Game Republic New Horizons adds Housemarque, Bithell, and Nintendo sessions
Game Republic New Horizons has expanded its speaker roster with Housemarque and Bithell Games, while Nintendo representatives will run an open breakfast session for developers and publishers on October 15. Housemarque VFX lead Robbert Groenendijk will discuss visual effects in Saros, and Bithell Games' Mike Bithell will take part in a fireside chat about Vampirium: 1997. The event runs October 14-16 at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough and includes sessions on investment, AI, platform support, and other industry topics.
The Middlesbrough gathering runs Oct. 14–16 at Riverside Stadium. Alongside Housemarque’s Robbert Groenendijk discussing Saros VFX work, Bithell Games’ Mike Bithell will talk with Knowledge’s Patrick Garratt about Vampirium: 1997. Nintendo’s business development and developer relations staff will host an Oct. 15 breakfast from 8:30–9:30 a.m.; attendees need a GR New Horizons ticket, but not Nintendo developer or publisher registration.
Other agenda items include Ken Kutaragi’s keynote, a Landfall Games conversation with Rebecca Lautner, IO Interactive’s Hakan Abrak on 007 First Light, AI and investment panels, public funding bodies, Xbox platform guidance, international market discussions, and narrative/Steam masterclasses.
The event may strengthen the North East’s games network by connecting studios, students, and freelancers with publishers, funders, and platform holders. Smaller teams could gain clearer routes to support, investment, and storefront visibility, while Nintendo’s breakfast may reduce uncertainty around console development. Talks on AI and international markets could influence hiring, skills, and business planning. Wider society may see indirect effects through regional spending, local talent retention, and the kinds of games that reach players, though the scale is likely modest.