If this is your first time heading to Develop:Brighton next week, you’re in for a treat. For new game studios, it’s an unmatched networking moment: publishers, tool makers, investors and service partners- all under one roof- focused on bringing games to life.

While the conference sessions are a gold mine of knowledge, forging firm connections often happens in the corridors, coffee queues and late-night socials. Below are a few field-tested tips on where to be (and when) to maximise your week on the coast.

Stake out the Hilton lobby bar early

All three days revolve around the Hilton Metropole. The hotel’s lobby bar- right by the main entrance- acts as Develop’s unofficial HQ. From 9 a.m. till late, you’ll find a large portion of the industry here. Space disappears fast, so arrive early, claim a corner table and let the traffic come to you.

Need privacy without a pricey hotel suite? Try The Walrus

If your next funding conversation requires quieter surroundings than a buzzing bar, walk eight minutes to The Walrus on Ship Street. The multi-level pub hides a rooftop terrace that somehow stays under the radar even during conference week. Grab a pot of tea- no room-hire fee required.

Evening social radar: two can’t-miss events on 9 July:

• GamesIndustry.biz Summer Party: Running since 2006 and sold out every year, the Summer Party is Develop’s great equaliser- where triple-A veterans and solo indies swap stories until last orders. This year, Green Man Gaming is sponsoring the event, so drinks are on us!
• Develop:Star Awards: Stroll two minutes east and you’ll hit the Hilton ballroom for a celebration of Britain’s brightest. Categories include Best Studio, Publishing Star, Technical Innovation and Narrative Excellence. Among the 2024 nominees: Baldur’s Gate 3 developers Larian, VR pioneers nDreams and breakout hit Viewfinder from Sad Owl Studios.

Yes, both events happen on the same night- schedule accordingly. Pro tip: hit the awards dinner, then slide over to the Summer Party for post-ceremony toasts.

Extra seaside survival pointers:

• Hydrate and SPF-up- the combination of the Brighton sun and lobby coffee and beers will dehydrate you fast.
• Leave schedule gaps- most people want to fill their schedules completely but sometimes the best connections are made accidentally. Give yourself some time to take in the surroundings and see where conversations take you.
• Comfortable shoes matter- even though the conference is all under one roof it is still a long day and with so many fringe events happening you might find yourself getting quite a few steps in
• Follow #DevelopBrighton on X/LinkedIn- be the first to learn of who’s in the room with you and other events that might be relevant to your business

Where Green Man Gaming fits in

We’ll be out in force all week. If you’re self-publishing but need selective help- funding, production assistance, QA, localisation or porting to console- or if you want to level-up third-party retail in a single swoop to grow your revenue by 20-30%, Green Man Gaming can help.

Reach out to partners@greenmangaming.com

Enjoy the conference and don’t let the seagulls steal your chips—we’ll see you on the promenade!