What to Expect in Your First Year of Running a Studio

If you’re feeling ready to take the leap to run your own studio, or perhaps are just curious about what it involves for future consideration, then this is the talk for you. The content will cover a variety of different requirements, help with managing expectations and hopefully provide you with a boost of confidence and encouragement when it comes to running a Games studio for the very first time.

Melissa Phillips brings her 10+ of industry experience in roles such as Head of Studio and Operations Director to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what to expect during your very first year of running a Games studio.

As Director of Games Leadership and the Games Leadership Academy, Melissa Phillips brings her expertise from over a decade of Games Industry experience in senior management positions and coaching over 250 Games Industry Leaders to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what to expect during your very first year of running a Games studio.

Recommended for Early Career to Experienced Developer / Those interested in or looking to found their first Games studio.

Pay What You Can £3 / £5 / £7.50 / £10

The Auditorium, The Forum

Melissa Phillips is an Operations Consultant and Leadership Expert working with Leaders across the Games Industry to help them navigate challenges, grow their confidence, and support their teams. Her flagship Games Leadership® Blueprint course is a 12-week journey designed to equip Leaders with the tools and space to reflect, adapt, and lead with purpose - designed from a place of personal experience and requirement, when such a resource didn’t exist.

Melissa returns as Patron of the Norwich Games Festival for her seventh year in 2025. In addition to her work with current industry Leaders, she is enthusiastic about connecting those curious about making Games to the industry, and deeply values the festival’s role in inspiring future Leaders to take their first steps towards a career in Games.