SXSW 2025 was a whirlwind, and honestly, it felt like this year’s event was buzzing with energy like never before. We focused on attending the SXSW Conference, and of course the Game Track, though managed to get to several other segments around the festival.
As we walked through the streets of Austin, trying to dodge various construction projects across the way, it wasn’t just the usual mix of music, film, and digital arts that had me excited for the conference proper—it was the incredible gaming and tech developments that were taking center stage all around the outside of the building and once we stepped within. Austin is an amazing city and perfect for this type of event.
Gaming Innovations Take Over
As someone who’s been covering gaming for a while, I can confidently say this year’s panels and demos were fresh and worth every hour (though I was honestly expecting more panels than were presented). The AI panel on the future of game design blew my mind. The speakers talked about how AI is transforming everything from NPC behavior to storytelling, and we were particularly struck by a demo showing a game where the story dynamically changes based on your choices. It felt like every playthrough could be uniquely your own—something we’ve all been waiting for in gaming.
Web3 and Cloud gaming also had a huge presence, and we got to try some demos that showcased how cloud platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now are bringing AAA titles to all kinds of low-spec devices. The most jaw-dropping moment for me was when we saw a live demo of game developers collaborating in real time, using cloud tools to create and modify games from across the globe. It was clear that this technology is not only making gaming more accessible but also opening doors for indie studios to collaborate in ways that were previously impossible.
Indie Games and the Creative Spirit
Indie games were another big highlight. We got our hands on some truly unique titles, like Death Stranding 2. As a fan of the original, we couldn’t wait to dive into the sequel, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The game builds on the hauntingly beautiful world Hideo Kojima created, but with new characters, environments, and mechanics that pushed the boundaries even further.
We had the chance to get a hands-on demo, and the game’s signature mix of exploration and emotional storytelling was as gripping as ever. The visuals were stunning, with jaw-dropping landscapes and intricate details that made every scene feel immersive. The sense of isolation and connection that made the first Death Stranding so unique is alive and well, but there’s an added depth to the narrative this time around, making it clear this sequel is taking things to the next level. If this demo is any indication, Death Stranding 2 is shaping up to be a game-changing experience.
The Showfloor: A Global Showcase
One of the calmer parts of SXSW 2025 was the showfloor. This sounds counterintuitive, given showfloors at events like CES, E3, etc., are usually the chaotic parts of the event. we appreciated how it was somewhat in reverse at SXSW.
This is NOT to say the showfloor was dull or empty, far from it. It was just organized well in our view. It felt like a global celebration of innovation. The Korean Pavilion was a major highlight, bringing over some of the most exciting games and tech we’ve seen in a while. But it wasn’t just Korea—there were exhibitors from Japan, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. It was so refreshing to see how international this year’s event was, and the diversity of the booths made it clear that SXSW is more than just a local festival. It’s become a global hub for tech and gaming innovation, and it was incredible to walk through the showfloor and see so many ideas from all corners of the world.
Tech Talks and the Bluesky Keynote
Another unforgettable moment was the keynote by Jay Graber, the new CEO of Bluesky. As someone who’s been following the rise of decentralized tech, Graber’s talk on the future of digital interaction was fascinating. She shared her vision for platforms that give users more autonomy and privacy, which I think is a direction we desperately need. Her speech really set the tone for a lot of the conversations throughout the conference about decentralization, digital ownership, and what it means for the future of tech.
The Moonshot Podcast Exclusive Brunch and Panel
A standout moment of the event was the inaugural Moonshot Podcast brunch and panel. Hosted by Nick Thompson, Astro Teller, and Adam Savage, the exclusive gathering brought together press and top executives for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of technology, innovation, and human potential.
The panel was both inspiring and energetic, touching on topics from AI and space exploration to the power of curiosity and experimentation. It was one of those moments that felt like you were witnessing the future unfold in real time in a fun way, and I’m sure the upcoming podcast episodes will capture that energy moving forward.
Thanks Adam for meeting up with us and talking about the podcast!
A Surprising and Encouraging Presence: Nonprofits at SXSW
One thing that really stood out to me this year was the large number of nonprofit organizations attending SXSW 2025. From hosting panels to having booths on the showfloor, there was a real sense of purpose and activism throughout the event. It was refreshing and encouraging to see so many groups focusing on social impact, sustainability, and ethical technology practices. These organizations weren’t just there to showcase their work—they were part of the larger conversation about how tech can serve the greater good. Whether they were discussing digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, or creating more accessible tech, their presence was a reminder that innovation isn’t just about profit—it’s about progress for everyone.
SXSW 2026
As we reflect on SXSW 2025, we can’t help but feel energized by everything seen. This year wasn’t just about the tech we have now—it was a peek into what’s next. From AI-driven narratives to cloud gaming and the global exchange of ideas on the showfloor, it’s clear that the future of gaming and tech is unfolding right before our eyes. We’re already looking forward to next year’s SXSW to see how much further we’ve come. If 2025 is any indication, the next few years are going to be mind-blowing.
Editor: Mathew Anderson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Events for Gamers, Community Manager for the computer game industry (KingsIsle, Portalarium, Petroglyph), and Public Relations Manager and Communication Specialist for various other industries.
