The Tech Sessions - Deep Dives: 30 Years of Games and the Rise of Chat

Two talks exploring 30 years of games technology and how AI-powered chat is reshaping the way we design digital products today.

Location

We are, as always, very thankful to the University of Hull for kindly providing the space for the event. We will be in the Brynmor Jones Library - Teaching Room 4. (See Point 27 on the University Campus Map)

Parking

Parking is available in Wilberforce Multi Storey Car Park as there are no enforcements in that area between 17:00 and 08:30.

Our Speakers

We are delighted to have two speakers for this event.

Speaker: Dr Simon Grey

Title: Reflections on 30 Years of Games and Technology

Hull graduates have contributed to over 850 published games, collectively reaching more than a billion players worldwide. This talk reflects on 30 years of change in games and technology, exploring not only the technical advances behind modern games, but also how those advances have reshaped the way games are made, funded, and experienced.

About Simon

Dr Simon Grey is Programme Lead for Computer Science with Games Programming degree programmes at the University of Hull. He teaches programming, graphics, simulation, and artificial intelligence for games. His research interests include game-based learning, gamification, and playful learning. He maintains strong links with the games industry and is committed to building an engaged community among Computer Science students and staff, and supporting student wellbeing.

Speaker: Anthony Main

Title: Chat - the New Product Channel

Apps are everywhere - on phones, watches, TVs, fridges, and even LEGO. But the next shift is already underway. As AI-powered chat becomes the dominant interface, the question is no longer just what your product does, but how it speaks, when it responds, and whether users can trust it.

This talk explores the emergence of UI-less and invisible UI design, where the interface is no longer a screen but a conversation. Anthony will introduce a practical framework built around three pillars - Voice, Rhythm, and Integrity - and show how chat is rapidly becoming a product channel in its own right, from WhatsApp Flows to agent-driven interfaces.

About Anthony

Anthony Main is a true digital thoroughbred, having been obsessed with technology from a very young age. He built (and subsequently blew up) his first computer at the age of 13. His passion is now centred on AI and digital product innovation, and he has created one of the UK's top three app agencies. He is driven by the creative culture he has nurtured in the team around him and relishes the technical challenges that arise from the projects they deliver.