Develop in Brighton Conference 2026
The Develop in Brighton Conference is Europe's leading event for game designers and developers, fostering collaboration and innovation.
About the event
The Develop in Brighton Conference is the UK’s premier event for the game-making industry, uniting a diverse range of professionals from indie developers to major studios. For over 20 years, this event has been a cornerstone for collaboration and innovation in the gaming sector. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring 13 tracks, including new content aimed at skill development and practical takeaways.
In addition to the conference sessions, the event will host the Develop:Star Awards, celebrating creative excellence in game development. This provides a unique opportunity for studios of all sizes to gain recognition and connect with industry leaders. The inclusive environment encourages networking and collaboration, making it an essential gathering for anyone involved in the gaming sector.
Keynote speakers and expert panels
Sam Lake (Finland/Remedy Entertainment) - “Keynote on Narrative Design”
Jens Andersson (Sweden/MachineGames) - “Building Immersive Worlds”
Imogen Mellor (UK/YRS TRULY) - “The Future of Indie Games”
Over 30 sessions covering various topics, with CPD/continuing education credits available.
Special features
- The Develop:Star Awards celebrating the best games of the previous year.
- Indie Bootcamps for emerging developers.
- Networking events designed to foster collaboration among attendees.
Featured exhibitors and innovations
- Ubisoft will be showcasing their latest game technologies.
- Warner Brothers Games is launching a new interactive experience.
- Insomniac Games will present their innovative game design techniques.
When and where
- Dates
- -
- Venue
- Hilton Brighton Metropole
- Location
- Brighton , United Kingdom
- Nearest Airport
- Gatwick Airport (45 km)
Opening Hours
- Wednesday, 14 July 2026: 09:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 15 July 2026: 09:00 - 17:00
How to get here
By Car
Hilton Brighton Metropole is easily accessible from major highways.
Parking: 500 spaces available. Cost: Paid. We recommend arriving early during peak hours.
Public Transport
The venue is well-connected by public transport:
- Train
- Bus
Event themes and focus areas
Develop in Brighton Conference 2026 will spotlight:
- Game Development
- Game Design
- Industry Trends
Business and marketing opportunities
This conference offers unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into the latest trends in the gaming industry.
- High-value networking: Connect with 6,000+ professionals from 20+ countries
- Decision-maker access: 70% of attendees have purchasing authority
- Market intelligence: Gain insights into United Kingdom market trends
- Lead generation: Capture qualified leads from professionals actively seeking solutions
- Brand visibility: Enhance your presence in the Information & Communication Technology market
Who attends?
- Game Developers
- Game Designers
Exhibitor strategy recommendations
Maximize your ROI at Develop in Brighton Conference 2026:
Before the event:
- Launch pre-event marketing 6-8 weeks in advance
- Schedule meetings with key prospects through the event platform
- Optimize your listing in the event directory
- Set measurable goals (leads, meetings, partnerships)
During the event:
- Create interactive booth experiences with live demonstrations
- Staff your booth with engaging, knowledgeable team members
- Use QR codes and digital tools for lead capture
- Attend networking sessions and educational programs
After the event:
- Follow up with leads within 48 hours
- Share event highlights on social media using #DevelopInBrighton2026
- Measure ROI against your pre-event goals
- Plan improvements for next year