October 30th-31st, 2023
SGW INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
The SGW Conference is a two-day event, which explores every aspect of designing, creating and releasing games. The conference brings together developers, publishers, tools, technologies and the wider games ecosystem in an inclusive, collaborative and welcoming forum.
From the smallest indie teams to the world’s largest developers, the SGW Conference offers opportunities to learn, participate, network and play with those who are pushing the boundaries and making the games of tomorrow.
Bringing together industry pioneers, inspiring indies and business leaders, with new talent, career starters and those working in emerging technologies, the SGW Conference offers a informative, interactive and practical opportunity for Scotland’s games ecosystem to meet the world (and each other).
day 1
Intro
Richard Lochhead, the Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Travel and Tourism
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 09:30
Location: Biosphere Full
Opening Remarks
Keynote
Rob Elsworthy, Game Director, Resistr Interactive Inc
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 09:45
Location: Biosphere Full
Game Changers: Navigating the Future of Games
In a world where the gaming industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, “Game Changers: Navigating the Future of Games” delves into the exciting and ever-changing landscape of video games. This insightful discussion explores where games are headed, the need to adapt to the lightning-fast pace of progress, the emergence of groundbreaking technologies, and strategies to educate the workforce and students for this dynamic industry.
Session
Simon Monkman, Policy Associate, Ofcom
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 10:45
Location: Biosphere Full
Gaming and the Online Safety Bill
A presentation on how the Online Safety Bill will affect the gaming industry.
Session
Greg Lee, Co-Founder & CEO, Team Terrible
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 11:15
Location: Biosphere Full
Leveraging luck: from game jam to 170 million downloads
Discover the story behind Team Terrible’s ups and downs in the creation of their breakout viral hit, ‘The Baby in Yellow’. Starting as a shared passion project between two game jam aficionados, the venture evolved into a thriving indie studio, complete with a team of eight professionals and a video game with over 170 million downloads globally.
Session
Kate Edwards, CEO, Geogrify
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 13:00
Location: Biosphere Green
Building More Inclusive Worlds through Game Culturalization
Kate Edwards will provide an overview of culturalization and the complexities that come with striving to build inclusive worlds while maximizing the global reach of our creative visions.
Session
Pam Nelson, Managing Director, Revenant
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 14:00
Location: Biosphere Green
Behind the Scenes of a Game Trailer
Join Revenant’s Managing Director, Pam Nelson, as she takes you on a deep dive on the production of a AAA game trailer. From understanding specific cultural traditions presented in the trailer, to developing an animation style to best represent the game, to ensuring a seamless transition of that animation with game play – all the creative highlights and challenges will be covered on one of Revenant’s linchpin projects.
Session
Maxwell Scott-Slade, Company Director, Glitchers
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 14:30
Location: Biosphere Green
We can’t just plant trees and hope everything will be cool
Max has over 15 years experience designing games and is the founder of GLITCHERS, a ‘games for good’ company in Edinburgh. By balancing entertainment with unconventional topics such as dementia research, behavioural change, and biodiversity, GLITCHERS challenges the typical game design process. This talk is intended to raise awareness about the massive impact of Games for Good projects and demonstrate the amazing possibilities available by breaking away from industry trends.
Session
Ben Board, Business Development Director, Epic
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 15:00
Location: Biosphere Green
The Epic Games Ecosystem in 2023
Epic builds and publishes games, using a suite of proven tech and tools that you can use to do the same. Join this session to understand Epic’s growing ecosystem, including Unreal Engine, UEFN, the Epic Games store and more.
Panel
Chris James, CEO, Steel Media
Kristan Rivers, Co-founder and CEO, AdInMo
Laine Baker, Studio LiveOps Director, Sumo Digital
Ben Cousens CSO, ZBD
Cedric Maisonnier, Enterprise Sales Director Europe & Asia Pacific, Digital River
Danny Parker, Executive Vice President, NinjaKiwi Europe
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 15:30
Location: Biosphere Green
Game Gold Rush: Navigating the New Frontiers of Game Monetisation for Developers
This session explores the latest trends and innovative monetisation strategies as well as dissects the delicate balance between profitability and player satisfaction. A panel of experts will delve into emerging models such as in-app purchases (IAP), alt-app stores, incentivised and in-game advertising and more, shedding light on their impact on game creators.
