TECH
Returning – Game Republic managing director Jamie Sefton with co-director Dr Jackie Mulligan at the Game Republic VIP party event hosted by Double Eleven last year.
GLOBAL GAMING
Some of the biggest names in the global video games industry will descend on Middlesbrough this October as Game Republic New Horizons returns to the Riverside Stadium for the second year running.
It is a landmark moment that definitively cements Teesside’ s rapidly expanding reputation as one of the UK’ s premier digital and creative hubs.
Organised by Game Republic and supported by Tees Valley Combined Authority, Middlesbrough Council and local tech trailblazers Double Eleven, the flagship event will welcome senior figures from international studios, publishers, investors and technology companies.
Together, they will embark on a comprehensive programme exploring the future of the games industry, emerging markets, investment, skills and innovation.
The sheer scale and prestige of this year’ s event are best highlighted by its keynote speaker, Ken Kutaragi.
Universally recognised as‘ The father of PlayStation,’ Kutaragi is one of the most transformative and influential figures in the history of interactive entertainment.
How Double Eleven is bringing big players back to Teesside
Jamie Sefton, managing director at Game Republic, said:“ We’ re thrilled to be bringing Game Republic New Horizons back to the North.
“ This region has long been one of the UK’ s real success stories for games, featuring a great mix of worldclass studios, outstanding talent and a collaborative community.
“ Last year’ s event showed the strong appetite for a major games conference outside London. We’ re excited to build on that momentum by welcoming even more developers, publishers, investors and technology leaders from across the UK and around the world.
“ New Horizons is all about creating meaningful connections, sharing ideas and opening up new opportunities for collaboration and growth, while showcasing why the North has become one of the most exciting and influential tech hubs outside of London.
“ We’ re proud to play our part in championing the region and look forward to welcoming even more people to this year’ s event.”
Alongside high-profile keynote sessions, New Horizons will feature discussions and panels covering emerging technologies, leadership, funding, international markets and the future direction of interactive entertainment.
A VIP reception at Double Eleven’ s award-winning studio the evening before the conference, will feature 4J’ s chairman Chris van der Kuyl CBE and designer Joseph‘ Stampy’ Garrett in conversation about the creation of the open-world sandbox game Reforj as well as running a successful games studio and launching a new IP in a challenging market.
Chris is one of Scotland’ s leading entrepreneurs working across the technology, media, gaming and entertainment sectors. He is most
40 | Tees Business