The GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit for 2026 has just released its full agenda, showcasing a robust lineup of speakers and sessions that address the most pressing challenges facing people professionals in the games sector. Headlining the event are Sarah Venables, the founder of the HR Confidence Club, who will open the day with a keynote on the future of people leadership; Jonny Hopper, chief executive of Glowmade Studio, who will discuss how workplace culture can become a competitive advantage; and Harvey Elliott together with Carmen Martino from Playstack, who will share practical insights on turning culture into measurable business impact. The summit continues to enjoy the generous support of Amiqus as its principal sponsor. Set against the historic backdrop of The Royal Institution in London, the summit runs for a full day on 1 October.
Attendees can expect more than a dozen presentations, workshops, and round‑table discussions that explore topics ranging from neurodiversity and artificial intelligence to workplace culture and the evolving role of unions within game development studios. The programme is split into two main blocks – a morning session that tackles strategic issues for HR leaders, and an afternoon session that focuses on leadership, people strategy, and the skills needed to navigate a post‑disruption industry landscape. The morning block is dedicated to the core concerns of HR professionals operating in game companies. It provides actionable advice on emerging topics such as the integration of AI tools into HR processes, upcoming legislative changes that could affect employment contracts, and effective collaboration with trade unions.
Speakers will delve into how AI can streamline recruitment, performance management, and employee relations, while also highlighting the ethical considerations and potential pitfalls of relying on algorithmic decision‑making. In addition, the session will examine the legal environment, offering guidance on compliance with new data‑privacy regulations and the implications of gig‑worker legislation for studios that employ contract talent. Following the keynote, the afternoon segment shifts its focus to leadership and the strategic deployment of people initiatives to drive business outcomes. Attendees will hear case studies illustrating how a strong people‑first culture can boost productivity, retention, and brand reputation.
The discussion will also look ahead to the skills, organisational structures, and strategic frameworks that will be essential for game companies seeking to thrive after a period of unprecedented industry disruption caused by rapid technological change and shifting consumer expectations. Both halves of the summit are punctuated by breakout sessions that operate under Chatham House rules, allowing participants to speak freely and share confidential experiences.
These facilitated round‑tables cover a range of subjects, including managing performance during periods of financial turbulence, mapping out skill pathways for emerging technologies, and confronting the rise of AI not only in HR but across the broader business. Experts will lead participants through scenario‑planning exercises, helping them design resilient people strategies that can adapt to future market shocks.
The day concludes with the 2026 Best Places to Work Awards, a celebration that recognises excellence across companies of all sizes – small, medium and large – as well as special categories such as Education, Diversity, and Corporate Social Responsibility. The awards are co‑sponsored by Amiqus, Playground Games, IO Interactive, Games London and Special Effect, underscoring the industry's collective commitment to fostering inclusive and high‑performing workplaces. Below is the detailed timetable for the summit: 08:30 – Registration (tea, coffee and networking) 09:00 – Opening remarks and welcome 09:15 – The Future of People Leadership – Resilience, complexity and shifting expectations (Sarah Venables, HR Confidence Club) 09:45 – Becoming the Critical Friend – How HR gains influence and becomes a strategic business partner (Niki Head, Stellar Entertainment) 10:15 – Unions, Employee Voice and the Future of Games Workplaces (panel discussion) 11:00 – Break 11:20 – Managing Neurodiversity in the Workplace – Practical approaches to supporting performance, making adjustments and empowering managers of neurodiverse teams 12:05 – AI in Employment Relations – Guidance on handling AI‑generated evidence, case handling and employee‑relations challenges 12:45 – Lunch 13:30 – People as a Competitive Advantage – How workplace culture drives organisational success (Jonny Hopper, Glowmade Studio) 14:00 – People Strategy in Practice – Translating culture into business impact (Harvey Elliott & Carmen Martino, Playstack) 14:30 – Employee Expectations vs Business Reality – Balancing flexibility, transparency and experience with commercial imperatives 15:15 – The Skills Challenge – Building, retaining and developing the capabilities games businesses will need next 15:45 – Performance in a People‑First Workplace – Creating accountability, addressing under‑performance and maintaining high standards while fostering supportive environments 16:15 – Culture Through Change – Maintaining trust, engagement and performance during periods of transition 16:45 – What Makes a Great Games Workplace in 2027? – Identifying three bold actions for the next two years 17:15 – Drinks & Networking 17:45 – Best Places to Work Awards ceremony 18:45 – Closing drinks and networking 19:00 – Event ends Tickets for the full day are available through the official registration link, and the schedule will be updated with any additional speakers or workshops as the date approaches.
This summit offers a unique opportunity for HR leaders, people managers, and industry executives to exchange ideas, learn from best‑in‑class examples, and leave with a clear roadmap for building stronger, more inclusive, and future‑ready game development workplaces.