Jon Ingold, co-founder and narrative director of multi award-winning independent studio inkle, has been announced today as the first keynote speaker for Develop:Brighton 2023 by organisers Tandem Events.
Previously a lead designer at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Jon’s Develop:Brighton 2023 keynote – titled Further Up and Further In: Making Richer Gameplay Narratives – will present a manifesto for creating re-playable narratives that offer deep and enriching experiences for players.
inkle was founded in Cambridge by two game developers with a passion for storytelling and design. Over the last 12 years inkle have released an array of acclaimed narrative games, notably Sorcery, 80 Days, Overboard! and Heavens Vault.
The keynote session will include:
- An example-based overview of narratives that demand to be re-played
- Strategies to reduce the content-creation burden
- Tips for pushing narrative beyond its limits
“The Develop conference is the beating heart of UK games, and I’m thrilled to have been invited to speak this year,” said Jon. “I can’t wait to share the strategies we have developed at inkle across the last decade to aid others in creating narrative experiences that keep their integrity with every playthrough.
“I hope attendees will see that single player games don’t have to be designed to be disposable.”
The first round of speakers for Develop:Brighton 2023 were announced last month across eight different conference tracks: Art, Audio, Business, Coding, Design, Discoverability, Mobile and Roundtable.
“We’re thrilled to have Jon joining us as a keynote speaker this summer,” said Tandem Events Managing Director Andy Lane. “This is just the start; we have even more speakers and panels to announce, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest information.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Brighton this summer for another week of sharing, learning and networking. We hope to see you there.”
Develop:Brighton 2023 takes place Tuesday 11 July until Thursday 13 July at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, with a range of passes available now for the conference and expo. Passes are available at our discounted Super Early Bird rate until Thursday 6 April and can be booked here.
The Develop:Brighton 2023 expo will run from Wednesday 12 July, including the Indie Showcase competition and stands from exhibitors spanning the industry. That Wednesday evening will also see the best and brightest of the game developer community celebrated at The Develop:Star Awards.
For the latest information on speaker announcements, the Develop:Star Awards, and all things Develop:Brighton visit www.developconference.com and follow @DevelopConf on Twitter.
--- END ---
About Develop:Brighton conference & expo
Develop:Brighton brings together the entire UK game dev industry to learn from each other, share ideas and experiences, network, and do business in a friendly and inclusive environment. The event also offers high quality conference sessions - from the industries brightest minds and talents - with practical takeaways that allow delegates to ‘skill-up’ and be inspired to make better games.
With a programme shaped to reflect attendees’ feedback and hot topics for game makers in 2023 (including AI generated content, discoverability & player acquisition, monetisation and narrative design) the Expo brings together some of the most innovative companies from every sector of games development. Guests can also keep up-to date with the latest dev tools/tech and get hands on with all the games on display.
Develop:Brighton offers three days of insight, inspiration, networking and fun on England’s south coast.
Twitter: @developconf
LinkedIn: Develop:Brighton
Instagram: developbrighton
About The Develop:Star Awards
Taking place alongside the conference, the Develop:Star Awards recognise the very best of the game development community. The achievements of developers and success of great games and creativity will be celebrated across 20 categories, plus one ultimate ‘Develop Star’ honouring an extraordinary game developer or studio for outstanding achievements and contributions to the industry.
