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Video Game PR and Marketing Agency UberStrategist Partners with All-Inclusive PR Software Platform PressEngine and the IGDA to Create their Inaugural Indie Media Exchange During GDC 2025

Paul Philleo
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Video Game PR and Marketing Agency UberStrategist Partners with All-Inclusive PR Software Platform PressEngine and the IGDA to Create their Inaugural Indie Media Exchange During GDC 2025

Cary, North Carolina (February 6, 2025) | UberStrategist, a multi-award-winning public relations and full-service marketing agency serving global video game, entertainment, and technology clients, and PressEngine, the leading self-service platform for connecting developers with gaming press, announced today that they have partnered with the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), the largest nonprofit membership organization serving game developers worldwide, to announce the debut of the Indie Media Connect showcase. Join us on March 18, starting at 7 PM and ending at 11 PM PST at 833 Venue, for an evening of networking with industry leaders and celebrating all things indie gaming.

Located right around the corner from the GDC convention center, Indie Media Connect is a first-of-its-kind showcase designed to facilitate networking opportunities for developers of all sizes without high barriers of entry, such as expensive paywalls or painful curation requirements. Spend an evening connecting with prominent gaming journalists and industry professionals, showcasing your project, and fostering meaningful relationships in a relaxed and engaging environment.

Priced at $750 for IGDA members and $1000 for non-members, the package includes access for two people per studio, a covered table with four chairs, power and Wi-Fi, food and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening, a tabletop monitor for showcasing your game, and a personalized logo sign on your table to make your studio’s presence stand out.

Additionally, as an “early bird special,” the non-member rate includes either a free one-year IGDA membership for individuals or a discounted rate for studios if purchased before February 14, 2025. UberStrategist’s on-site staff will assist with the setup and breakdown of your area, ensuring the evening goes smoothly.

UberStrategist aims to give exhibiting studios a cost-effective and hassle-free way to showcase their games, meet with publishers, and conduct business during North America’s largest video game tradeshow.

“The IGDA is thrilled to be partnering with UberStrategist for the debut of the Indie Media Connect event,” said Dr. Jakin Vela, Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association. “We are committed to lowering the barriers to entry that exist in the gaming industry, giving everyone a chance for a seat at the table. Thanks to the collaboration with UberStrategist and PressEngine, we feel confident and comfortable knowing that all the hard work will be taken care of so exhibitors can turn up and have a productive and successful event.”

“Finding ways for independent developers to be seen is vitally important to PressEngine,” said Gareth Williams, Chief Operating Officer of PressEngine. “We’re driven to always do more for media, content creators, and indie developers, and Indie Media Connect has the vision to amplify the creativity of our industry to tastemakers that can have a huge impact on the success of these games.”

“Part of our mission is to help uplift and support our industry peers—showcased through our offerings of indie-friendly services and our frequent work with non-profits that enhance our rich and diverse industry,” said UberStrategist CEO Mario R. Kroll. “The IGDA has been a leading advocate for creators of games and the gaming community at large, and it is our honor to support the association and its members by creating an affordable event that helps facilitate networking opportunities for studios of all sizes.”

To keep up to date on the latest news from UberStrategist, follow on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram, like on Facebook, or visit the official website.

Indie Media Connect packages for GDC 2025 packages can be found at http://indiemediaconnect.com/.

Gaming publishers, scouts, and investors can RSVP for the event here: https://uberstrategist.link/indiemediaconnect-vip.

Press can RSVP for the event here: https://pressengine.events/indie-media-connect-gdc-2025.

Event of the Month: D.I.C.E. Summit 2025

Mathew Anderson
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Event of the Month: D.I.C.E. Summit 2025

We are excited to bring you a new “of the Month” blog series with this month kicking off the very first featured Event of the Month article. Our other segment, Video of the Month, features a video (sometimes a livestream or webinar) showcasing a major game industry event. If you are interested in learning more about events in this other format, definitely keep watch for future video spotlights.

