Gaming experts from around the world will be at the University of Suffolk next month for a major development conference.
The second Game Anglia takes place on November 10 and will bring together around 500 developers, directors, artists, social media influencers, testers and community managers to give visitors fresh insights into the video games industry.
Among them will be Rami Ismail, who is co-founder of the independent studio Vlambeer, the creator of Nuclear Throne and Ridiculous Fishing.
Also announced is Abubakar Salim, the main character voice for Assassin’s Creed Origins, and TV gaming presenter and blogger Julia Hardy.
The east of England has more than 150 independent games companies according to the Association of UK Interactive Entertainment, making it one of the fastest growing sectors in the area.
Ipswich-based University of Suffolk has been nurturing local talent into some of the world’s most successful game developers for the last ten years.
Its students have gone on to work for leading companies including Ubisoft, EA, Sony, Sumo Digital and Playground Games.
Andy Green, senior technical artist at Bossa Studios left the region for London to begin his journey in the games industry seven years ago. He said: “I’m really excited to speak at Game Anglia, and to play a small part in shining an industry spotlight much closer to home.”
Game Anglia is run by alumni and students on University of Suffolk’s Games Degrees, and associate professor Rob Kurta said the event was a “clear demonstration of their entrepreneurial flair.”
“University of Suffolk are delighted to be hosting the largest gathering of game developers in the East of England,” he said. “The lineup brings together both Industry veterans and social media celebrities in a fascinating day of talks. Together with an open indie showcase, this is a day that all gamers can look forward too with something for everyone.”
This year’s event will have talks in two theatres and an expanded lobby area, with more fully playable indie games from across the globe, which is free for the public to attend.
The Indie Showcase comprises stands housing a game development team or studio that will be showing their latest wares, from mobile games to virtual reality.
The public can play for free, leave feedback and vote on their favourites from the day, as well as meet local studios and mingle with like-minded gamers.
The event takes place from 10am until 6pm at the Waterfront Building at the University of Suffolk.
Conference event prices range from £20 for students to £95 for VIP tickets that include an after-party with many of the gaming celebrities from the day.
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