July 21, 2026

The View from Develop:Brighton 2026

Will Guyatt, Tech Journalist & Broadcaster

A 350 word report based solely on vibes goes against almost everything I’ve learnt — but bear with me. I’ve done GDC. I’ve done Gamescom. I’ve spent yonks as a reporter trudging around tech events of every flavour - but this was my first Develop:Brighton, and given everything the games industry has been through over the last couple of years, I half expected to find it subdued and weary.

It was anything but.

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Across the town, events, gatherings, parties and socials crackled with opportunity and determination. Sessions were packed. Bars and cafes were full from mid-morning onwards. Pitches, catch-ups, war stories and introductions spilled out at every turn. Develop regulars told me the conference has always had a sociable heart - but this year it was louder, warmer and more deliberate.

Nobody was pretending the last couple of years hadn’t happened. What came through in everything I saw and heard was a grounded, hard-won confidence: the people in those rooms had adapted, sharpened their craft and found ways to keep making the games they truly believe in. With a dense schedule of talks tackling the real issues of games development, delivered by people who’ve navigated the industry’s roughest waters in memory, the industry was both skilling up and recharging at the same time.

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Generosity was everywhere too: fundraisers for GamesAid and SpecialEffect, and folk from global studios taking the time to talk to micro indies. The Develop:Star Awards at the Brighton Dome celebrated some amazing games, studios and talent with genuinely inspirational speeches - even if football, once again, didn’t come home.

Twenty years of Develop:Brighton could have been spent reflecting on everything the industry has lost. Instead, it was a celebration of talent, curiosity and an unshakeable love of the craft itself.

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I expected to come away with an aching head, sore feet and a few decent anecdotes. I got all three. I also came away certain of something: as long as this industry keeps showing up for each other, it’s going to be just fine. And the vibes? Strong, very strong.

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