Game Republic New Horizons, the UK games industry conference taking place this October, confirmed today that it’s to host a talk from Robbert Groenendijk, VFX Lead at PlayStation Studios’ Housemarque, on the design and technical implementation of the visual effects of narrative shooter Saros, the Finnish developer’s latest release.

In addition, Mike Bithell of Bithell Games is to be interviewed on stage by Knowledge editor Patrick Garratt on Thursday, October 15. The fireside chat will focus on the development of Bithell’s latest title, Vampirium: 1997, and is to include new information on the minimalist immersive sim.

Said Bithell: “I’m sure we’ll also touch upon topics such as what it’s like to make games in 2026 – and we’ll have an exciting reveal about the game on the day, too.”

Other sessions at the event include a keynote from "father of the PlayStation" Ken Kutaragi, a fireside chat with Landfall business head Rebecca Lautner, and a BAFTA-supported session featuring Hakan Abrak, CEO and co-owner of IO Interactive, to discuss the making of this year’s 007 First Light.

Game Republic New Horizons will take place on October 14-16 at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, UK.