28.11.23
Let's Talk Games in Leamington Spa
Let's Talk Games is a FREE to education games conference that features expert talks on the art and design of video games, how to get your foot in the door or what to study. Our annual conference is a must-attend event for any student interested in the gaming industry. This year, the event will expand to The Royal Spa Centre's 667-seat auditorium.
Join us for a day of insightful talks and networking opportunities with industry leaders and professionals. Our speakers are experts in their respective fields and are ready to share their knowledge and experience with you.
Beyond the Pixels: Meet the Speakers for 2023
09:30 - 09:40
Mike Acosta
Chris Headleand
Event Director [Let's Talk Games] / Course Lead BA (Hons) Games Art [Staffordshire University]
Welcome Talk from Head of Department, Professor, and National Teaching Fellow leading the Department of Games Development at Staffordshire University
09:40 - 10:00
Liam Lawler
Partnerships Coordinator [SPECIAL EFFECT]
Forging Inclusive Futures: Liam's Journey with SpecialEffect to Empower Gamers with Disabilities
Liam is the Partnerships Coordinator at SpecialEffect – the gamers’ charity working with partners from across the entire games industry to ensure that their support can help to make meaningful change for gamers with disabilities.
10:00 - 10:30
Breathing Life into New Characters: Insights from Ubisoft's Creative Trio on the Conception Phase and Overcoming Challenges in AAA Game Development
Robin Arthur Greenwood (Junior Concept Artist), Dan Vargas (Senior Art Director) and Charlie Creber (Lead Concept Artist) work together at Ubisoft Leamington creating characters and worlds. Collectively, they cover a range of experience levels and backgrounds and are currently working together on an exciting new, but unannounced IP.
10:30 - 11:00
Alex Harvey
CoFounder & Creative Director - [RiVR]
RiVR's Rise: Pioneering Photo-Realistic Training Environments for Global Titans in Just Two Years
In just over two years, RiVR has become a well-known international brand, recognized as one of the leading companies in the world for creating photo-realistic, interactive training environments using photogrammetry. Our clients include Tesla, the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Defence in the USA, various emergency services, Transport for London, Landsec, BAT, TUI, Transguard and Emirates in Dubai.
11:00 - 11:30
Hernán Bórquez
Lead UI Artist - [SUMO DIGITAL]
UI is not AI, it's smarter
Hernán, commonly known as Nano, boasts an impressive background as a Graphic Designer complemented by an MSc in Innovation. With over 16 years of experience in esteemed roles, including Lead UI Artist, Creative Director, and Art Director, he has adeptly led multidisciplinary creative teams. Throughout his career, Nano has fostered leadership and championed consistent and sustainable innovation.
11:30 - 12:00
Simon Gustafsson
Freelance Concept Artist
Crafting Visions from London to the Big Screen - A Journey Through Concept Art and Illustration Since 2001
Simon is a freelance concept artist and illustrator based in London, UK. He has been painting for film productions, games and visual effects since 2001. Check his portfolio website in the link below!
12:45 - 13:15
Recruitment Revealed: A Deep Dive with Industry Insiders
Jen Flannery
Phil Bale
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Chris McCarthy
13:15 - 13:45
Jason Yong
Experienced Technical Artist [Rebellion North]
Technical Artist: Identity Crisis or Opportunity?
Jason is an experienced technical artist that's always looking to multiply the efforts of artists using the power of programming and proceduralism, bridging gaps between programmers and artists and drawing inspiration from seemingly unrelated skillsets.
13:45 - 14:15
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Victoria Boyce
Lead Designer [Third Kind Games]
What is the role of a Designer
Vicky has been working in the games industry for close to 16 years and in various design roles since 2008. Vicky is Lead Designer at Third Kind Games for one of our new exciting, unannounced projects.
In her role, she enjoys designing levels and gameplay ideas and mechanics, while also inspiring the next generation of game developers and mentoring those early in their careers. She is a Video Games Ambassador with Into Games and also a Mentor for Limit Break. Vicky is an outspoken and active advocate for Accessibility in games as a whole and within Third Kind Games.
14:15 - 14:45
Jason Garlick
Environment Artist [EA / Codemasters]
Gaining XP in the Gaming Industry: Navigating Early Careers and Empowering Others
As an environment artist, Jason has been involved in every facet of game development, from prototyping and production to performance and bug fixing. They possess a diverse skill set that includes asset and texture creation, scene creation/placement, outsource management, and task management. Jason is versatile and readily adapts to various roles and responsibilities.
14:45 - 15:15
Steve Stopps
Development and Production Director
Your Career in Games
Getting Started and Staying the Distance
A creative industry veteran with over 20 years project management and business development experience, I have collaborated with some truly exceptional people. I now spend my time sharing what I have learned; helping developers make better games and grow a more sustainable business.
15:15 - 15:45
Rebecca Hanson
Data Analyst [SEGA Hardlight]
Decoding Data at HARDlight: Leveraging Tableau for Informed Decision-Making - From Raw Numbers to Actionable Insights
Here at HARDlight, we use a data visualisation software called Tableau which has some great functionality with large amounts of data. I will be showcasing a piece of analysis from data through to insights, showing how it can help with teams' decision-making.
15:45 - 16:15
Grace Emery
Principal Audio Designer [Maverick]
Telling Stories through Audio
With a rich background spanning a decade in audio design, production, and analytics, Grace has made notable contributions to the global gaming and music industry. Currently serving as the Principal Audio Designer at Maverick Games in Warwick, Grace has delved deep into the realms of sound design, bringing to life audioscapes for some of the most acclaimed games in recent history.
16:15 - 16:45
Ivan Batsalov
Character Artist - [PLAYGROUND GAMES]
From Classroom to Character: Navigating the Post-University Path to Becoming a Game Artist with Live Demo Insights
Ivan Batsalov is a renowned character artist at Playground Games, contributing to the iconic Forza and Fable series. A graduate with a BA in Games Art from Warwickshire College University Centre, Ivan blends academic knowledge with practical expertise. He's set to share his insights at an upcoming conference, where attendees will be treated to both an enlightening talk and a live zBrush demonstration, showcasing his mastery in character design.
The Venue
ABOUT THE ROYAL SPA CENTRE:
The Royal Spa Centre is a state-of-the-art venue that offers a unique and memorable conference experience. With its 650-seat auditorium, modern facilities, and convenient location, it is the perfect venue for Let's Talk Games Conference.
FULL ADDRESS:
The Royal Spa Centre,Newbold Terrace,Leamington Spa,CV32 4HN