Tandem Events have today announced a record attendance at this year’s Develop:Brighton conference seeing an increase of up to 43% from last year. This year’s figure is also up 73% on pre-pandemic levels.
Andy Lane, Tandem Events Managing Director commented “We are delighted to announce that 4,970 delegates attended the Develop:Brighton conference this year, a new record from when we started the conference in 2006. It is wonderful to see the growth of this community and each year we strive to grow the value this conference can provide the game development community. We are immensely proud and can’t wait to see what 2024 holds.”
“What was especially rewarding was the increase in exhibitors and in the number of meetings booked this year”, said Andy Lane. Meet@Develop hosted 2465 meetings, which was an increase of 47% from last year. “We are excited each year to provide the setting for these conversations, where games are being pitched, deals are done and new relationships are built. And this year’s number really shows the thriving activity of the industry in the UK and beyond.”
Keynote speaker Jon Ingold from inkle Studios said that “Develop was as busy and vibrant as it’s ever been. It is always great to see the UK games industry in its many forms.”
Finally, Tandem Events celebrated a hugely successful Develop:Star Awards with all attendees, nominees and winners. “This year’s awards were the biggest Star Awards hosted to date, but the focus of course goes to the incredible achievements in our industry this year”, said Lane.
Following their win for Best Studio at this year’s awards, Co-Studio head at Roll7 Simon Bennett said, “As we plan celebrations for our 15th year of making games - this award really does mean so much to everyone at the studio. It’s not just the 2 multi-award-winning games we shipped last year, it’s our unique remote culture and a commitment to no-crunch development that really sets Roll7 apart. Given the remarkable and world class talent in our category - we truly are humbled and grateful.”
Develop:Brighton returns in 2024 to the DoubleTree by Hilton Metropole from Tuesday 9 – Thursday 11 July, with the Develop:Star Awards taking place on Wednesday 10 July.
For the latest information on all things Develop:Brighton visit www.developconference.com and follow @DevelopConf on Twitter.
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About Develop:Brighton conference & expo
Develop:Brighton brings together the entire UK game dev industry to learn from each other, share ideas and experiences, network, and do business in a friendly and inclusive environment. The event also offers high quality conference sessions - from the industries brightest minds and talents - with practical takeaways that allow delegates to ‘skill-up’ and be inspired to make better games.
With a programme shaped to reflect attendees’ feedback and hot topics for game makers in 2023 (including AI generated content, discoverability & player acquisition, monetisation and narrative design) the Expo brings together some of the most innovative companies from every sector of games development. Guests can also keep up-to date with the latest dev tools/tech and get hands on with all the games on display.
Develop:Brighton offers three days of insight, inspiration, networking and fun on England’s south coast.
Twitter: @developconf
LinkedIn: Develop:Brighton
Instagram: developbrighton
About The Develop:Star Awards
Taking place alongside the conference, the Develop:Star Awards recognise the very best of the game development community. The achievements of developers and success of great games and creativity will be celebrated across 20 categories, plus one ultimate ‘Develop Star’ honouring an extraordinary game developer or studio for outstanding achievements and contributions to the industry.
