- Region leads national debate on future of UK games industry at Develop:North 2024.
- Public and private sectors unite to welcome delegates, support the conference and deliver fringe events programme.
- City set to showcase top regional gaming talent at leading industry event.
Liverpool is gearing up to be at the heart of the UK games industry this November as it proudly hosts Develop:North 2024 on November 14th at The Spine.
Bringing together game developers, creative minds, and industry leaders from across the UK and beyond, this leading industry event promises to inspire, connect, and shape the future of gaming. Designed and delivered by Tandem Events, Develop:North 2024 is billed as a critically important event for anyone involved in games development, from established professionals to up-and-coming talent.
Develop: North is supported by Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority. Bringing the event to the city was led by the recently formed Liverpool Games Board representing games studios, education and public sector bodies working together to elevate the profile of games development in Liverpool.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT DEVELOP:NORTH 2024
Develop Conference Speakers
The one-day conference offers a packed programme of expert talks and invaluable networking opportunities. The event will spotlight high-profile speakers from leading UK studios, providing a valuable platform for gaming professionals to connect with leading games developers to be inspired by the latest thought-leadership and industry expertise.
The full programme is yet to be revealed, however notable Liverpool-led sessions announced already include Liverpool’s Wushu Studios’ Alan McDermott, Jo Daly, and Nigel Kershaw who will deliver a keynote on ‘Building a Positive and People-first Future for Game Development’.
CITY’S INDUSTRY LEADERS VOICE THEIR SUPPORT
Liverpool games developers.
Liverpool’s vibrant games development community has embraced Develop:North 2024 as a pivotal opportunity for collaboration and growth.
Jo Daly, Studio Development Director at Wushu Studios, said:
“I’m delighted that Liverpool is hosting Develop:North 2024. The gaming industry is known for its innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking approach. It’s a fast-paced sector that leads the way in taking risks and sharing cutting-edge insights. This is an unmissable event for gaming professionals who are serious about driving success. I look forward to sharing our experience and being inspired by other industry leaders.”
Craig Howard, Co-founder of Lucid Games, also expressed his enthusiasm:
“Networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring new collaborations are essential for the growth of our industry. Develop:North 2024 gives Liverpool’s developers direct access to national and international experts, which is invaluable.”
Phil Gaskell, Ripstone Founder and Creative Director, enthusiastically welcomed Develop:North 2024 to the city.
“We’re pleased to see Develop:North 2024 coming to Liverpool, a city with such a rich gaming heritage and a thriving development community. As a studio that’s been part of Liverpool’s creative landscape for nearly 14 years, we’re excited to see more opportunities for local and national talent to connect, share ideas, and continue pushing the industry forward. Such leading industry events have always been a great platform for collaboration, and we’re looking forward to being part of that energy in our home city.”
David Harper, Managing Director at Skyhook Games Ltd, believes the event will boost Liverpool’s global standing and reputation as a national hub for games development.
“As a rapidly growing studio, we see Develop:North 2024 as a critical event to not only demonstrate our creativity but to build our international relationships. Liverpool’s games industry is on the rise, and this event will help push us further onto the global stage.”
Cathy Skelly, Liverpool City Council’s Economic Development Manager, emphasises the conference’s ability to showcase local talent and attract investment:
“Liverpool’s games sector has one of the highest business densities in the country and a growth rate three times faster than the regional average. It’s with this strong momentum that we welcome Develop:North 2024. This will deliver an invaluable opportunity to showcase the incredible talent that exists here, while also positioning our city as a leading hub for the UK’s games industry.
“By hosting vital industry events like Develop:North 2024, we are not only supporting our local developers but also attracting new investment and talent to Liverpool. I encourage all members of our thriving gaming community to seize this chance to connect, collaborate, and help shape the future of games development right here in Liverpool.”
Andy Lane, Managing Director of Tandem Events, highlighted why Liverpool was the ideal choice for Develop:North 2024.
“Liverpool has a rich international history of creativity and innovation and it’s a place that loves to have fun and is naturally a place with a curious and playful spirit, making it a perfect fit for our event. The city’s games development scene is thriving right now, and being able to host our event in the city this year means that we can now easily connect with Liverpool’s incredible gaming talent, helping to share the city’s innovations and expertise with all our delegates, from right across the UK and beyond.”
Develop:North 2024 is supported by Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service.
FRINGE EVENTS DELIVER INSIGHT AND COMEDY
To warmly welcome Develop:North 2024 delegates like no other city could, Liverpool is set to host an insightful and fun-filled fringe programme, with events kicking off on Wednesday, November 13th.
Starting at 2:30pm at One Fine Day (TBC), “Let’s Go Liverpool: Indie Game Development & The Importance of Authenticity,” will feature two insightful panel discussions, with attendees exploring the journey of indie developers in Liverpool and the significance of authenticity, including a focus on empowering women in the games industry.
Later, Sony PlayStation will host the “Welcome to Liverpool Mixer” from 5pm, offering a relaxed intro to the city. The evening will also feature a “Game Audio Liverpool Meet-Up” at Pixel Bar (from 7pm), which can be booked via Eventbrite.
Finally, the night wraps up with “Stand Up for Games Aid” at Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club, from 7:30pm—a charity comedy night featuring a line-up of comedy talent, including:
- Brennan Reece – Quick-witted and cheeky, often pushing boundaries with charm.
