Down 2 Play

Down 2 Play is a new in-person games event run by Sussex Games, taking place on Saturday 14 November at Brighthelm Church and Community Centre on North Road. It's a full day, from 10:30 to 16:30, and it's built to bring together people from across Sussex and beyond through video games.

Over the course of the day, the room gathers indie developers, games industry professionals, students and creatives for gaming, talks, networking and community. It's a mix of playing and talking, so you can spend your time jumping between consoles and chatting with the people who actually make the things you're playing. If you're in the industry or studying it, there's a clear networking side to the day; if you just like games, it's a chance to see what's being built nearby.

Beyond the social side, the day is about putting Sussex on the map as a games hub. It's a point that often gets overlooked, but several titles developed in the region have become favourites with players: PowerWash Simulator, the Mafia series and LEGO Horizon Adventures are among them. Down 2 Play is a way of reminding people that the local scene is more than just a few hobbyists — it's producing games that reach a global audience.

It's a whole-day affair, so you can drop in for a few hours or stay from start to finish. It runs from 10:30 to 16:30 on Saturday 14 November at Brighthelm Church and Community Centre, 53 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YD.