Axel Torvenius

Maisie Adam

Asher McClennahan

Harinder Sangha 

Kimberley Turner

Lasse Seppänen

Ben Robinson

HaZ Dulull

Elaine Dowman

Chris Dring

Lirui Ding

Chris Filip

Harvey Hayman

Paul Sparks

Dr Gina Jackson OBE

Stefan Lampinen

Will Freeman

Marcia Deakin

Em Aspinall

Game Republic New Horizons

Game Republic is the award-winning largest industry-led professional games network for the North of England. Game Republic's network includes games developers, publishers, universities and games-related companies - and in 2023 celebrated its 20th year with Official Partners Red Kite Games, Barclays and Xsolla. Members include Team17, Revolution, Sumo Digital, Double Eleven, Boneloaf, the University of Huddersfield, GG Insurance, Rebellion North and Eaton Smith. Game Republic organises monthly networking meetings in the north of England, which in the past year have featured companies such as ID@Xbox, Yogscast Games, Sony, Unity, Valve, Devolver and Epic Games - and also runs and organises the GaMaYo free network and event that welcomes 400+ developers and 40+ game demos. Game Republic provides members with business advice, essential contacts, educational partner links and discounts on major events such as the Develop Conference in Brighton. Game Republic also has excellent links with national organisations such as  BAFTA and also runs trade missions to GDC with the Department for Business and Trade.For more information on joining Game Republic hit the website: www.gamerepublic.net

Game Republic

Flagship conference &amp; expo focused on future opportunities, markets and skills with global speakers from studios, publishers and platforms

Riverside Stadium

Game Republic New HorizonsA new flagship event for The North focusing on the future - on new opportunities, new markets and new skills supported by Tees Valley Combined AuthorityThursday 16th October, 9.00am - 10.00pm Riverside Stadium - MiddlesbroughSponsored by Red Kite Games, Barclays Games and Creative, Xsolla, Double Eleven, Behaviour, Autodesk, KudosQA, Supercell and NextGen Skills AcademySupported by Game Bridge, Middlesbrough College, Panda Cat Games, Pitstop Productions and Portal One GamesMedia Partners The Game Business, GamesIndustry.Biz, Pocket Gamer, MCV Develop, Mobile Gamer Our opening session supported by BAFTA will be MachineGames’ Axel Torvenius, Creative Director of the fantastic Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, being interviewed by Will Freeman.The final session will include comedian Maisie Adam, currently appearing in Channel 4's Taskmaster being interviewed by Chris Dring, Editor-in-Chief of The Game BusinessOther speakers and guests include:Asher McClennahan, Head of Games at Kickstarter who is flying in from the USA to speak about the world's biggest crowdfunding platform, Lirui Ding from VC investors Transcend Fund, Kimberley Turner, CFO and Commercial Director of Double Eleven, Harvey Hayman, Hat Trick Productions, Harinder Sangha, COO of Maverick Games, Lasse Seppänen the General Manager of Supercell’s new London Studio, Chris Filip from the BFI's UK Global Screen Fund, Paul Sparks from Department of Business and Trade, Gina Jackson from Pitchify, Mark Sample, Head of Games at Portal One, HaZ Dulull, writer, director and producer at Beyond the Pixels and Stefan Lampinen from The Game Advisor.You can expect a full day of panels and fireside chats with game legends and leaders, publishers, platform-holders and international studios.Expect inspiration, new ideas, excellent networking, lunch, an expo with companies including Tees Valley Combined Authority, Game Academy, IGGI, Huey Games, Brickmouse, Animex and an after party with Go-Karts, Golf, Arcade Games and Pizza!Accommodation optionsEnjoy discounts for at conference hotels including:Holiday Inn Express when attending the Game Republic Conference 2025 - Located in the centre of Middlesbrough with breakfast included, it’s a convenient and comfortable base just a short distance from the conference venue.<a href="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/middlesbrough/mcsuk/hoteldetail?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99585603&icdv=99585603&qSlH=MCSUK&qAAR=IDC20&qRtP=IDC20&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=EX&qDest=Former%20Cook%20and%20Endeavour%20House%2C%20Middlesbrough%2C%20GB&srb_u=1" title="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/middlesbrough/mcsuk/hoteldetail?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99585603&icdv=99585603&qSlH=MCSUK&qAAR=IDC20&qRtP=IDC20&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=EX&qDest=Former%20Cook%20and%20Endeavour%20House%2C%20Middlesbrough%2C%20GB&srb_u=1" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Book using this link below and the discount will be automatically applied.</a>Discount is subject to availability. Offer valid for stays between 14th October 2025 and 17th October 2025.Leonardo HotelEnjoy an exclusive 20% off Room Only and Bed &amp; Breakfast rates at the 4-star Leonardo Hotel Middlesbrough when attending the Game Republic Conference 2025.Relax in our modern, comfortable hotel, with a range of room types to suit every need – plus on-site parking* and access to our leisure club.To book: visit <a href="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leonardohotels.co.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CKIan.Hoggarth%40teesvalley-ca.gov.uk%7Cd729ef5795b2463de40d08ddbd663487%7C41561ac9cd6c4318b02eb1f4937e28e2%7C0%7C0%7C638874969030655132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0%2B8Je87V0tXVq6rNK0vsAkg681ksAhzf7jE7bYS2a9k%3D&reserved=0" title="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leonardohotels.co.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CKIan.Hoggarth%40teesvalley-ca.gov.uk%7Cd729ef5795b2463de40d08ddbd663487%7C41561ac9cd6c4318b02eb1f4937e28e2%7C0%7C0%7C638874969030655132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0%2B8Je87V0tXVq6rNK0vsAkg681ksAhzf7jE7bYS2a9k%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.leonardohotels.co.uk</a>, search for Leonardo Hotel Middlesbrough and enter the promo code MBRGRC.Discount is subject to availability, and a 7-day cancellation policy applies. This offer is valid for stays taking place between 14th October 2025 and 17th October 2025.Promo code is available until 30th September 2025.*Charges applyStation SuitesEnjoy an exclusive 20% off your stay at Station Suites when attending the Game Republic Conference 2025.Stay in our stylish, fully serviced apartments located just minutes from the heart of town – ideal for business or leisure, with flexible check-in and modern amenities.To book: visit <a href="https://direct-book.com/properties/StationSuitesnewdirect?promotion_code=GAMEREP" title="https://direct-book.com/properties/StationSuitesnewdirect?promotion_code=GAMEREP" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://direct-book.com/properties/StationSuitesnewdirect?promotion_code=GAMEREP</a> and your discount will be automatically applied.You can also learn more about us at <a href="http://www.stationsuites.com/" title="http://www.stationsuites.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.stationsuites.com</a>.Discount is subject to availability. Offer valid for stays between 14th October 2025 and 17th October 2025. Promo code available until 30th September 2025.If you are interested in the expo and showing your tech, your services or your new game, let us know when you order and we will get in touch to give you more info.If you would like to get your brand in front of over 200+ games industry guests from The North, the UK and overseas, get in touch with us about sponsorship.For all travel information visit https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/visit/game-republic-new-horizons/