- John Robertson – High-energy, improvisational, known for his interactive “The Dark Room” show.
- Allyson June Smith – Former teacher with sharp observational humour.
- Tom Wrigglesworth – Storyteller with dry Yorkshire wit.
- Hannah Platt – Dark, brutally honest, tackling sensitive topics.
Find out more about this event on the Hot Water Comedy website.
CITY LEADERS WELCOME DEVELOP:NORTH 2024
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region welcomed the announcement:
“Liverpool has always been a city that embraces creativity and innovation, and hosting Develop:North is a testament to our region’s growing stature as a national hub for the games industry.
“This event showcases our incredible local talent and highlights the collaborative spirit that enables us to deliver time and time again. I’m positive that it will bring significant benefits to the gaming industry by connecting creatives and developers both nationally and abroad, paving the way for future success.
“I’m proud that we’re at the vanguard of the future of gaming, redefining it right here in the heart of the Liverpool City Region.”
Cllr Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy highlighted the significant growth opportunities the city’s hosting of the event brings to the local industry.
“We could not be more excited to welcome this change-making event to Liverpool. Hosting Develop:North 2024 will help the city to foster new opportunities, build essential networks, and further establish the Liverpool City Region as a leader in games development.
“Liverpool City Region is at the forefront of immersive gaming. With world-class talent, strong collaborations, and an unbeatable entrepreneurial spirit, our games companies are continually shaping the future of gaming on the global stage.
“Our gaming scene is thriving right now, merging a rich heritage with cutting-edge innovation. Liverpool is home to major players like PlayStation and Tencent, alongside dynamic indie studios that have developed successful titles such as The Queen’s Gambit Chess, Wipeout Omega Collection, PlayStation VR Worlds, and Combat League, to name just a few recent critical and commercial successes.”
With Liverpool City Region playing a pivotal role at this year’s event, games developers in the area are strongly encouraged to seize the opportunity to be part of this dynamic, game-changing gathering.
Don’t miss your chance to connect with industry leaders, showcase your talent, and help shape the future of game development. Book your place at Develop:North 2024 today!
Visit developconference.com/north/ to secure your spot and join the conversation that will define the next chapter of gaming.
MORE ON DEVELOP:NORTH 2024 AND THE EVENT’S PARTNERS
About the Develop Conference
The Develop Conference, held annually in Brighton, is one of Europe’s most important events for game developers. Since its launch in 2006, Develop has become a hub for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing the latest trends in game development. The conference gathers industry leaders, creative professionals, and emerging talent from across the globe, covering topics ranging from creative design and technical advancements to business and marketing strategies within the gaming industry. The launch of Develop:North in 2024 marks the expansion of this prestigious event, bringing the same quality and expertise to the North of the UK.
About Liverpool City Region’s games sector
- Liverpool City Region’s games sector is in the top 10 in England for business density and is growing three times faster than the region’s average.
- It contributes £245m in GVA annually, with £421m in total revenue.
- It’s the most productive UK games sector outside London, home to global giants like Sony and Tencent.
- The sector supports 1,800 high-paying jobs, with a strong talent pipeline from local universities.
About Tandem Events
Tandem Events is a leading event organiser specialising in conferences and exhibitions for the creative, digital, and gaming sectors. With over 30 years of experience, Tandem Events is known for producing industry-renowned events, including the Develop and now Develop:North conferences, which attract top talent and companies from around the world.
Andy Lane, Managing Director of Tandem Events, oversees these high-profile gatherings, ensuring that they continue to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth within the gaming industry. Tandem Events is committed to supporting the creative sectors through world-class events that encourage networking, learning, and business development.
About Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service
Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service offers:
- Gateway to Business Support – Providing referrals to valuable programs, webinars, events, clinics, networking, and workshops. By participating, business owners can gain insights, make connections, and get crucial guidance.
- Specialist Advice – Offering intensive business growth support, this provides fully funded expertise and dedicated relationship management to help businesses grow sustainably and create jobs, ensuring significant contributions to the local economy.
- Start-Up Support – Presenting aspiring entrepreneurs with a series of useful workshops and access to an online hub with essential information and templates, plus dedicated one-to-one support sessions to help residents transform ideas into successful ventures.
- Cluster Development Work – Focussing on key sectors including creative technology and professional services and tailored support in strategic areas of Liverpool, such as Speke and Edge Lane, strengthening businesses and boosting the city’s overall economic health.
For more information visit: liverpool.gov.uk/businesssupport
About The UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, people, and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
About Liverpool City Region’s recent games successes
Here are four recent successful games produced in the Liverpool City Region:
- The Queen’s Gambit Chess – Developed by Ripstone Studios, this app-based game based on the Netflix hit show “The Queen’s Gambit” has been highly successful and holds a 4.8 rating on the Apple App Store.
- Taskmaster VR – Developed by Scallywag Arcade, a Draw & Code studio, creating the official Taskmaster VR game
- Horizon Call of the Mountain – Developed by Guerilla Games and Firesprite Studios, a major Liverpool-based studio.
- PlayStation VR Worlds – Also developed by Firesprite Studios, this virtual reality experience is designed exclusively for PlayStation VR and has been a key title for VR enthusiasts.
- Combat League – Developed by Combat League Limited, this game reflects the region’s growing strength in both indie and competitive gaming.