For this month’s inaugural featured event, we are zooming in on the yearly onsite conference, D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit in Las Vegas. D.I.C.E. Summit runs from February 11-13. If you’re a game industry professional, the summit is a top B2B event of the year don’t want to miss. It’s our second choice for networking right behind GDC (Game Developer Conference in San Francisco).

The Venue

The D.I.C.E. Summit takes place at the luxurious Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV (United States), a venue well-suited to host such a high-profile event. With its sleek, modern design and expansive meeting spaces, the Aria provides a comfortable environment for industry professionals to connect and collaborate. The hotel’s state-of-the-art amenities, including countless (we’ve counted them…) large conference rooms, top-tier technology, and upscale accommodations, ensure that attendees can focus on the exciting content of the summit while enjoying a premium experience… but be warned, those slot machines are alluring.

The Aria is also just about smack dab in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, making it convenient for those looking to explore the rest of the city during their downtime. You certainly won’t need to think about transportation if you are sticking around The Strip (or even extending into the older downtown area just north of The Strip (aka The Fremont Street Experience, which we highly recommend you visit at least once).

B2B Networking Opportunities

What sets D.I.C.E. apart from other gaming conferences is its emphasis on broad collaboration and innovation. Rather than being just another showcase of games, D.I.C.E. invites top-tier professionals to explore the future of gaming through thought-provoking discussions, heavy-hitter keynotes, and a pretty decent array of panels (no, not solar panels) that cover everything from game design to the evolving role of AI in the industry.

We love networking at events and D.I.C.E. absolutely excels here (which is impressive considering it wasn’t nearly as popular just a few years ago). It’s not just about meeting people; it’s about forging partnerships, sharing your vision, and walking away with insights that you can immediately apply to your projects. Whether you’re an indie developer looking to make connections or an executive scouting for the next big thing, D.I.C.E. provides a great setting (Las Vegas) with a cozy atmosphere (Aria hotel).

What’s New and Exciting This Year

This year’s D.I.C.E. Summit promises even more exciting developments from 2024. From exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming game tech to deep dives into trends like virtual reality, metaverse experiences, and next-gen gaming consoles, there’s a lot to look forward to. A major highlight is the stellar roster of keynote speakers, who are poised to deliver talks that will inspire, challenge, and spark conversation.

To warm you up to the keynotes, Laura Miele from Electronic Arts is responsible for managing company-wide operations, including leadership of EA’s strategic planning framework. Laura has reflected in the past on disruption and convergence in the broader tech and entertainment industries, our role at the center of that opportunity, and why our industry is positioned to have an incredibly powerful influence on society. She also explores the human dimension of game development and why we must come together to build the industry we want for the future.

Another notable speaker is Kim Swift, the former Portal developer and now Head of Design at Valve, who will explore the future of game mechanics and player agency. For those passionate about game design innovation, Swift’s thoughts on the intersection of player creativity and developer intent are sure to be fascinating.

Check out the complete D.I.C.E. Summit Speaker List and Conference Schedule.

The D.I.C.E. Awards: Celebrating Excellence

No D.I.C.E. Summit would be complete without the D.I.C.E. Awards, which celebrate the best of the best in the gaming world. This year’s awards ceremony will feature even more categories than before, honoring groundbreaking achievements across various game genres, sound design, and innovation. Given the state of the industry, we need to come together and support each other wherever possible. It’s a time to applaud those who’ve taken risks, pushed boundaries, and redefined what games can do.

What the Industry Is Saying About This Year’s D.I.C.E.

Press coverage of this year’s D.I.C.E. Summit has been abuzz with excitement. VG247 notes that “Last year’s Game Awards boasted millions of viewers and is frequently one of the most-watched gaming shows of the year.” The Verge also mentions the D.I.C.E. Awards, “The DICE Awards (short for Design Innovate Communicate Entertain) are put on by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences — basically the video game industry’s equivalent to the motion picture, television, and recording industry academies — making the event the video game version of the Oscars.”

And Meggan Scavio, President and CEO of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS, which runs D.I.C.E. Summit), commented: “There’s nothing that can replace gathering in person to show that we are better together as we connect and celebrate the art and craft of video games at DICE in February.”

