More than 30 industry executives and UK studios are set to participate in the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit

On October 2, the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit is scheduled to occur, featuring over 30 prominent figures from the gaming sector who will offer their expertise on managing the industry's current challenges.

This one-day conference at The Royal Institution in London will encompass a wide range of presentations and discussions. Topics include forming strategic collaborations, mental health recognition initiatives, cultural rebuilding after workforce reductions, and the influence of AI.

The summit kicks off with Sega Europe’s Nicky Ormrod, accompanied by Value Partnership's Simon Court and Dan Bobby, delving into their companies' collaborative efforts during trying times.

Participants like Skillfull's Gina Jackson and Amiqus' Liz Prince will delve into how gaming companies can use expertise, sustainability, and integrity to foster the next wave of talent.

Fresh Seed's Sarah Brewster will lead a session on the covert norms of workplaces and how companies can evolve accordingly.

Niki Head from Stellar Entertainment and Teem Camp’s Chiara Santevecchi will investigate cultural shifts in the AI era, while Next Jump’s Kevin McCoy and GameDataCore’s Simon Sparks will conduct a roundtable on establishing a coaching-centric work environment.

The day will conclude with the 2025 Best Places to Work Awards, honoring 19 nominated studios such as Rare, Playground Games, FuturLab, Rocksteady, and Wushu Studios.

Amiqus is the event’s sponsor for the 2025 GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit.

Please find the detailed schedule below.

Main stage

08:30: Registration (Teas and Coffees)

09:00: Welcome to the HR Summit

09:05: Sega – Recode for Growth | Nicky Ormrod (Sega), Simon Court and Dan Bobby (Value Partnerships)

10:00: The new deal at work – psychological contracts in games | Sarah Brewster (Fresh Seed)

10:30: The Talent reset – skills, sustainability and fairness in the Games Talent agenda | Liz Prince (Amiqus), Gina Jackson (Skillfull)

11:00: Break

11:30: The strategic seat at the table | Perri Lewis (Mastered), Alison Lacy (Radical Forge)

12:15: Production & People – the power partnership | Emma Smith (Hestia Talent Partners), Max Brode (The Indie Stone)

13:00: Lunch

14:00: Mental Health Accreditation Schemes, Why they're important | Safe In Our World

14:15: After the storm – rebuilding and resetting culture post redundancies | Leon Hijazi-Killin (Balance Patch), Cinzia Musio (equity, diversity, and inclusion consultant), Sara Veal (GamesAid)

15:05: Culture in the age of AI | Niki Head (Stellar Entertainment), Chiara Santevecchi (Teem Camp) – hosted by Lewis Packwood

15:45: Wrap up workshop on the main stage – drawing the line, resetting with confidence | Emma Smith, Gina Jackson, Sarah Brewster

16:30: Drinks & Networking

17:15: Best Places To Work Awards 2025

18:15: Drinks & Networking

Breakout room

11:30: Level Up or Get Left Behind: How to Win When You're Short on People, Resources, Time, and Money | Simon Sparks (GameDataCore), Kevin McCoy (Next Jump)

12:15: Workshop 1 – Skills in Action, practical tools for future-ready teams | Liz Prince, Gina Jackson

14:00: Workshop 2 – From firefighting to future – building HR as true partners | Emma Smith, Perri Lewis

15:05: Behind the Screens: Resilience in Action | Hayley Blundy (FuturLab)