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Develop:Brighton organisers have announced that industry legends Brenda and John Romero will be this year’s keynote speakers.

Brenda Romero has worked in the games industry since the early ‘80s, with credits on Dungeons & Dragons, Def Jam, Ghost Recon, and the Wizardry series. Her keynote – Stay: How Not to Burn Out and Thrive in the Game Industry – will explore the reasons people remain in the games industry, despite its intense pressures.

John Romero was co-founder of id Software and played an instrumental role in developing the Wolfenstein, DOOM and Quake franchises. His keynote – A Life in Games – will reflect on his forty year career and also look to the future of the industry.

Andy Lane, managing director of Develop organiser Tandem Events, said:

“We’re delighted to announce Brenda and John Romero as keynote speakers for Develop:Brighton 2017. With a combined total of nearly 70 years’ experience working in the games industry, and a surname that helped forge it into what it is today, I’m incredibly excited to hear their insights on topics old and new.”

The Romeros will also be individually awarded the 2017 Industry Legend Awards at the Develop Industry Excellence Awards, taking place on Wednesday 12 July.

Jem Alexander, editor of Develop Magazine, said:

“Their influence on the industry is truly legendary and their continued work and presence in games is a boon for all involved.”

Other conference sessions announced so far includes talks from Tim Wicksteed, Dan Abnett, Tony Yang and Rex Crowle.

Develop:Brighton will be held at the Hilton Metropole in Brighton from July 11 – 13, 2017. You can book your pass at the official conference website. Nominations have also opened for this year’s Develop Industry Excellence Awards.

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