Agenda

Registration and Breakfast

Join us at the Meeting Point and have scheduled meetings in the booths and suites. Visit your MeetToMatch for details

MeetToMatch opens

Come and visit stands from Huey Games, Animex, Tees Valley Combined Authority business and investment teams, Intelligent Games and Games Intelligence (IGGI), The Game Academy, VOBJ Management, North Breeze Entertainment and Brickmouse

Expo Opens at The Fenton

Welcome to Game Republic New Horizons 

A special fireside chat session supported by BAFTA featuring writer Will Freeman in conversation with Axel Torvenius (MachineGames) about the making of the smash hit game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle! Also features a Q&A and FREE GIFT from Bethesda for every attendee of the session.

The making of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - supported by BAFTA

A special panel about company leadership sponsored by Supercell. Hosted by Elaine Dowman (Barclays/IMRIT) with Harinder Sangha (Maverick), Kimberley Turner (Double Eleven), Ben Fisher (Middlesbrough FC), Lasse Seppänen (Supercell). Looking at leadership of companies in difficult times, but also how to inspire your company - and the future of leadership. With Q&A session.

Game Leadership Panel sponsored by Supercell

David Mason:Flow Production Tracking Specialist leads the session. David worked in London for many years using FPT as a VFX Production Manager, Line Producer and Comp Supe on Movies and TV like Kingsman, Black Mirror and ... London has Fallen ?. Moved to the FPT (nee Shotgun) team almost a decade ago and have been helping studios around the world expand their toolsets and workflows around production management and pipeline integration.


Flow Production Tracking in Games & Q&A by David Mason Autodesk in The Archery

Lunch sponsored by Behaviour

An opportunity to get pitch-side at the Riverside Stadium and if you like, to have your photo taken with the Middlesbrough Football Club Mascot Roary the Lion to raise money for the charity Special Effect!

SpecialEffect Fundraiser Photos with Roary the Lion (MFC Mascot) Player Tunnel

A presentation from Tony Byus (Rainy Frog) about the Japanese games market, followed by an International Markets panel hosted by Stefan Lampinen (Game Advisor Ltd), with Tony Byus (Rainy Frog), Paul Sparks (DBT) expert in business in China and another speaker TBA.

Japan games market overview and International Markets Panel

A Deep Dive session with Ben Robinson from Xbox discussing the latest opportunities with ID@Xbox and info on the brand new ROG Ally handheld Xbox consoles that launch on 16th October – the same day as New Horizons!

Xbox Play Anywhere and the Xbox Ally in the Archery

A panel about the growing importance of Transmedia for the games industry - sponsored by NextGen. Hosted by Jackie Mulligan (GR), and featuring Harvey Hayman (Hat Trick), HaZ Dulull (Beyond the Pixels), Mark Sample (PortalOne) and Gina Jackson (Pitchify), the panel will look at opportunities in TV, animation, movies, comic books and more.

Games and the Opportunities of Transmedia  sponsored by NextGen Skills Academy

A 'tech deep dive' session in the Archery Room with the Founder and Creative Technologist at Reflex Arc, Richard England, speaking about his recent work with robots. Find out more about how game developers are ideal for work in other areas of cutting-edge technology.

Robots, VR and Mixed Reality: Lessons from the Frontline

A talk and Q&A session about mental health in the workplace (and at home) with charity Safe In Our World Sky Tunley-Stainton

Safe In Our World session at The Archery

Asher McClennahan, Head of Games at Kickstarter, will present about best practice for game developers on the world's biggest crowdfunding platform. This will be followed by an essential panel about the future of games funding, hosted by Jamie Sefton (GR), and featuring Asher plus Lirui Ding (Transcend Fund), Chris Filip (BFI) and another guest TBC. The panel will discuss many types of funding for games including public funding, VC, publisher funding and crowdfunding - with a Q&A.

Kickstarter Presentation and The Future of Games Funding Panel

A VERY special recorded interview session with The Game Business' Editor-in-Chief Chris Dring with comedian and current Taskmaster contestant Maisie Adam! Expect lively conversation and a grudge EA Sports FC game...

The Game Business Interview - with Maisie Adam

Coaches to the After Party

A fantastic After Party at Level X in Middlesbrough featuring food and drinks, go-karting, games, golf, karaoke, dodgems and more!

Game Republic New Horizons After Party at Level X

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