Global video game industry figures have been confirmed to speak at a flagship conference in the North East later this year, highlighting the region's expanding digital and creative sector.

Game Republic has announced that PlayStation architect Ken Kutaragi and Landfall’s Rebecca Lautner will speak at its New Horizons conference. The event is scheduled to take place at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough from 14 to 16 October.

Supported by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, the conference is expected to attract developers, investors, and creative executives from across the UK and international markets.

Mr Kutaragi, widely regarded as the "Father of PlayStation" for his role in creating the console and its successors, will headline the event in a rare UK appearance to discuss innovation and the future of interactive entertainment.

He will be joined by Rebecca Lautner, chief business officer at Landfall, the Swedish studio behind the co-op game Peak. The lineup also features 4J Studios chairman Chris van der Kuyl CBE and designer Joseph "Stampy" Garrett, who will discuss the creation of their new open-world sandbox game, Reforj.

The event highlights opportunities in game development and digital technology within the Tees Valley, which is currently supported by a £160 million Investment Zone focused on attracting capital to the regional tech cluster.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Bringing figures of this global standing to Teesside shows just how far our digital and creative sector has come. From world-leading studios to major events like this, we’re building a reputation as one of the most exciting places in the UK for gaming, tech and creative businesses.

“We’re already on the map internationally. Global media giants are already sitting up, taking notice and signing up the talent, skill and craft we have in our region’s gaming community. Now we want to build on this to create even more opportunities for local people and businesses through our Investment Zone.”

Game Republic’s managing director, Jamie Sefton, added: “Securing speakers of this calibre is a huge moment for the conference and a sign of the ambition we have for New Horizons. We’re bringing some of the most influential people in the global games industry to Teesside, giving developers, businesses and investors the chance to learn, connect and grow right here in the region.”