Gold Star Deserved? Our Rating for D.I.C.E. Summit

We wanted to make it extra special (and relevant to your reading it) to include a quick breakdown of D.I.C.E’s attendance strengths compared to other conferences and events throughout the industry. This isn’t exactly a “good vs bad” type of list, but more of a highlight of the event’s many strengths. Let us know what you think of this overview so we can keep it relevant to your interests!

  • Informative Keynote Speakers – Laura Miele from Electronic Arts
  • Networking Opportunities – The Aria Hotel and conference program spreads out important sessions and provides a good deal of break time in our opinion
  • Awards Ceremony – In our opinion, D.I.C.E. Awards is one of the top award ceremonies of the entire industry and doesn’t get the attention it deserves
  • Venue Conveniences – A great city with many conveniences and distractions… just don’t get distracted by them!
  • Online Resources – The D.I.C.E Summit website has an excellent archive of past year’s coverage, including recorded talks and panels
  • Global Reach – Can’t make it to Las Vegas? Check out D.I.C.E. Europe

Since we’re talking about a conference, passes do not come cheap and start in the hundreds of dollars. There are some conferences we would balk at paying a high ticket price for at first glance, but D.I.C.E. Summit is not one of them. The cost of registration is well worth it in our opinion.

The D.I.C.E. Summit is a special event series we never miss attending and you shouldn’t either. If you can only attend two or three events of the year and you want to focus on B2B activities, D.I.C.E. Summit is firmly on our short list to recommend.

Author: 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.

ex-KingsIsle Entertainment Community Manager

GDC 2025 to Host Reveal of New ESA Accessibility Initiative in March with EA, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo and Ubisoft

Mathew Anderson
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GDC 2025 to Host Reveal of New ESA Accessibility Initiative in March with EA, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo and Ubisoft

Improving accessibility is a crucial topic in game development, and some of the industry’s top minds are coming together exclusively at GDC 2025 to share how developers can collaborate toward its advancement.

Game Developers Conference organizers are thrilled to announce that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) will take the Main Stage at GDC 2025—side by side with Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, and Ubisoft— to unveil a new accessibility initiative to improve the player experience.

Available for all GDC participants, so make sure you’re registered to take part in this groundbreaking experience!

Register Today!

On Thursday, March 20th at 12:15-1:15pm, From Idea to Action: Lessons from a New Accessibility Initiative (Presented by the Entertainment Software Association), join Accessibility Consultant Paul Amadeus Lane as he leads a panel discussion with five tech and video game companies to debut an accessibility initiative:

  • Amy Lazarus, Director, Player Inclusion, Electronic Arts
  • Dara Monasch, Product Manager, Play Games, Google
  • Anna Waismeyer, Senior Accessibility Research Lead, Microsoft
  • Steven Evans, Senior Technical Program Manager, Nintendo of America
  • David Tisserand, Director, Accessibility, Ubisoft

Tens of millions of Americans live with some form of disability, and the video game industry is continuing to work to ensure that more people can experience the power of play. Learn more about this new initiative and hear from panel participants about the importance of coming together as a coalition for the benefit of the greater player community.

This session is for everyone, especially developers, corporate professionals, and those involved in accessibility in games.

Don’t miss the chance to be on the ground floor for this industry-defining collaboration, dedicated to making the games we love accessible for all. Join us at GDC 2025!

Register for GDC 2025!

GDC returns this March 17-21, 2025, and registration is open! For more information, be sure to visit our website and follow the #GDC2025 hashtag on social media. 

Subscribe to the GDC newsletter and RSS feed.

Get regular updates on GDC social media—including Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Source: GDConf.com

TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT’s Itinerary and Special Events Revealed for March 8th Kichijoji Event

Paul Philleo
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TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT’s Itinerary and Special Events Revealed for March 8th Kichijoji Event

TOKYO – Thurs, Jan. 30, 2025 – TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT organizers Phoenixx Inc. today announce the special stage events lineup for the annual digital and in-person Japanese event showcasing indie games from local and global developers, taking place Saturday, March 8th, and Sunday, March 9th, 2025.

