Free events highlighting Warwickshire's gaming sector is returning to Leamington in November

Taking place on Friday November 13 and Saturday November 14, this year's event introduces a new format, with activities taking place across multiple venues throughout the town.

The expanded programme will bring together the games industry, industry leaders, education providers, emerging talent and communities for a packed schedule of talks, workshops, demonstrations, networking opportunities and hands-on experiences.

All events are free to attend, but booking is required.

Friday's programme is dedicated to professionals working across video game development and digital creative sectors.

Designed to encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing and new business opportunities, the day will begin with a leadership breakfast featuring MP for Warwick and Leamington, Matt Western, before exploring some of the key opportunities and challenges facing studios and the wider industry.

Sessions throughout the day will cover topics including: marketing and audience growth, access to finance and investment, skills and talent development, legislation, sustainable business growth, winning contracts and creating new commercial opportunities.

Attendees will also have the chance to build connections with developers, publishers, academics, investors and sector specialists from across the region and beyond.

On Saturday, the event opens up to the wider public, offering something for anyone interested in video games, digital technology and creative careers.

Whether already working in the sector, studying, developing their own projects or simply curious about Warwickshire's games industry, visitors will have the opportunity to discover and experience the sector first-hand.

The public programme features a games expo, specialist portfolio reviews, live demonstrations from digital artists, opportunities to play and explore new games, and a series of workshops delivered by education partner SAE Institute.

Visitors will also be able to attend talks focused on routes into the industry and career opportunities within the sector.

There will also be a Silicon Spa exhibition, which tells the story of Warwickshire's internationally recognised games cluster.

Councillor Rob Howard, portfolio holder for economy and rural development at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Interactive Futures is a fantastic example of how collaboration can support the creative sector and help showcase the breadth of talent, innovation and opportunity across Warwickshire.

“The county is home to a thriving creative economy, and events like this provide an important platform for businesses, educators, students and communities to connect, share ideas and discover what is possible.

“Warwickshire County Council is proud to support the development of the creative industries across the county.

“By working with local partners, education providers and businesses, we can help create the conditions for digital creative organisations and emerging talent to grow, while ensuring that more people can engage with and benefit from the opportunities this sector offers."

Councillor Ella Billiald, portfolio holder for arts, culture and economy at Warwick District Council, added: “Leamington has an incredible games sector and Interactive Futures is an opportunity to celebrate that, while also making it more visible and accessible to the people who live here.”

“This year’s programme takes Interactive Futures out across the town, bringing together our games businesses, venues, educators, and communities.

“Whether you work in the industry, want to find your way into it or are simply curious about what happens right here in Leamington, there’s something to discover.

“We particularly want to inspire young people, opening their eyes to the opportunities on their doorstep and the potential for a future career in the games industry. We’re really pleased to be bringing everyone together for two days and, importantly, making the whole programme free to attend.”

To explore the full programme of events taking place across the two days, or to book tickets to any of the events, go to: https://interactive-futures.com/

For more information go to: https://interactive-futures.com/faqs/