Triple-pronged play at Northern Exposure

How UK studios can compete on a global stage, what developers can get from value-price games development and new business models are the trio of trends to be analysed at Northern Exposure thanks to support from Tiga, Blast Entertainment, Eidos and emerging technologies thinktank Carbon Imagineering.

The event, which takes place on May 10th, kicks off with a session detailing the results of a report funded by UK Trade & Investment and managed by Tiga, promising to offer a snapshot of the games industry’s competitive environment.

The second session will examine developing casual games and making titles for Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Store, culminating in a panel debate featuring Eidos’ casual games boss Lou Fawcett and Blast Entertainment’s CEO Sean Brennan.

“Developers are missing out because it’s human nature to want to develop on the best technology,” explained Brennan. “During my presentation at Northern Exposure 07, independent developers will get the opportunity to learn more about the opportunities on the ‘dark side of the force’ – otherwise known as value games.”

The last session elaborates on business models further, looking at how all studios, young or old, can harness new approaches to making and producing games to stay competitive.

Nina Cliff, business development manager of GameHorizon, said: “GameHorizon and Game Republic are hosting the conference to bring the UK industry together at a time when we can really benefit from sharing knowledge and best practice in order to secure the future growth and success of the UK games industry.”

For more information on Northern Exposure head to www.northexpo.co.uk