26 - 27 November 2026
Location: School of Digital Arts
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.
DVRS Education Day
Colleges are also welcome to join us in the for a free education track on Thursday 26th November 10-3pm which includes a series of panel discussions and micro talks in the SODA Cinema and interactive demos around the SODA building.
DVRS x Manchester Games Network social
Join us on Thursday 26th November 7pm until late in The Grosvenor Pub to socialise and network at a free event open to DVRS attendees, developers and friends!
Partners / Sponsors
Contact us for sponsorship opportunities.
“This was one of the best conferences I’ve ever been to. I left feeling inspired and informed.“
“I loved that it approached the topic of diversity in an interesting way, celebrating some great artists and their stories. At times it was genuinely moving”
“With all of it coming from diverse practitioners, it is creating an important space for anyone interested in seeing the wealth of inspiring, innovative work that already exists in these spaces.”
The SODA building is located on the Manchester Metropolitan University campus close to Manchester’s city centre. There are excellent public transport and road links.
Get in touch
If you have any questions related to the conference, please contact the team at
