Gaming heavyweights back Teesside conference

A North East gaming conference is attracting some of the biggest names in the global industry as it continues to establish the region as a growing hub for digital creativity and game development.

Game Republic has confirmed that gaming pioneer Ken Kutaragi and Landfall chief business officer Rebecca Lautner will speak at its New Horizons conference, taking place at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium from 14 to 16 October.

Supported by the Tees Valley mayor and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, the event is expected to attract developers, investors and creative leaders from across the UK and overseas.

Kutaragi, widely known as the “Father of PlayStation”, will make a rare UK appearance at the conference. 

As the architect behind the original PlayStation console and its successors, he is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of the games industry and is expected to share insights into innovation and the future of interactive entertainment.

He joins a growing line-up that also includes Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer at Swedish studio Landfall, creator of a number of internationally successful titles including co-operative hit PEAK.

Visitors will also hear from 4J Studios chairman Chris van der Kuyl CBE and content creator Joseph “Stampy” Garrett, who will discuss the development of their new open-world sandbox game, Reforj, and the challenges of launching new intellectual property in a competitive market.

Game Republic’s managing director Jamie Sefton said: “Securing speakers of this calibre is a huge moment for the conference and a sign of the ambition we have for New Horizons.

“We’re bringing some of the most influential people in the global games industry to Teesside, giving developers, businesses and investors the chance to learn, connect and grow right here in the region.”

The conference has quickly become a significant fixture in the UK gaming calendar, bringing together industry professionals to explore opportunities across gaming, digital technology and the wider creative economy.

Its growth mirrors the expansion of the Tees Valley's digital sector, which is supported by a £160 million Investment Zone aimed at attracting investment and accelerating growth in gaming and creative industries.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “Bringing figures of this global standing to Teesside shows just how far our digital and creative sector has come.

“From world-leading studios to major events like this, we’re building a reputation as one of the most exciting places in the UK for gaming, tech and creative businesses.

“We’re already on the map internationally. Global media giants are already sitting up, taking notice and signing up the talent, skill and craft we have in our region’s gaming community.

“Now we want to build on this to create even more opportunities for local people and businesses through our Investment Zone.”

Further speakers are expected to be announced in the coming months. For more information, click here.

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