Fuse Games Conference

Fuse is a free online conference that features industry expert talks on a variety of Games specialisms.

  • Date:
  • Time: 9.30am – 6pm

Aimed at students, alumni, and future applicants of Staffordshire University, the conference removes physical barriers which prevent individuals from engaging with games professionals.

The event is a showcase of talent, and will run virtual activities such as specialist talks, guided demonstrations and deliver elements that would often exist in as part of an open day.  

The event will begin with an opening talk on Staffordshire University’s Games department, our courses and information on what to expect at open days, upcoming taster events and how to apply. This will provide prospective applicants the opportunity to meet the teaching staff as well as ask questions on course specifics.

The main attraction will be the roster of Games industry professionals who speak on their chosen subjects and/or specific disciplines throughout the course of an entire week starting 26th February. 


Schedule of events

Please note, this schedule is currently evolving and therefore subject to change, please check back for the latest updates.

Monday 26 February

10am - 12pm Welcome to Staffs Games 

During this talk the Staffordshire University’s Games department will provide insight into the structure, curriculum and benefits of their courses to future applicants.

1pm - 3pm VFX with Beck Selmes 

Beck will discuss the skills required to be a successful professional in the creative industries and propel your prospects to the next level. 

5pm - 7pm Lighting Art with Filippo Romani 

Filippo will dive into the specifics of physically based lighting and how to push the boundaries of realism.

Tuesday 27 February

10am - 12pm Character Art with Joao Miguel da Silva 

During this talk Joao will explore the specifics of character art and bringing a concept to life.

1pm - 3pm 2D Digital Art with Arne Billen

Arne will discuss their journey as a 2D Digital artist within the Games industry and explore tips and tricks for improving your portfolio. 

5pm - 7pm Material Art with Niki Maranov

Niki will examine the complexities of material creation and explore how you too can bring strength and depth to the surface of your 3d models.

Wednesday 28 February

10am - 12pm Environmental Art with Alex Beddows

During this talk Alex will discuss his unconventional route into the games industry and how becoming and environment artist is earned not granted.

1pm - 3pm VFX Art with Ian Ward

Ian will discuss their journey within VFX and delve into the complex scenes of recent film releases.

3pm - 5pm XR Games with Andy Driver

During this talk Andy Driver will be discussing the complexities of the recruitment and hiring process for budding game developers.

Thursday 29 February

10am - 12pm Lighting Art with Edwin Vargas Cortes

During this talk Edwin Vargas Cortes will be discussing their professional journey to Senior Lighting Artist.

1pm - 3pm Skills and Hiring with Sara Machado and Ryan Miles from Bird's Eye View

Sara and Ryan will be discussing the necessary skills for budding professionals hoping to head into the games industry.

3pm - 5pm Vehicle Art with James Smith and Liam Sinclair

During this talk James Smith and Liam Sinclair will explore the specialist skills of a Vehicle Artist and share insight into their production pipeline.

5pm - 7pm Houdini Tech Art with Youssef Alioua

Youssef will be discussing technical art and all things Houdini. 

Friday 1 March

10am - 12pm Graduates in Games with Nikita Lord

During this talk Nikita Lord will explore the difficulties of making it into the games industry and highlight the key skills required to be successful in your application process. 

1pm - 3pm Concept Art with Rachel Alderson

Rachel will share their journey from Staffordshire University Games student to life as a professional concept Artist.

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