Liverpool hosts a significant summit, Develop:North, spotlighting games industry advances.
- The event brings together leaders and new talent from the North and beyond for insightful discussions.
- Hosted at The Spine, the summit transitions from Brighton to the North with a rich schedule on game development.
- Keynote by Wushu Studios focuses on building a people-first future for the industry.
- The conference highlights Liverpool’s role in the games sector, home to major and indie developers.
One of Europe’s premier events for game developers, Develop:North, took place in Liverpool on November 14, 2024. This summit brought together leaders in the games industry and budding talents from the region and beyond, offering a platform for vital industry insights.
Held at The Spine in Liverpool’s Paddington Village, the conference marked its inaugural move from Brighton to the North. The event unfolded a comprehensive lineup, covering topics from Helldivers II dialogues with PlayStation Studios, to strategic business and marketing insights within gaming.
Cllr Nick Small, representing Liverpool City Council, expressed his satisfaction with the city’s role as host. He highlighted how hosting Develop:North shines a light on Liverpool’s significant contributions to the gaming sector, boasting major players like PlayStation, Tencent, and successful indie studios.
Several sessions were led by Liverpool-based speakers, including a keynote by Alan McDermott, Jo Daly, and Nigel Kershaw from Wushu Studios, focusing on fostering a positive, people-oriented future in game development. A standout panel, ‘Thrive in ’35,’ was co-hosted by Alison Lacy and included industry experts discussing regional growth.
There is an emphasis on skills, with discussions about enhancing education’s role in the sector and encouraging new ideas beyond traditional academia. Clemens Wangerin stressed the need for entrepreneurial thinking to invigorate the industry with fresh perspectives.
Caroline White talked about collaboration, explaining that uniting digital and creative businesses can enrich the sector. Stability remains a concern, but increased collaboration and breaking down competitive barriers can propel the ecosystem’s growth.
Phil Owen discussed investment challenges, pointing out that despite the North’s contributions to game development, many still seek funds in the South of England. He emphasized the need for more investment in the region as 80% of game development happens outside the capital.
Government support, while present through R&D tax credits and SEIS investments, has room for improvement. Wangerin noted that having a combined authority with devolved powers is vital for strengthening clusters and supporting mentorship and entrepreneurship in the games sector.
To gain attention from national authorities, the industry’s accomplishments outside London need more visibility. Lacy noted that many advancements are happening through collective goodwill, and there is a need for prominent industry figures to garner government support.
The potential of technology emerging from the gaming sector presents significant opportunities, particularly for its application in other industries like healthcare. Looking ahead, increasing connections and trust, especially in co-development, will be crucial to the North West’s games sector success.
Develop:North 2024 has reinforced Liverpool’s pivotal role in the gaming industry, fostering growth and collaboration.
