Event highlighting Warwickshire’s gaming sector returning to Leamington

An event highlighting Warwickshire’s gaming sector, creativity and digital innovation will be returning to Leamington later this year.Delivered by Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council alongside industry partners, Interactive Futures highlights the region’s internationally recognised games cluster, often referred to as ‘Silicon Spa’, while creating opportunities for collaboration, learning, innovation and public engagement.The event will take place in the Pump Rooms on November 13 and 14. UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie) will join as programming partner and Leamington-based HCR Law will deliver a workshop, sharing expertise on legal issues affecting games businesses and the wider interactive entertainment sector as well as facilitating a panel discussion on horizon scanning.Interactive Futures will be returning to Leamington later this year. Photo by Warwickshire County CouncilLeamington-based SAE Institute joins as an education partner, creating activities designed to showcase opportunities for the next generation of games professionals.Organisers are continuing to invite studios, businesses, educators, community organisations and sector specialists to contribute ideas, activities and expertise to help shape the final programme.The full programme will be announced over the coming months and will explore themes including funding opportunities, routes to market, international markets, legal and regulatory developments, online safety, emerging commercial opportunities, skills development and business growth. Councillor Ella Billiald, portfolio holder for arts, culture and economy at Warwick District Council, said: “We are excited to see the event return this year and to be working alongside partners from across the sector to develop another engaging programme that supports businesses, inspires future talent, encourages young people to see their passion for games and digital creativity as a potential future career, and showcases everything that makes Leamington Spa, also known as Silicon Spa, such a unique place.”Councillor Rob Howard, Warwickshire County Council portfolio holder for economy, added: “By delivering this event, we are helping to connect businesses, educators, industry professionals, and future talent, creating new opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth. We are proud to work with Warwick District Council and industry partners to highlight the importance of this sector to our economy and inspire the next generation of digital and creative professionals.”Organisers said the current expression of interest is to gather ideas, identify opportunities and explore potential partnerships. The information received will help shape the programme, although submitting an idea does not guarantee inclusion.Continue Reading