THE SPOTLIGHT will again be on Leamington’s gaming industry in the new year.
The two-day conference and expo Interactive Futures will return to the town’s Spa Centre on January 31 and February 1 following the success of this year’s inaugural event.
It will again showcase to the industry and to the general public the success of the gaming industry in the area which is home to a cluster of over 40 gaming companies which has earned it the nickname Silicon Spa.
The event aim’s highlight the area’s heritage within the UK video games industry, its talent and creativity, the unrivalled community of indie and major studios, and career opportunities – both for students and for those already working in games and beyond.
Interactive Futures is being funded by Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), alongside support of local industry.
On the Friday, Interactive Futures will play host to an Indie Investment Forum, a special ‘speed dating’ event where the area’s independent studios will have the opportunity to meet investors, publishers and advisors.
A conference programme will also highlight key issues relevant to the region and the wider games industry, with topics including how Leamington became one of the biggest games hubs in the UK and why the town is punching above its weight.
Saturday will see the doors to gamers and students to inspire the next generation of talent with career opportunities the key focus for the day.
The day will also feature practical activities for all, the chance to try out the best of the games created in Leamington, competitions and esports challenges plus a CV clinic and portfolio reviews for students.
An expo showcasing the best of the Leamington Games Hub will run throughout the two days.
Monica Fogarty, chief executive of Warwickshire County Council, said: “We are proud to be the home of Silicon Spa which plays such a key role in our thriving economy.
“The range of activities planned will appeal to a wide audience, from games developers to young gaming enthusiasts, and we are confident it will go from strength-to-strength as a flagship event in the UK gaming calendar.”
Joanne Randall, strategic economic development officer at Warwick District Council, added: “This is an opportunity to build on the momentum we achieved in 2019 and continue to help this important business sector to thrive and grow in the area.
“In particular, we are excited to be hosting the Indie Investment Forum to help individuals and organisations taking the next steps to develop their ideas and plans.
“We’d urge people to come along to find out how significant our growing Leamington Games Hub is to our local economy and how they can be a part of it.”
Stacy O’Connor, digital creative lead at the CWLEP, said: “The first Interactive Futures was a major success with over 1,700 games enthusiasts, students and industry professionals attending.”
Visit www.interactive-futures.com for further details.
