ExPlay Festival in Plymouth

Gamers near Plymouth are in for a treat this November with the Extended Play Games Festival happening in Plymouth. Covering a wide range of games topics, British developers from around the country will be speaking at this 3-day conference, followed by Extended Play LATE. Details are yet to be determined on that but will doubtless include some form of entertainment and bar.

Amidst a host of industry-focused events like the Boot Camp and VIP Keynote attendees will see a host of games development and publishing luminaries discuss this year’s topic: Games as a Service.

Friday will include topics such as:

• Sex, Lies and Videogames from Dan Efergan, Creative Director of Digital at Aardman Animations
• A panel discussion on New Shiny Things including Andrew Smith of Spilt Milk Studios (Hard Lines) and Keith Stuart of The Guardian
• A keynote session from Ian Livingstone OBE covering the struggles he and Steve Jackson faced while setting up and growing through the 80s and 90s, as well as a detailed history of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

And highlights from the Saturday schedule:

• Why Good Writers Create Bad Game Stories from Ed Fear, producer and writer at Curve Studios (Fluidity and Explodemon)
• Designing more accessible games from Ian Hamilton, freelance designer and consultant

And keynote Indie Development: risks, rewards and extensive opportunities to eat biscuits by Paul Taylor of Mode 7 (creators of Frozen Synapse)

Those who prefer to get more hands-on can join in the Game Jam on Friday and Saturday. Grab a team and create your own game over the weekend.

When: 3rd to 5th November
Where: National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth
How much: Free! (though tickets for the Keynotes are £15 each, covering drinks and canapés)

Book your place on the Extended Play official website now.