The upcoming Game Republic New Horizons conference has broadened its roster of presenters by welcoming two notable developers: Housemarque and Bithell Games. In addition to these new additions, Nintendo will conduct an open‑house breakfast session aimed at both developers and publishers, offering a rare chance to engage directly with the console giant.
Housemarque’s visual‑effects lead, Robbert Groenendijk, has been slated to run a deep‑dive workshop that will explore both the artistic direction and the underlying technology behind the spectacular VFX seen in the studio’s upcoming title, Saros. Attendees can expect a hands‑on look at the pipelines, shader techniques, particle systems, and performance‑optimisation strategies that enable high‑fidelity effects on modern hardware.
Groenendijk will also field questions about team workflow, tool selection, and the balance between creative ambition and technical constraints. Joining him on the schedule is Bithell Games’ founder and creative director, Mike Bithell. Bithell will sit down for a fireside conversation with Knowledge editor Patrick Garratt, during which they will discuss the studio’s forthcoming project, Vampirium: 1997.
The dialogue will cover narrative inspiration, design philosophy, and the challenges of delivering a period‑specific horror experience that blends retro aesthetics with contemporary gameplay mechanics. Bithell will also share insights into Bithell Games’ independent development model, funding approaches, and strategies for building a community around a niche title. Nintendo’s involvement comes in the form of a dedicated breakfast session on the morning of October 15, running from 8:30 a.m.
to 9:30 a.m. Representatives from Nintendo’s business‑development and developer‑relations teams will lead the informal gathering, encouraging participants to ask about a wide range of topics: the process of becoming a Nintendo partner, best practices for creating tools that integrate with Nintendo hardware, publishing pathways, available support resources, and future opportunities for collaboration. Unlike many platform‑specific briefings, this session does not require attendees to be pre‑registered Nintendo developers or publishers; the only prerequisite is a valid Game Republic New Horizons ticket.
The three‑day event, taking place from October 14 to 16 at Riverside Stadium in Middlesborough, promises a packed agenda that goes well beyond the headline speakers. The opening keynote will be delivered by industry legend Ken Kutaragi, who will share his vision for the future of interactive entertainment. A separate fireside chat will feature Landfall Games’ Chief Business Officer Rebecca Lautner, moderated by GamesIndustry.biz Features editor Lewis Packwood, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at indie publishing and community building. One of the technical highlights is a session on the recently released 007 First Light, led by IO Interactive CEO Håkan Abrak.
This talk will examine how the studio tackled the unique challenges of translating a cinematic franchise into an immersive first‑person shooter, with a focus on narrative integration, level design, and cross‑platform optimisation. The conference also includes a panel titled “Hype‑free Assessment of AI in Games,” featuring AI‑focused thought leaders Tommy Thompson (AI and Games), Duygu Çakmak (Creative Assembly), and Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage). The discussion will aim to cut through the buzz and evaluate realistic applications of artificial intelligence in gameplay, procedural content generation, and player‑behaviour modelling.
Investors will have a dedicated Investor Zone where a fireside chat with Tencent’s business‑development director Teddy Keefe will explore the Chinese market’s appetite for Western titles and the strategic considerations of cross‑border investment. Another panel, “Beyond the Pitch: Securing (and Surviving) Angel Investment,” will bring together Nick Button‑Brown of The Game Angels, Tracy McGarrigan from Ansible, and Ian Masters of Flick Games to share practical advice on fundraising, term‑sheet negotiation, and post‑investment relationship management. Public funding bodies will also be represented. Sessions featuring the British Film Institute (BFI), Arts Council England, and Innovate UK will outline grant opportunities, eligibility criteria, and success stories from developers who have leveraged public money to bring innovative concepts to market.
Xbox will host a talk on the nuances of launching games on its ecosystem, covering certification, marketplace optimisation, and cross‑play considerations. Additional programming includes panels on international market entry strategies, masterclasses on narrative design that dissect storytelling techniques across genres, and a hands‑on workshop on constructing an effective Steam store page—from asset creation to community engagement tactics. An important update for prospective attendees: Game Republic has confirmed with GamesIndustry.biz that the Nintendo breakfast session has reached full capacity and is now officially sold out. Interested parties are encouraged to monitor the event’s schedule for any last‑minute openings or alternative networking opportunities.
GamesIndustry.biz serves as a media partner for Game Republic New Horizons 2026, providing coverage, analysis, and live updates throughout the three‑day summit.