GamesIndustry.biz is slated to moderate a high‑profile panel as part of Game Republic’s Investment Summit, which will take place during the upcoming MCM Comic Con later this month. The summit is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the 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 today’s game developers, publishers, and investors.
The day’s programme is built around five distinct talks that explore the full spectrum of game‑industry finance and strategy. Topics range from securing early‑stage funding and navigating the complex landscape of development pipelines, to establishing studios that can endure market fluctuations, and finally to the art of building long‑term value through original intellectual property (IP). By bringing together financiers, studio founders, policy makers, and creative talent, the summit aims to foster a collaborative environment where practical advice meets visionary thinking. From 4:00 p.m.
to 4:45 p.m., GamesIndustry.biz’s editorial director Jon Hicks will chair an Investment Panel featuring a diverse lineup of experts: 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. Each panelist will share insights drawn from their respective fields—whether it’s venture‑capital approaches to gaming, government‑backed support schemes, indie studio growth tactics, or agency‑level representation strategies. The conversation is expected to delve into how capital can be deployed responsibly, how risk can be mitigated, and how emerging studios can position themselves for sustainable success. The summit’s additional sessions include: - **1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m.** – A conversation hosted by Chris Dring of The Game Business with two legendary figures: John Romero, co‑founder and original programmer of id Software, and his sister Brenda Romero, a BAFTA‑winning game designer.
The dialogue will explore the evolution of game design, the importance of preserving creative integrity, and lessons learned from decades of industry experience. - **2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.** – Nicholas Lovell of Split Milk Studios presents “Find Your Goblins: How to Use Community and Kickstarter to Survive and Thrive.” Lovell will discuss practical tactics for rallying a community around a project, leveraging crowdfunding platforms to secure early funding, and turning enthusiastic backers into long‑term advocates.
- **2:35 p.m.–2:50 p.m.** – Representatives Chris Filip, Anna Mansi, and Jordan Allwood from the British Film Institute (BFI) provide a concise update on the UK Global Screen Fund, the Video Game Release Funding scheme, and the BFI cultural test that determines eligibility for tax relief under the Video Games Enterprise Council (VGEC). This segment will be essential for developers looking to maximize public‑sector support. - **3:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.** – A fireside chat moderated by Helen Johnson of UKIE with Eloise Singer, founder and CEO of Singer Studios. The discussion will focus on unlocking capital, protecting ownership rights, and constructing franchise‑level value that can endure beyond a single title.
Beyond the formal talks, the summit offers networking opportunities through MeetToMatch sessions, which run on October 23‑24 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Capital Room 6. These pre‑arranged meetings are designed to connect developers with potential investors, publishers, and service providers in a focused setting.
The day will close with a relaxed industry mixer at The Waterfront Restaurant within ExCeL, starting at 5:30 p.m., giving attendees a chance to continue conversations over food and drinks. For those interested in attending, industry passes can be applied for via the provided link, while separate registrations are available for the Investment Summit, the broader industry programming, and the evening social events. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants can tailor their experience—whether they are seeking knowledge, funding, partnership opportunities, or simply a chance to mingle with peers.
Overall, the Investment Summit at MCM Comic Con serves as a micro‑cosm of the broader game‑industry ecosystem, highlighting the interconnected nature of finance, creative development, policy support, and community engagement. By bringing together a cross‑section of stakeholders—from venture capitalists and government agencies to indie studio founders and veteran designers—the event underscores the collaborative effort required to turn innovative ideas into commercially viable, culturally resonant games. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable strategies, new contacts, and a deeper understanding of how to navigate the ever‑changing terrain of game production and publishing in 2026 and beyond.