Session
Eliza Ralph, Back-End Engineer, Glitchers
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 16:00
Location: Biosphere Green
Applying the game thinking approach in designing Tech for Good
Eliza explores creating meaningful products using approaches from game thinking and gamification and its validity as a business model whilst reflecting on her own journey on aligning career with personal values.
Session
Julie Drybrough, CEO, Fuchsiablue ltd
BRIAN BAGLOW, Founder & Director, SCOTTISH GAMES NETWORK
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 13:00
Location: Biosphere Blue
STATE OF PLAY – Building a better games sector in Scotland
How do we make the games sector in Scotland, more connected, collaborative, communicative and successful? Join this interactive, practical workshop to help identify (and solve) the key challenges facing the games sector in Scotland. Roll up your sleeves, grab some post-it notes and help us to plan solutions, map stakeholders, capture data and consider new ways of the industry and ecosystem working together.
Panel
Jamie Sefton, Managing Director, Game Republic
Mick Morris, Vice President of Games, Psyop
Fee Laming, Ex Director, GAMAYO, Programme Director, Scottish Games Network
Brian Baglow, Director, Scottish Games Network
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 14:00
Location: Biosphere Blue
Game Republic at 20: Lessons learned, insights and the future of the UK games industry
Jamie Sefton, Head of Game Republic and former editor of PC Zone, chairs a panel of leading lights in the Yorkshire and UK games industry, to discuss lessons learned over the last two decades about the power of developer networks, advice for start-ups, funding and investment, key trends, future challenges and the opportunities for games companies.
Panel
Host: Daniel Wood, Chief Strategy Officer & Acting Co-CEO, UKIE
Jason Wagner, CEO, Ping Creates
Jordan Hastings, Studio Director & CEO, Astrodreamer Studio
Brian Baglow, Director, Scottish Games Network
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 14:45
Location: Biosphere Blue
Powering Up Scotland & UK’s Game Development Ecosystem – Panel
Explore the strategies, partnerships, and initiatives driving the growth and innovation of Scotland’s game development industry. Join industry leaders as they discuss how Scotland is levelling up its game development scene, fostering talent, and building a thriving hub for gaming creativity and technology.
Panel
Duncan Robertson, Hardware Editor, GamesRadar+
Joe Donnelly, Features Editor, GamesRadar+
Jordan Middler, Staff Writer & Podcast Host, VGC
Hamish Black, Editor & Presenter, Writing On Games
Chris Scullion, Features Editor, VGC
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 15:45
Location: Biosphere Blue
Unveiling Scotland’s Gaming Journalism Landscape
Get an insider’s look at the Scottish games press scene as prominent journalists and media professionals discuss their role in shaping the gaming narrative. Join this panel to explore the evolution of games journalism in Scotland, its influence on the industry, and the challenges and opportunities it faces in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Roundtable
Sarah Brewster, Managing Director, Fresh Seed
Mick Morris, Vice President of Games, Psyop
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 13:00
Location: Salisbury Suite
Fostering Inclusive Gaming Communities: A Roundtable on Allyship and Inclusion – round table
Engage in a meaningful dialogue with industry leaders and advocates as they examine the importance of allyship in promoting diversity and inclusion within the gaming world. This roundtable discussion will explore actionable strategies, share personal experiences, and shed light on the path forward for creating more inclusive spaces and opportunities for all in the gaming industry.
Roundtable
Emma Turner, Head of HR, Outplay Entertainment Ltd
Ali Neretniece, TAG Games
Carol Clark COO, Production & Leadership Advisor
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 14:00
Location: Salisbury Suite
Crafting Winning Teams: HR Strategies and Talent Acquisition in Game Development
Join us for a panel discussion on the future of gaming, where we’ll delve into the key pillars of ESG, including Diversity, Inclusion, Wellbeing, and Environmental Impact, along with Talent Development within game studios. Discover how the industry is fostering diversity and wellbeing, promoting eco-friendly practices, and creating clear career pathways, all while nurturing talent and driving innovation in this dynamic field. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights into the responsible and inclusive future of gaming.
