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Develop Brighton

Develop Brighton is a conference at Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole for those in the game-making industry. At this conference, game makers can network, share ideas, and learn from each other in a friendly, welcoming environment. The conference is across three days, from July 8 to 10.

Photo Credit: Develop Brighton

what to expect at the conference

The conference has 13 tracks that covers the fundamentals of game making. At Develop, both game makers and players can learn practical skills and gain vocational content in all things game making.

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2025 Conference Programme:

  • Tuesday, July 8: Designing Together:  The Power of Collaborative Game Design on Monument Valley 3, The Spirit of Adventure – Bringing Indiana Jones Back to Gaming, Mobile Gaming, How to raise game investments in 2025 etc.
  • Wednesday, July 9: Harnessing AI to make your game feel alive, Approaching intimacy in video games etc.
  • Thursday, July 10: What game designers can learn from cognitive psychology, User Interface Design Roundtable etc.

Official events on Thursday, July 10:

  • 1pm to 4pm: The Pause collective sound bath in The Quiet Room
  • 5pm: Final Fun Session
  • 7pm: Post-conference party in support of SpecialEffect and OneSpecialDay

develop star awards

Photo Credit: Develop Brighton

The Develop Star Awards is on July 9, 2025 and is a ceremony where the best games and talent within the gaming industry is recognised. These awards celebrate game makers’ creativity and skill in creating games over the past 12 months. The Develop Star Awards winners will be announced at The Brighton Dome.

Ceremony schedule:

  • 7pm Drinks sponsored by Hangar 13
  • 7.45pm Awards Presentation
  • 8.30pm Dinner
  • 9.45pm Awards Presentation
  • 10.30pm After Party

Prices start at £190 for an early bird single seat ticket for four or fewer employees and can go up to £3,750 for a premium table of 10. You can book your ticket for the award online. Please note, you will need a wristband to get in and you can collect this at the Develop Brighton registration desk between 2pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday, July 9.

conference tracks at Develop

  • Art track: Develop Brighton’s art track offers practical advice and case studies. Explore mobile graphics, virtual reality and photo-realism.
  • Audio track: This covers sound and music for video games. Those interested in audio can expect to be inspired by the latest techniques and trends.
  • Business: Discover case studies, practical advice and business tips. At this conference you’ll learn the challenges of game production, new technologies and business models.
  • Coding: Technical speakers will outline the opportunities surrounding game programming and new platforms.
  • Other tracks include: Design, discoverability, Games:Edu, Indie, Keynote, mobile, performance, roundtables.

A 1 day conference pass is priced at £640, 2 days is £1020, and 3 days is £1220. Student rates are priced at a cheaper rate. 1 day is £290, 2 days is £420 and 3 days is £530.

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develop expo

The Expo is free to attend and is a space for innovative companies from each sector of game development to come together. The Develop Networking Lounge is perfect for those looking to meet with those in the industry in an informal setting. There is also an Indie Showcase which presents some of the top independently developed games. You’ll get to play the games and vote for your favourite. Develop Expo is perfect for those who enjoy video games and can make for a fun day out with friends.

Conference schedule:

  • Monday, July 7
    Collect your pass from registration: 3pm to 6pm
  • Tuesday, July 8
    Registration: 8.30am to 6pm
    Conference: 9.45am to 5.45pm
  • Wednesday, July 9
    Registration: 8.30am to 6pm
    Develop: Star Awards Wristband collection: 2pm to 6pm
    Conference: 9.45am to 5.45pm
    Expo: 9am to 6pm
    Develop:Star Awards: from 7pm
  • Thursday, July 10
    Registration: 9am to 4pm
    Conference: 10am to 6.30pm
    Expo: 9.30am to 4.30pm

If you are looking for a different, exciting day out with friends, Develop Brighton is for you. This conference is not only an educational experience providing you with business knowledge surrounding game production, but it is also a fun activity with new games to test and techniques to discover.

From case studies to networking events, game players and makers will not want to miss out on this conference in July. Book your tickets today on their website.

Address: DoubleTree by Hilton, Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2FU 

Website: Conference Programme | Develop Conference

Hannah Shafau

Hannah moved from London to Brighton for university in 2022, trading in the city commotion for seaside sunsets. She's currently studying Journalism at the University of Brighton and loves writing stories. Her first experience with journalism was The Telegraph Media Literacy Programme, and from there she's written for student newspapers and blogs.   Hannah was drawn to Brighton because of its vintage stores, street performers and vibrant culture, which inspires creativity and nurtures her passion for writing. Brighton’s diverse community and lively art scene provide endless stories to explore, making Brighton not just a new home but a source of inspiration.