This year’s on-site events offer entertainment, education, and excitement to indie creators, industry members, and consumers alike. Check out this year’s exhibitors here, and tune in to the TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT YouTube Livestream for a virtual visit to Kichijoji filled with the latest indie updates from Japan. Tickets are now on sale for Business Day (March 8th) and General Admission Day (March 9th).

On Saturday, March 8th, catch the “Indie Game Journal” —  live gameplay sessions of must-see indie titles and hidden gems straight from the showfloor. Listen in as game publishers like Cygames and Bandai Namco share the inner workings of publishing studios.

On Sunday, March 9th, select members from VTUBER group NIJISANJI will battle it out alongside attendees in a special Blazing Sails “Kisshouji Pirate King Playoff”. Afterward, behold attendees duking it out in a “Strongest King Match” in the fast-paced RTS Jelly Troops, presented by Bandai Namco’s GYAAR Studio.

“Indie Game Journal Part 2” will continue to showcase the impressive games wowing the crowds for viewers back home. The TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT AWARD will be held on the public day, March 9 (Sun), celebrating the unique and innovative indie games crafted by creators from around the world. Further details will be announced at a later date.

“TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT began with the aim of providing a place for indie game creators to gather, be inspired, and foster a sense of community,” said Kazunori Sakamoto, CEO of Phoenixx and founder of Tokyo Indie Games Summit.. “To celebrate our third year, we are announcing the TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT AWARD.”

For more information, please visit the TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT official website, follow @TOKYO_IGS on X (formerly Twitter), and search for #TIGS2023, #TIGS2024, #TIGS2025 on social media.

SUGOI Showcase for Indie Games that Defy Expectations to Debut March 27

Paul Philleo
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SUGOI Showcase for Indie Games that Defy Expectations to Debut March 27

SHERMAN OAKS, California – Jan. 31, 2025 – After the success of The Game Awards for Games Who Can’t Afford the Game Awards (TGAGWCAGA), organizer Joystick Ventures to provide indie games a new space to spotlight talented teams in the gaming industry this Spring with the SUGOI Showcase, taking place Thursday, March 27.

[Developers, submit your games here]

The first S-video Ultra-64 Gameboy Object Icon (SUGOI) Showcase is here to prove that yes, you can create something amazing with a name like that. The showcase is spotlighting games that live up to their name – ridiculously awesome. Games that show new angles on beloved genres, go off the rails and break the rules a bit, or are just so odd that they leave a mark. SUGOI wants to showcase developers whose heart exceeds their marketing budget.

Developers with titles that fit the bill can submit here through Thursday, Feb. 20. Submission and participation are free, with a showcase to premiere on YouTube and a Steam page highlighting the 35 indie games selected.

SUGOI Showcase follows the successful last-minute awards show idea last December by Joystick Ventures and Pengonauts Studio to help promote their own game StarVaders while side-stepping the gaming industry’s typically steep costs of showcase participation. The showcase strives to carry the warmth and positivity generated by the gaming community in response to TGAGWCAGAs into the new year.

“Our game awards idea became bigger than we ever dreamed. We thought we’d only get responses from maybe 15 or so other games,” said Andrea Alvarez, Marketing Manager at Joystick Ventures. “We received more than 600 responses. We’re glad the success of TGAGWCAGA served as a springboard for our next opportunity to show you some truly cool games you may not have seen otherwise.”

SUGOI Showcase 2025 airs as a digital event on the official SUGOI Media YouTube channel on Thursday, March 27. Developers can submit their titles now through Thursday, Feb. 20 at this form, For more information, check out TGAGWCAGA 2024’s livestream from last December, and be sure to follow SUGOI on Bluesky and Twitter/X, visit Joystick Ventures’ official website, and follow them on Bluesky and Twitter/X.