Roundtable
Patrick Weaver, Head of Community and Events Fundraising, NSPCC
Simon Monkman, Policy Associate, Ofcom
Euan Graham, Local Campaigns Officer, NSPCC
Kirk Dailly, Partner & Head of Corporate and Commercial, Blackadders LLP
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 14:30
Location: Salisbury Suite
Safeguarding Children in Gaming: NSPCC, Ethos, and Legal Perspectives
Join this crucial conversation that brings together experts from NSPCC, Ethos, and legal professionals to explore the vital intersection of child protection, ethical considerations, and legal frameworks within the gaming industry. This roundtable will provide insights into collaborative initiatives and the legal measures that are shaping the gaming world to ensure the safety and well-being of young players.
Roundtable
Jess Hider, Senior Technical Designer, Rare
Searra Leishmann, UX/UI Design Manager, Hyper Luminal Games
Date: 30th Oct
Time: 15:00
Location: Salisbury Suite
Designing Games for Everyone: Inclusion at the Heart of Game Development
Engage in a dynamic discussion led by industry visionaries as they explore the principles and practices of inclusive game design. This roundtable will delve into how game developers are prioritizing accessibility, diversity, and representation in their creations. Gain valuable insights into the journey toward making games that are welcoming and enjoyable for players of all backgrounds and abilities.
day 2
Keynote
Sabrina Carmona, VP Farm Heroes Saga, King
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 10:00
Location: Biosphere Full
Evolving the Game: Leadership, Learning, and the Art of Mobile Success
Join Sabrina Carmona, Head of Farm Heroes Saga at King, as she delves into the key milestones that have shaped her career and management philosophy. She’ll share personal reflections on her transformative years at King, exploring how the experience has continually reshaped her understanding of work-life “balance”. From managing a dynamic team to overseeing one of the mobile gaming industry’s most popular titles, Sabrina will unravel how a balanced approach to life and work contributes to personal growth, better games, and a more effective team. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about evolving and enjoying the journey.
Session
Ben Robinson, ID@Xbox Regional Manager, EMEA Microsoft
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 11:00
Location: Biosphere Full
ID@Xbox in 2023
In his talk, Ben will give an overview of the Xbox ecosystem, ID@Xbox and the recently announced Developer Acceleration Program. He will also take a deep dive into the resources available to reach more gamers on the platform, including marketing opportunities and Game Pass. Ben will close out with some tips and best practices on how to pitch and work more closely with Xbox.
Session
Tom Methven, Indie Developer, Amicable Animal
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 13:00
Location: Biosphere Green
Your Game Should Be Weirder
There is lots of advice given out about how to scan the market, look for trends, and aim for specific player bases. What if there was another way you could go – doubling down on making things more personal, unique, and strange? It’s time for more indie developers to stand out and get way weirder. Let’s chat about how to push back against generic industry advice, celebrate creatives’ individuality, and embrace everyone’s oddities.
Session
Dominic Norton, Online Community Coordinator, CodeBase
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 13:30
Location: Biosphere Green
The Future of Game Development: No Code, Low Code and Artificial Intelligence
This forward-thinking presentation delves into the world of no-code and low-code platforms, illustrating how they are democratizing game development by enabling even non-programmers to bring their unique visions to life. Not only that, the seminar will explore the cutting-edge advancements in AI, examining how machine learning and neural networks are increasingly automating aspects of game design, from asset generation to balancing gameplay.
Session
Jake McCullagh, Co-Founder & Director, Eclectic Synthesis
Christopher Walker, Co-Founder & Director, Eclectic Synthesis
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 14:00
Location: Biosphere Green
Red Rampant – How would you write Scotland’s history?
I’ll speak about player authorship. The challenges and rewards in making your gameplay revolve around the idea of choice. Specifically, how to deliver true and meaningful choice to the player whilst retaining a narrative coherence and structure.
Session
Dana Dorian, Director and Co-Founder, Axis
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 14:30
Location: Biosphere Green
Axis Studios: From 4 to 500
Dana Dorian, one of AXIS STUDIO’s four founders, talks through Axis’ journey from a four-man team in Dunfermline to one of the largest independent animation companies with 500 artists worldwide. Dana will be covering everything from his entry into the industry to key projects with examples and anecdotes from his own work.
Session
Rob Madden, Creative Director, Hyper Luminal Games
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 15:00
Location: Biosphere Green
Building Original IP: Pine Hearts
The Creative Director at Hyper Luminal Games will present a demo of the studio’s latest OIP game Pine Hearts. The demo will include some key insight and learnings around the development of the title, and give a sneak peek into the studio’s exciting new indie publishing label!
