Next-Gen Xbox Console, Codenamed Project Helix, Will Play PC Games

Why It Matters

The board elevates the conference’s credibility, attracting national and overseas participants and positioning northern England as a growing games‑industry hub.

Key Takeaways

• Over 20 experts join advisory board.
• Board guides 2026 three‑day conference agenda.
• Event scheduled Oct 14‑16 2026 in Middlesbrough.
• 89% attendees secured new contacts last year.
• 28% landed projects or deals at prior event.

Pulse Analysis

The formation of an international advisory board signals Game Republic New Horizons’ ambition to become a premier platform for the UK games sector. By recruiting more than two dozen seasoned professionals—from Kickstarter’s head of games to Double Eleven’s co‑CEO—the conference gains strategic insight into emerging technologies, funding models, and market trends. This expertise will directly inform the 2026 agenda, ensuring sessions address the most pressing challenges facing developers and publishers.

Located at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, the October 14‑16 event underscores a broader shift toward regional hubs outside London. The North of England has cultivated a vibrant indie ecosystem, supported by local authorities such as Tees Valley Combined Authority and Middlesbrough Council. By anchoring a flagship three‑day programme in this area, the conference not only showcases regional talent but also stimulates economic activity through hospitality, venue services, and ancillary tech partnerships.

Past editions demonstrate tangible business outcomes: 89% of participants reported new contacts, and 28% secured projects or deals, with over 100 meetings facilitated via the MeetToMatch platform. These metrics highlight the event’s role as a high‑impact networking engine, rivaling larger gatherings like GDC or EGX. With early‑bird tickets on sale until March 2026, the advisory board’s guidance is poised to attract an even broader international audience, reinforcing the conference’s status as a catalyst for growth in the global games industry.