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Develop:Brighton 2026 Preview: Keynotes, Tracks, and Networking Opportunities
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The UK's premier game development conference, Develop:Brighton, is gearing up for the 2026 edition, scheduled to take place from Tuesday, July 14 to Thursday, July 16, 2026. Hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, the event, organized by Tandem Events, serves as a critical hub for the global game development community, attracting everyone from micro-indies to established AAA studios. With a proven track record, the 2025 event drew over 5,500 attendees, underscoring its significance as a platform for learning, collaboration, and industry celebration.
Develop:Brighton is renowned for its focus on practical, vocational content, designed to provide tangible takeaways for developers at every stage of their career. This year's program is meticulously crafted to address the most pressing topics and emerging trends shaping the industry, ensuring attendees leave with actionable insights and fresh perspectives.
Key Conference Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates & Location | July 14-16, 2026, DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. Develop:Star Awards on July 15 at The Brighton Dome. |
| Attendees | All sectors of game development, from micro indies to large studios. Over 5,500 attendees in 2025. |
| Program Structure | 13 tracks, 100+ sessions focusing on practical, vocational content. |
| Keynote Speakers | Ustwo Games (Maria Sayans, Daniel Gray, Peter Pashley) and 4J Studios (Joe Garrett, Chris van der Kuyl) discussing studio journeys, Minecraft, and new IP Reforj. |
| Featured Speakers | Representatives from Respawn Entertainment, PlayStation Studios, EA Full Circle, Jagex, Keywords Studios, Xbox, Supercell, Epic Games. |
| Conference Tracks | Art, Audio, Business, Coding, Design, Discoverability, Games:Edu, Indie, Mobile, Performance. |
| Networking & Events | GamesIndustry.biz Summer Party, Indie Showcase, Meet@Develop, Wellbeing Hub. |
A Deep Dive into the Program and Key Insights
The 2026 conference boasts an impressive structure, featuring 13 distinct tracks and over 100 sessions. These tracks span a comprehensive range of disciplines, including Art, Audio, Business, Coding, Design, Discoverability, Games:Edu, Indie, Mobile, and Performance. This breadth ensures that specialists and generalists alike will find content directly relevant to their work and interests.
Highlighting the program are several highly anticipated keynote speeches. Ustwo Games' CEO Maria Sayans, CCO Daniel Gray, and CDO Peter Pashley will share insights from their studio's 14-year journey, offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of a studio celebrated for its innovative titles. Similarly, 4J Studios' Joe Garrett and Chris van der Kuyl are set to deliver a keynote detailing their studio's impactful work on Minecraft and introducing their new IP, Reforj. These keynotes promise to be both inspirational and informative, drawing on decades of collective experience.
Beyond the keynotes, the speaker lineup is a who's who of industry talent. Respawn Entertainment's Nick Laviers will bring his 30 years of experience to the stage, discussing the intricacies of game audio. PlayStation Studios' Martin Stig Andersen and Rob Bridgett are slated to discuss "Cairn: Moving Sound," while EA Full Circle's Rikki Vitello will provide guidance on effective external development partnerships. Jagex, Keywords Studios, Xbox, Supercell, and Epic Games will also contribute with sessions covering everything from visual approaches to sound design and mobile game accessibility to maximizing game launch discovery and building new game teams.
Spotlight on Emerging Trends and Talent Development
The conference tracks delve into critical contemporary topics. Sessions will explore effective marketing content strategies, enhancing Steam page visibility, and nuanced PC game marketing tactics. Discussions will also tackle the perennial challenge of balancing big team processes with an indie mindset, and the rapidly evolving role of AI in game design. A dedicated Games:Edu track underscores the industry's commitment to nurturing future talent, addressing the vital pipeline from education to professional game development. These sessions are designed to equip developers with the knowledge needed to navigate a dynamic and competitive landscape.
Beyond the Sessions: Networking and Industry Celebration
Develop:Brighton is not just about talks; it's a vibrant ecosystem designed for connection and celebration. The prestigious Develop:Star Awards will take place on Wednesday, July 15, at The Brighton Dome, honoring the brightest talents and most innovative achievements in the UK game development sector. This evening event is a highlight, recognizing excellence and fostering a sense of community.
Networking opportunities abound, extending beyond the formal conference schedule. The popular GamesIndustry.biz Summer Party returns on Wednesday, July 15, offering a more relaxed setting on Brighton Pier for attendees to mingle and forge new connections. For independent developers, the Indie Showcase provides a crucial platform to present unpublished games to peers and potential partners. Furthermore, the Meet@Develop online networking tool ensures that attendees can strategically connect with relevant individuals, maximizing their conference experience. Understanding the intensity of such an event, a dedicated Wellbeing Hub will also be available, offering wellness activities to support attendee health and mental well-being throughout the busy three days.