SODA and POC in Play invite you to the return of the international diverse games, animation and digital media festival in Manchester Metropolitan’s School of Digital Arts.

In SODA’s state of the art building we will host two days of talks and a networking event showcasing diverse speakers and topics across games development, animation and digital media. This builds on POC in Play’s popular series of networking events with a premium roster of global talent to learn and connect with.

Speakers

Isaac Olander

Isaac Olander is a Swedish artist of Gambian heritage with a background in 3D character creation for video games and film. He is the founder of Tallgran, a 3D character and production studio best known for the quality and cultural accuracy of their work. Isaac was a key contributor to Dove’s Code My Crown initiative, the world’s first guide to textured hair in games. He creates technical resources and delivers solutions focused presentations on the topic of authentic representation of black hair in games.

Dr Maisha Wester

Dr Maisha Wester is the creator, designer, curator and lead writer for the walking simulation social justice game Coded Black. She is also an established scholar on racial dynamics in Gothic Literature and Horror Films, as well as on social and political mobilizations of Horror tropes in racial discourses. She has authored numerous articles and essays, and produced two books, including African American Gothic in the Era of Black Lives Matter. Coded Black extends from her research and work during her stint as a British Academy Global Professor (2020-2025). 

Ace Ruele

Ace Ruele is a London-based British actor, stunt performer and performance capture specialist known for his dynamic physical performances across film, television and games. With a background in martial arts, acrobatics and creature work, he has contributed to major productions including Eternals, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and His House, as well as providing motion capture and voice work for games such as Dead Island 2.

Nainita Desai

Nainita Desai is an Emmy-winning composer whose work spans film, television, documentaries and video games. Renowned for blending orchestral, electronic and experimental sound design, her credits include Tales of Kenzera: Zau, Immortality, Telling Lies, The Reason I Jump, For Sama, The Deepest Breath and Nautilus. A recipient of numerous international awards, including an Emmy and ASCAP’s Video Game Score of the Year, Nainita is recognised as one of the leading voices in contemporary screen music, creating emotionally rich and immersive sound worlds across interactive and linear storytelling.

Domareen Fox

Domareen Fox is a British/Iraqi Assyrian Art Director, Production Designer and Visual Development Artist working across animation and games. she most recently served as Art Director on the upcoming BBC animated Christmas special The Baddies. Her multidisciplinary credits also include Art Direction for Netflix’s Dead End: Paranormal Park, Short Film and Development work for Roblox and Concept Art for Toca Boca, bringing her expertise in visual development and world-building across animation and interactive media.

Charu Desodt

Charu Desodt is an award-winning games industry leader and Studio Head at INTERIOR/NIGHT. She began her career as Sony London Studio’s first female engineer, creating the original technology and prototypes behind the hugely successful SingStar franchise, before moving into production and studio leadership. She was Production Director on the BAFTA-winning As Dusk Falls and has worked across console, mobile and independent games. Charu is also a passionate advocate for diversity, innovation and greater representation within the games industry.

Prashant Trivedi

Prashant Trivedi is a Senior Level Designer at Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment, with over a decade of experience creating player-focused experiences across AAA games. His credits include Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Secrets of the Spires, Riders Republic and Steep. A specialist in level and world design, Prashant is passionate about creating engaging gameplay, memorable environments and compelling player experiences.

Xu He

Xu He is a Senior Designer at ustwo games, the independent studio behind the award-winning Monument Valley 3. Her work spans game design, interactive storytelling and player experience. A graduate of the National Film and Television School and BAFTA scholar, Xu brings a multidisciplinary background in biology, psychology and game development. Alongside her studio work, she has explored experimental and socially engaged game design through independent projects, including Disconnected, a narrative game exploring autism.

For any information regarding the conference, please contact s.shewhorak@mmu.ac.uk