
Code Coven CEO Tara Mustapha has been announced as the final keynote speaker at this year’s Develop:Brighton conference.
Mustapha will deliver a session titled ‘Build What You Have: Rethinking Studio Sustainability in 2025’, in which she will discuss building sustainable and inclusive studios during times of uncertainty.
As the founder of Code Coven, Mustapha and the team support underrepresented developers by showcasing their skills via a global accelerator and academy.
GamesIndustry.biz recently spoke to Mustapha about Code Coven’s goals as part of London Games Festival’s Ensemble initiative.
“I’m thrilled to keynote at Develop:Brighton,” said Mustapha. “In a moment where the world feels heavy, I want to remind us why we fell in love with games, and how we build studios that protect that joy, for the people who make them and the people who play them.”
Organisers of Develop:Brighton added: “Tara is an award-winning founder, game developer, and strategic advisor. With over two decades in the industry, from AAA titles like the Skate franchise to pioneering initiatives, Tars is recognised for her bold leadership, strategic clarity, and commitment to reshaping how the games industry supports creative excellence.”
Mustapha joins Remedy’s creative director Sam Lake, who was announced as the conference’s first keynote speaker back in April. We caught up with Lake about what to expect from his session, which will cover three decades of storytelling at Remedy.
MachineGames’ Jen Andersson and Pete Ward will also deliver a fireside chat on the success of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. We also spoke with Andersson about the development process of creating an Indy title.
The finalists for the Develop:Star Awards 2025 were announced last month, with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle receiving the most nominations including Best Game.
Lake will receive this year’s Develop Star Award, which he said was “a huge honour”.
Other speakers confirmed for this year’s conference include experts from Ustwo Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment, No More Robots, Ukie, Kepler Interactive, Google, BAFTA, The Chinese Room, Surgent Studios, Massive Entertainment, Criterion, Safe in Our World, and Insomniac Games.
Develop:Brighton will take place at the Hilton Brighton Metropole from Tuesday, July 8 to Thursday, July 10.
GamesIndustry.biz readers can get an additional 10% off all passes by using the code EMFQZT. You can book your tickets here.
GamesIndustry.biz is a media partner for Develop:Brighton 2025.