GamesIndustry.biz is set to moderate a high‑profile discussion as part of Game Republic’s Investment Summit, which will take place during the MCM Comic Con later this month. The summit is scheduled to run from 12:30 p.m.
to 5:30 p.m. in Capital Suite Room 1 at the ExCeL London exhibition centre, and it promises a packed agenda designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the modern games industry.
The programme comprises five distinct talks that will explore a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from securing funding for new projects to the intricacies of developing sustainable studio operations, and finally to the strategic creation of long‑term value through original intellectual property (IP). Each session is curated to provide actionable insights for developers, investors, and service providers alike, ensuring that attendees leave with concrete ideas they can apply to their own ventures. From 4:00 p.m.
to 4:45 p.m., Jon Hicks, the editorial director of GamesIndustry.biz, will chair an Investment Panel that brings together a diverse group of industry leaders. The panel will feature Lirui Ding of the Transcend Fund, Nick Cavander representing Creative UK, Ash Habib from Steel City Interactive, and Cassia Curran of the Curran Games Agency. Together, they will discuss current trends in game financing, the role of public and private capital in nurturing innovative projects, and how studios can position themselves to attract the right kind of investment while retaining creative control.
The summit’s earlier sessions also deliver a wealth of knowledge: - At 1:00 p.m., Chris Dring from The Game Business will sit down with id Software co‑founder and legendary programmer John Romero, alongside BAFTA‑winning designer Brenda Romero. Their conversation will delve into the evolution of game design, the importance of preserving creative heritage, and the ways veteran developers can mentor the next generation of talent. - From 2:00 p.m.
to 2:30 p.m., Nicholas Lovell of Split Milk Studios will present a session titled “Find Your Goblins: How to Use Community and Kickstarter to Survive and Thrive.” Lovell will share practical strategies for leveraging community engagement, crowdfunding platforms, and grassroots marketing to secure the funding needed to launch a game, while also building a loyal fan base that can sustain a studio beyond a single title. - A brief but information‑dense update will follow at 2:35 p.m., where Chris Filip, Anna Mansi, and Jordan Allwood from the British Film Institute (BFI) will outline the latest developments in the UK Global Screen Fund, the Video Game Release Funding scheme, and the BFI cultural test that determines eligibility for tax relief via the Video Games Enterprise Centre (VGEC). This segment will be essential for any studio looking to navigate the complex landscape of government‑backed incentives. - At 3:00 p.m., a fireside chat hosted by Helen Johnson of UKIE will feature Eloise Singer, founder and CEO of Singer Studios.
The discussion will focus on how to "unlock capital, protect ownership, and build long‑term franchise value," offering a roadmap for founders who aim to scale their businesses while safeguarding their creative vision and intellectual property. Beyond the formal talks, the summit also includes a series of Meet‑to‑Match networking sessions scheduled for October 23‑24, running from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Capital Room 6.
These meetings are designed to facilitate one‑on‑one conversations between developers, financiers, publishers, and service providers, fostering collaborations that could lead to new funding deals, co‑development agreements, or strategic partnerships. The day will conclude with a relaxed industry mixer at The Waterfront Restaurant within the ExCeL complex, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
This informal setting provides attendees with an opportunity to unwind, continue conversations sparked during the summit, and forge lasting relationships in a convivial atmosphere. For those interested in participating, industry passes can be applied for through the provided link, while registrations for the Investment Summit, additional programming, and the evening drinks reception are available via a separate sign‑up page. Whether you are a seasoned studio head, an indie developer seeking your first round of financing, or an investor looking to discover the next breakthrough title, the Game Republic Investment Summit offers a comprehensive platform to learn, network, and advance the future of the games industry.