Richard Hebblewhite is senior lecturer at Wrexham University and founder of grassroots talent development programme, Games Talent Wales.
Boasting over 20 years of experience as an academic and freelance developer, Richard founded Games Talent Wales, the first nationally funded Welsh game talent development program, which specializes in supporting and creating sustainable independent game studios.
Richard is a member of BAFTA Cymru, and is also the Tranzfuser Local Hub Coordinator for North Wales (based at WU) where he established the Level Up Wales initiative which has evolved to become the most successful business accelerators and game industry partnership programmes in Wales.
Tell us a little more about your work
The games degree programme at Wrexham, that we founded in 2006, has been consistently growing stronger. Today, we boast a comprehensive suite of courses, a vast network of industry partners, and an extensive alumni community.
How would you describe the gaming development industry in Wales and what makes it an important factor in attracting events?
Over the past ten years, the Welsh gaming industry has experienced remarkable growth, encompassing developers of all sizes. Numerous initiatives, supported by the Welsh government, have offered funding and technological assistance. Programs like Games Talent Wales have fostered a network of flourishing independent game developers, establishing Wales as a vibrant hub for the global gaming community and related business events.
What can Wales offer the gaming world and wider Creative Industries associated business events ?
Wales is a fantastic place to come and do business with respective games and creative digital media in a general sense because we have a huge, very well-connected network that includes - professionals, technology, funding access and of course some brilliant venues. We have a number of people that are working in some of the biggest games studios.
Our heritage is deeply intertwined with the creativity of our endeavors, reflecting our culture and history. We are recognized for our brand identity symbolized by the dragon, and for having the highest number of castles per square mile in the world. This in addition to us having such amazing landscapes featured in major TV shows and films, a plethora of talent, and exceptional outdoor activities and experiences, Wales truly deserves to be a prime consideration for anyone planning to host events.
Why was it important to you to become a conference ambassador for Wales?
