Panelists from BAFTA, UKRI, Steel City Interactive, Game Republic and the National Videogame Museum will be sharing their perspectives on the future of the games industry on 18th June at Game Republic’s first ever Careers Conference which will take place at Sheffield Hallam University.
The morning of Game Republic’s first ever Careers Conference will start with a panel looking at future opportunities, trends, challenges will include business networking, latest research insights delivered in 5 minute Lightning Talks and optional tours for games industry guests, researchers and academics. The morning event will be followed by an afternoon of careers advice, portfolio reviews, panels and pitching for students from Game Republic’s 19 educational partner institutions. The event forms part of Game Republic’s 2025 event programme supported by Official Partners Red Kite Games, Barclays Games and Creative and Xsolla.
The panel looking at the future of the games industry will be chaired by Dr Jackie Mulligan, Development Director for Game Republic and will include a Q&A session with attendees. Speaking about the panel, Jackie said “The aim of the future of the games industry panel is to hear from experts about particular current issues and opportunities, game trends, culture and behaviour, funding, investment, challenges and opportunities. It will provide a great start to a day focused on the future for the next generation of game developers and will shape our own work in supporting positive interventions for our games industry.”
Speakers sharing their insights on the future of the games industry are:
Ash Habib, Founder and CEO, Steel City Interactive (SCI) Born and raised in Sheffield, UK, Ash and his two brothers, Asif and Asad, founded Steel City Interactive in early 2020. Formed around a singular vision to bring boxing back to video games, the scope of ‘Undisputed’ grew exponentially and now boasts a roster of over 100 licensed boxers including Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk and Katie Taylor. Released in October 2024, ‘Undisputed’ has sold over 1.5M copies and the studio now employs 80+ talented developers. Prior to starting SCI Ash built a career in performance management – Undisputed is his first game.
Emma Cooper Knowledge Transfer Manager – Creative Industries is an accomplished creative business leader, strategist, consultant and producer. She spent 20 years working with teams to produce innovative games, marketing and immersive experiences. Emma has stepped into a different role at Innovate UK Business Connect, working hard to support and connect others to find funding, sustainability and growth in their own creative businesses.
Luke Hebblethwaite is Head of Games at BAFTA, Luke leads the arts charity’s mission as the foremost global cultural organisation in games, supporting and championing creative talent, advocating for progressive change and celebrating excellence in the craft of making games. As well as the prestigious BAFTA Games Awards, BAFTA provides a year-round programme of events and activities recognising and supporting games professionals, produces world-leading online games content and runs headline new talent initiatives such as BAFTA Breakthrough and the national Young Game Designers competition.
Jamie Sefton is Managing Director of Game Republic and began his career as a writer and editor of games magazines such as PC Zone and is now the Managing Director of award-winning Game Republic – the largest games industry network in the North. Game Republic has more than 1300 game developer members across the North, runs monthly business events across the region, provides bespoke business development advice and contacts and organises twice-yearly GaMaYo events and awards for 400+ game developers. Jamie also leads Department for Business and Trade missions to the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, USA and has organised investment events for GamesIndustry.biz.
John O’Shea is Creative Director of the National Videogame Museum (NVM) and co-CEO of the BGI Charity, whose mission is to transform lives with games. Over the past decade John has led cultural programming, commissioning and research partnerships for major national galleries & museums. He is currently leading on creative direction for “Videogames Transforming Lives” a new interactive exhibition for the UK Pavillion at Osaka World Expo 2025, in partnership with The Department of Business and Trade (UK). John heads-up ambitious new collections, exhibitions & learning activity at the NVM, and leads on National Museums Accreditation, creative vision and research strands. He works with co-CEO Cat Powell on future strategy and partnerships for the museum and charity.
The event is free to GR members and students studying with educational partner institutions. To find out more, get in touch with us here
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