Game Republic New Horizons reveals Taskmaster star as final headliner

Game Republic New Horizons has confirmed comedian Maisie Adam as the conference’s final headliner.

Adam, who is currently a contestant in the new Taskmaster series on Channel 4, will be interviewed by The Game Business’ editor-in-chief, Christopher Dring, for the conference’s final session. The pair will also play one of Adam’s favourite games: EA Sports FC.

“We are so excited to have Maisie join us,” said Jamie Sefton, managing director of Game Republic. “She comes from the North and is fast becoming a household name.

“This new flagship games industry conference is all about the future of games and beyond, and Maisie is a great example of someone who is working in many spheres and winning awards for her work.”

“Maisie is highly competitive, as we have seen on Taskmaster, so I hope Chris is prepared!,” Sefton continued. “I can’t wait to see her play and hear her thoughts on comedy, games, TV, and more.”

Other speakers confirmed for Game Republic New Horizons include MachineGames’ Axel Torvenius, creative director for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, who will partake in a BAFTA interview session, and Kickstarter head of games, Asher McClennahan, who will share opportunities and “best practice for games companies on the platform, as well as joining a panel on funding and investment.”

The event will also feature guests from BAFTA, BFI, Hat Trick Productions, Rainy Frog, Supercell, and “many more investors, platform-holders, and publishers.”

Game Republic New Horizons, for which GamesIndustry.biz is a media partner, takes place on October 16, 2025, at the Riverside Stadium (Middlesbrough FC’s home stadium) in Middlesbrough, UK.

The conference is being supported by Tees Valley Combined Authority and promises sessions on new opportunities, tech, markets, leadership, skills, and funding. Attendees will also have access to MeetToMatch for meetings all day.