AWE and Stereopsia Join Forces to Co-Produce Europe’s Ultimate XR Event: United XR Europe

Paul Philleo
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AWE and Stereopsia Join Forces to Co-Produce Europe’s Ultimate XR Event: United XR Europe

BRUSSELS, Jan. 30, 2025 — Augmented World Expo (AWE) and Stereopsia unite to launch the most powerful XR event in Europe: United XR Europe. From 8 to 10 December 2025, Brussels will host the #1 hub for XR innovation, industry leadership, and next-gen immersive experiences, to accelerate the European immersive ecosystem towards mainstream adoption.

This new event replaces AWE EU and Stereopsia Europe, building on the combined 32 years of success and leadership of the co-producers in the XR industry. United XR Europe merges the best of AWE’s world-renowned exhibition, from XR giants to promising startups, and influential tech leaders with Stereopsia’s prestigious conference programming, deep industry insights, visionary workshops, and long-standing connection with European institutions and initiatives (XR4Europe, XR Valley, Women In Immersive Tech Europe). Together, they are creating a mega event at the heart of Europe redefining XR industry standards while highlighting the strategic importance of public-private partnerships and ethics in advancing Europe’s XR leadership.

Expect the Best of AWE Plus the Best of Stereopsia

  • AWE’s Cutting-Edge Exhibition – An exciting tradeshow bringing together over 125 exhibitors from XR world leaders to the most innovative companies, showcasing technologies and solutions that are impacting the present and shaping the future of the industry.

  • Elite Speakers & Thought Leaders – A meticulously curated lineup of international experts delivering high-level discussions on industry trends, challenges, and breakthroughs including a strong focus on the merging of AI and XR.

  • Enterprise VIP Program – A program for enterprises looking to enhance their business through XR adoption, featuring early-access expo tours with tailored matchmaking, expert-led roundtables, and a sales-free lounge for peer-to-peer networking.

  • Scientific Conference – A leading academic track showcasing the latest research and scientific advancements in XR, led by Europe’s leading scholars and researchers.

  • Startup competition – 8 XR start-ups selected by top investors to pitch in front of a judging panel with the winner honored on the main stage with the “Start-up to Watch” Award.

  • The Market for XR Business – The European Market for Immersive Creativity (EMIC), driving impactful B2B connections, fostering collaborations, and enabling deals between content creators, investors, and distributors.

  • European XR Awards® – A prestigious celebration of Europe’s most innovative XR creators, experiences, and VR games, setting the benchmark for immersive excellence.

  • Workshops & Deep-Dive Sessions – Exclusive masterclasses and hands-on sessions designed to equip attendees with the skills and insights to thrive in the immersive revolution.

  • And the crown jewel: the community itself! Over 2000 XR professionals will gather to network, make deals, hire talent, and find opportunities at Europe’s most valuable XR gathering to date.

A Unified Vision for the XR Future

This convergence of AWE’s influential global presence and Stereopsia’s deep-rooted European connections makes a statement to the XR industry in Europe.

“This is the moment Europe has been waiting for”, said Alexandra Gérard, Executive Producer and General Manager of United XR Europe. “By bringing together AWE’s exceptional exhibition and extensive network of key players with Stereopsia’s world-class conferences and powerful European connections, we are building an event that will not only serve as a catalyst for XR growth in Europe but will reshape the global immersive landscape with bold innovation and transformative impact.”

“We have long envisioned uniting the fragmented XR communities across Europe, and this partnership with Stereopsia marks a significant step toward that goal,” said Executive Producer Ori Inbar. “Together, we are creating an epicenter for XR in Europe, sending a clear and powerful message: XR is going mainstream and to achieve this goal we must unite to position Europe as the world’s leading XR market.”

Join Us in Brussels – 8-10 December 2025

XR professionals, entrepreneurs, builders, creators, investors, policymakers, and enthusiasts from around the world are invited to be part of this historic event.

European Enterprises exploring XR adoption are invited to join the list of Enterprises who participated in AWE and Stereopsia events such as: Siemens, Alstom, Audi, LVMH, World Economic Forum, Red Bull, ESA, Bayer, Deutsche Telecom, Nestle, Shell, and hundreds more.

Event and community organizers from across Europe are encouraged to join the United XR Europe – everyone is welcome!

