IO Interactive is returning to Develop:Brighton, one of Europe’s leading game development conferences, where the studio behind 007 First Light will take part in a panel exploring the future of interactive storytelling. Running from July 8–10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, the annual event brings together game developers, publishers and creative professionals from around the world for three days of talks, networking and industry events.
As part of this year’s programme, Chief Development Officer Veronique Lallier will join the panel The Evolution of Interactive Storytelling on Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM in Room 4. Alongside Jane Millichip (BAFTA), Abubaker Salim (Surgent Studios) and Eloise Singer (Singer Studios), she will discuss how storytelling continues to evolve across games, film and television, and how creative ideas translate across different forms of entertainment.
Lallier joined IO Interactive in early 2024 after holding senior leadership positions at Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and several other major companies in the games industry. As Chief Development Officer, she oversees the studio’s global game development strategy and production across all IO Interactive studios, including the teams working on 007 First Light, Hitman World of Assassination and Project Fantasy.
According to the official session description, the discussion will focus on how narrative design is evolving across different media, why storytelling remains the common thread between games, film and television, where creative ideas originate, and how video games are increasingly influencing the broader entertainment industry beyond their commercial success.
For IO Interactive, Develop:Brighton is something of a home event. The studio opened its Brighton office in 2023, making the annual conference a natural opportunity to engage with fellow developers and the wider games industry on its home turf.
Last year’s conference also formed part of the early promotional campaign for 007 First Light. During its Game Dev Mixer, IO Interactive decorated the venue with 007 First Light artwork and branding, while attendees got their first look at several Land Rover Defenders wearing the game’s distinctive livery. The branded vehicles would later make another appearance at Gamescom in Cologne.
While this year’s session is not expected to include announcements related to 007 First Light, the discussion may nevertheless provide an interesting glimpse into how IO Interactive approaches long-term storytelling. With the studio having already confirmed that additional missions—including Bawma’s return—are planned after launch, any discussion about evolving narratives and expanding game worlds would naturally be of interest to Bond fans.
Image credits: IO Interactive, Tandem Events.
Source:
