciting and varied sector for a programmer to go to work in. In the Coding Track our seriously knowledgeable and experienced technical speakers will show you exactly how to rise to the many challenges and opportunities facing game programmers today - including new and emerging platforms like VR, AR and MR. 

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The Design Track is sponsored by the V&A South Kensington
Creativity in games has recently undergone a renaissance due to Indie developers, new formats, smaller budgets and online distribution channels as well as mainstream innovations. So contemporary game design is a challenging mix of cutting edge tech versus old school techniques like storytelling and game play. Come and be inspired by some of the world's most innovative and successful game designers offering their own top tips, and insight.

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Videogames: Design/ Play/ Disrupt
8 September 2018 – 24 February 2019
Videogame design is one of the most important disciplines of our time but what does it take to design a videogame in the 21^st century? This autumn the V&A explores the design and culture of contemporary videogames in the first exhibition of its kind. From The Last of Us and Splatoon to Journey and Kentucky Route Zero, follow the creation of ground-breaking works from the last decade to see how a new generation of designers and players are pushing boundaries.

With concept artwork, character designs and prototypes displayed alongside spectacular installations, game footage and playable interactives, you’ll be drawn into this complex world and invited to reconsider what a videogame really is today.
#DesignPlayDisrupt

Book now at vam.ac.uk/videogames

NEW! One of the biggest challenges facing game developers today is how to get your game on people's radar in such a competitive marketplace. The new Discoverability track will focus on helping you do just that - finding and attracting the right audience, nurturing your community and building good relationships with media, streamers and other influencers. Hear case studies, top tips and practical advice from the people behind some of the most successful games around.

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Video games never stop changing, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Evolve explores everything that is new or cutting edge in game development across all disciplines - from new technologies and new trends to new business models. Plus there's some crystal ball gazing and debate on how to create the best new game experiences for the next decade. Evolve sessions are now included within the main conference programme across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

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While competition is hotting up for indie game devs, fresh opportunities continue with ever more tools, services, and other resource emerging to help turn your ambitions into reality. To help you become one of the winners, the Indie track brings together the indie community plus a few super star speakers to share hints, tips, lessons, and dreams. 

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Free sessions on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 July for students, start-ups, and anyone else looking to be the next big thing! Join us to hear straight talking from successful indie developers about how they started, what worked for them, and what mistakes they made – so you can avoid repeating them.

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The new roundtable discussions are free to attend and open to everyone. They'll provide a safe place during the conference to discuss sensitive topics and personal issues affecting game devs today. And we'll ask people to turn off their devices so that conversations can be uncompromised. Come and share your experiences, ideas and point of view with others. 

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