Simran Whitham tells Vince Pavey about bringing TEDx up to Manchester, and what attendees can expect this autumn
FORMAT Group is working with TEDx to bring Manchester the TEDxNorthernQuarter micro conference this September – how did that happen? FORMAT Group has always taken pride in hosting standout events for the games industry. Alongside our partner Game Studio Training, we wanted to create a more accessible pathway for professionals in the video games sector to become TED speakers. Together, we undertook the detailed process of applying for an official TEDx license, and from that, TEDxNorthernQuarter was born. We are incredibly proud to bring this opportunity to the UK games
industry. Becoming a TED speaker is a huge milestone in anyone’s career, and we are thrilled to see so many brilliant individuals preparing to take the TEDx stage on September 8 in Manchester.
What can visitors expect from the show? Attendees can expect a full day TEDx conference with talks from 15 revolutionary leaders and game changers across the video game, content creation, business, and science sectors. The conference will also include an evening industry mixer where speakers will take part in panel discussions and networking sessions. On top of that, there will be a live performance by the legendary video game musician The Nerd Violist, as well as breakfast and lunch networking sessions between the talks. We are especially excited to present talks by individuals who have
transformed their industries, particularly in video games. It is an incredible opportunity for audiences to hear world class ideas from some of the most innovative voices in the field on one of the most prestigious and iconic conference stages.
Are there any speakers you are particularly excited about? There are so many I cannot wait to see live on the iconic red TEDx dot. We are honoured to welcome games industry legend and
Revolution Software CEO Charles Cecil, who will share insights from his decades of experience. We also have Joe Brammer, CEO of BULKHEAD, and Jess Wiseman, a renowned 3D artist who will explore the future of 3D art pipelines in games and tech. Henry White, Creative Director of the legendary YouTube
collective The Sidemen, will speak about how he helped build one of the most influential brands in digital content. We are also flying in the Interaction Design Manager from the LEGO Group from Denmark, Stephen Morris, who will give a talk on the importance of play in adult life. Of course, I am also especially excited about Neil Newbon, the
BAFTA winning voice actor known for his work in Baldur’s Gate 3, who will also be joining us. Personally, I am honoured to be speaking as well, sharing my decade long experience in building communities within the video game sector through FORMAT Group and celebrating the amazing contributions of the UK games industry. All our speakers have undergone extensive TEDx coaching with
licensed TEDx coaches funded by FORMAT Group and Game Studio Training, and we can’t wait to see all their training come to fruition on September 8th.
Is the plan to do more of these, should this go well? Absolutely. Now that we hold the TEDxNorthernQuarter license, FORMAT Group and Game Studio Training are committed to making this an annual fixture in the UK games industry events calendar. As mentioned earlier, our goal is to create an accessible route for professionals in the games industry to become TED speakers and share their ideas with the world. So yes, if TED continues to support us, there will definitely be
a TEDxNorthernQuarter 2026. Make sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date and find out how you could become a TED speaker next year.
August/September 2025 MCV/DEVELOP | 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