Session
Andrew McMillan, Tax Partner, Johnston Carmichael
Chris Filip, Fund Manager – International Business Development, UK Global Screen Fund, BFI
Niall Davies, Video Game Analyst, BFI
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 15:30
Location: Biosphere Green
Video Games Tax Relief and UK Global Screen Fund Opportunities
During this session we will discuss the Video Games Tax Relief (VGTR) process. Niall Davies from the British Film Institute will talk you though how to apply to have your game certified as British, which is one of the main gateway conditions for claiming the relief, before Andrew McMillan of Johnston Carmichael will discuss the mechanics of the tax relief, including the costs that can be claimed for and the rate of relief available.
Panel
Sam Hughes, Audio Lead, Metacore
Andrew Dodds, Technical Audio Designer, Jagex
Sarah McRuvie, Audio Designer, Freelance
Will Bedford, Composer, Freelance
Luci Holland, Composer, Freelance
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 14:00
Location: Biosphere Blue
Immersive Soundscapes: The Art and Science of Game Audio
Dive into the world of game audio design in this enlightening panel discussion. Join industry veterans as they share their insights into the creative and technical aspects of crafting sound for games and how to raise the bar of your game’s audio experience. Learn how audio enhances immersion, storytelling, and player experiences, and explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of game audio.
Panel
Colin MacDonald, Portfolio Manager, UK Games Fund
Elena Höge, CEO & Founder, Yaldi Games
Doug Agnew, Corporate Tax Partner, RSM UK
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 15:00
Location: Biosphere Blue
Game Funding Unveiled: Strategies, Sources, and Success Stories
Get an insider’s look at the world of game funding in this informative panel discussion. Join industry experts and successful game developers as they share their experiences and insights into securing funding for game projects. Discover the various funding sources, from publishers and investors to crowdfunding and grants, and gain valuable tips and strategies for navigating the complex landscape of game financing.
Roundtable
Melissa Cocker, Social Media & Community Co-ordinator, Hyper Luminal Games
Nazan Ünlütürk, Marketing Director, Scottish Games Week
Korina Abbott, CEO, Neonhive
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 14:00
Location: Salisbury Suite
Game Marketing Mastery: Strategies, Trends, and Lessons Learned
Join this engaging roundtable discussion where marketing professionals and game developers come together to explore the dynamic world of game marketing. Discover the latest marketing trends, strategies for successful game launches, and the secrets behind building a strong player community. Hear from industry insiders who have navigated the ever-evolving marketing landscape and learn valuable insights to help your game reach its full potential in today’s competitive market.
Roundtable
Melissa Cocker, Social Media & Community Coordinator, Hyper Luminal Games
Kate Edwards, CEO, Geogrify
Sarah Brewster, Managing Director, Fresh Seed
Dom Shaw, EDI Coordinator, UKie
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 14:30
Location: Salisbury Suite
Mind Matters: Mental Health and Games
Engage in a thoughtful and empathetic conversation as experts from the gaming industry and mental health professionals come together to discuss the intersection of mental health and gaming. This roundtable will explore the impact of games on mental well-being, strategies for promoting positive mental health within the gaming community, and the role of games in destigmatizing mental health issues. Gain valuable insights into how the gaming industry can contribute to a healthier and more supportive environment for players and creators alike.
Live Broadcast
Stephen Scott, CEO, Bigmouth Audio
Philip Feenan, Head of Studio, Bigmouth Audio
Justin Alae-Carew, Co-Head of Games, Blazing Griffin
Pam Nelson, Managing Director, Revenant Animation
Donald Pirie, Voice Casting & Voice Director for Games, Bigmouth Audio
Date: 31st Oct
Time: 15:00
Location: Salisbury Suite
The Creative Leaders Podcast
Join us for a captivating one-off live episode of The Creative Leader Podcast as part of Scottish Games Week! Join host Stephen Scott and dive into the world of leadership in the Scottish games industry with four dynamic industry leaders: Philip Feenan, Donald Pirie, Pam Nelson, and Justin Alae-Carew. Discover their unique insights on collaboration, innovation, and nurturing creative teams on both the development and service side of the industry.
