Behind Develop:Brighton 2025's Sunny Facade, a Gloomy Reality Unfolds

The Develop:Brighton 2025 conference took place under a picturesque sunny sky, with attendees gathered outside the Hilton Metropole, networking and enjoying the atmosphere. Despite the optimism, a sense of unease lingered beneath the surface. Develop remains a premier event in the UK games conference scene, with diverse and engaging talks, including a new focus on performance. However, it was the keynote 'Build What You Have: Rethinking Studio Sustainability in 2025' that tackled the industry's deep-seated anxiety. Sustainability has become the watchword, replacing the mantra 'survive to 2025' with a simpler 'survive'. Code Coven's Tara Mustapha addressed the elephant in the room, referencing the recent Microsoft layoffs and the funding crisis that has plagued the industry since 2022. Mustapha emphasized that developers can no longer rely solely on pitches and experience to secure funding; instead, they must provide prototypes or vertical slices. The industry is being forced to adapt, with many turning to 'fractional roles' – part-time positions that allow experienced professionals to work with multiple organizations. This shift has led to a repositioning of power, with individuals gaining valuable experience and knowledge. Despite the bleak outlook, there were glimmers of hope, including the announcement of the UK Video Games Council and Remedy's Sam Lake's acceptance speech for the Develop Star Award, which encouraged compassion, empathy, and adaptability in the face of adversity. As the industry navigates its challenges, it may be that these limitations will drive creativity and lead to innovative solutions, ultimately resulting in better, more unique, and exciting games.