It's a busy Develop conference for Team Ukie, with a host of talks, roundtables and networking events for members and the wider games industry to attend.
We've put together all of Ukie's offerings this year into one handy guide - so take a look, book a ticket, and we'll see you by the sea.
1. Ukie Member Breakfast
Tuesday 11th July, email for times and location
This one is just for members, but if you're coming into Brighton early on Tuesday then join us as we kick off our stint at Develop with a a breakfast meet-and-greet sponsored by Johnston Carmichael and Epic Games. There’s still a few spaces available, so if you want to come along, then please email helen@ukie.org.uk.
2. The Impact Campaign: Careers and Stories of Game Professionals Making Impact!
Tuesday 11th July, 5:00pm - 5:45pm, Room 5
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 to demonstrate the unique perspectives and value they offer the games industry. In this session, members of the cohort will share their own career journeys, discuss the challenges that are not always visible, and openly tell their stories to inspire the broader industry towards accessibility. Attendees can also expect to get practical tips and techniques for employers to make their work environments more inclusive, as well as the confidence to openly discuss their own disabilities and neurodiversity (where this applies).
The full cohort will be revealed before the conference – so keep an eye out for more details.
3. #RaiseTheGame Festival of Food
Tuesday 11th July, 7:00pm - 11:00pm, Shelter Hall, Kings Road Arches
Now in its third iteration, this popular networking event is designed to be as accessible as possible, with a range of different food options from around the world. There are very few tickets available to this, so snap them up to meet others from the #RaiseTheGame community and the wider games industry – with thanks to SEGA HARDlight, RallyHere, Behaviour Interactive - UK North, REALTIME UK and Voice At The Table.
4. The Guide to the Future: Why Should You Care What the Government Thinks?
Wednesday 12th July, 12:00pm - 12:45pm, Room 6
Over the past few years and changes of government Ukie has been working extensively with policymakers on topics such as loot boxes and online safety, and to address the issues that could hamper the future growth of the industry, such as the talent gap and changes to Video Game Tax Relief. In this session, Ukie gives an update on the work that will guide the future of the UK games industry – and how you can prepare. Attendees can expect to get an overall insight into how policy influences the practice of making, selling and playing games, and a practical understanding of changes to existing funding strands (VGTR).
5. Ukie Manifesto Roundtable - Have your say!
Wednesday 12th July, 14:00 - 15:00, Lancing 1, Holiday Inn Brighton Seafront
Ukie is in the process of drafting the Ukie Manifesto, a seminal document defining our industry's direction and priorities. It will be the voice of our industry, instrumental in shaping policies, particularly in light of a potential General Election in 2024 – and we need your help.
For this session, we’ll be hosting a Manifesto roundtable discussion in Brighton during the conference at the Holiday Inn Brighton Seafront, just a comfortable five minute walk from the conference centre. This event will serve as an ideal platform for the wider games industry to contribute unique insights and viewpoints.
If you’d like to be a part of this pivotal dialogue, email Amen at amen@ukie.org.uk to declare your interest. Remember, this event is open to all – so be sure to join us and play a key role in sculpting the future of our industry.