Join us at Maison de la Poste, Rue Picard 5-7, 1000 Brussels.

For updates, to get involved and to register, please visit www.unitedxr.eu.

9th Annual USC Games Expo Returns Live on May 13 With Over 60 Playable Interactive Games

Paul Philleo
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9th Annual USC Games Expo Returns Live on May 13 With Over 60 Playable Interactive Games

LOS ANGELES (JAN 30, 2025) – Game on! Today, North America’s No. 1 collegiate game design program, USC Games, announced its 9th annual USC Games Expo will return to USC’s campus on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. USC Trojan students, staff, and games fans are invited to get hands-on with over 60 digital and tabletop games at the Expo following the USC Games Advanced Games Projects (AGP) Spotlight Show, streaming live at 4:00pm PST.

Along with an evening of gameplay, onsite attendees can dive into interactive experiences from the Themed Entertainment program and get an exclusive preview of the second season of games developed in the all-new Games as a Service and Live Operations (GLO) course.

“The USC Games Expo is an annual celebration of creativity and innovation, showcasing a wide array of games from our number-one ranked game design program,” says Danny Bilson, chair of the USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) Interactive Media & Games Division (IMGD), and director of USC Games. “We’re looking forward to once again opening the USC campus for everyone to meet the next generation of game developers who, over the course of their careers, will shape the future of this industry we all hold dear.”

Expo attendees can play over 60 original games from teams and individuals from the USC Games program, including 8 games developed in the AGP capstone course. This year’s featured titles include:

Art House (PC)
In Art House, step into the life of Lisa, a single mother to Ollie and Zoe who’s struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after the passing of her mother, Betty, a painter whose fading memories come to life on a magical canvas. Guide Lisa through hauntingly beautiful paintings while solving puzzles and confronting the shadows of the family’s past. Navigate a journey through grief and towards healing that lingers after the final brushstroke.

Donuts! (PC)
Donuts! is a fast-paced arcade experience that mixes whimsical driving/skateboarding gameplay with heartfelt cultural storytelling. As Mony, a young Cambodian-American, you’ll race through vibrant LA streets to deliver donuts while learning more about herself, her community, and her family. With a retro-futuristic art style and 90s SoCal vibes, deliver donuts, dreams, and downright radical tricks in this action-packed ride.

DuoQ (PC)
DuoQ is an e-dating sim about romancing another person through an online game. Play alongside Starlight, a mysterious stranger met in the fictional FPS game “To the Heart.” Work – and flirt – together, over real-time voice comms, solving in-game puzzles and trying desperately to win Starlight’s love.

Myth of Lumi (PC)
Myth of Lumi is a physics-driven, lightweight strategy card game where the players enlist the help of 2D magical creatures, Lumi, who lives inside the cards. Players will use their mastery of magic and ability to work with Lumi to compete in stylish Magic Duels against rival magicians.

Potion Problems (PC)
Potion Problems is a chaotic multiplayer party game that combines social deduction with magic. Navigate through Pigeonpoint’s College for Potion Making as a troublemaker or diligent apprentice. Collect ingredients to make unique potions, avoid being turned into a frog, and vote out troublemakers as you try to complete your degree!

Scare Crow (PC)
Scare Crow is a wacky, tower-defense stealth game where players must fend off an army of hungry squirrels from invading a backyard rich with birdfeeders. Play as Casey, a laid-back, nonchalant crow whose lifestyle is rudely interrupted by Sergeant Squeak and his troop of squirrels who are determined to steal every last bit of Casey’s birdseed. Set traps, scare squirrels, and defeat Sergeant Squeak to ensure that your yard remains squeak-free!

Smoke Break! (PC)
Smoke Break! is a lighthearted 3D stealth and puzzle game. Play as Applewood, a living cloud of smoke, who uses stealth to outwit bakers, avoid the janitor, and cause trouble as he searches a dessert factory for a delicious–and elusive–burnt pie!

Unchained (PC)
Unchained is a turn-based tactical RPG in which the player can achieve victory without resorting to violence. Maintaining positive relationships with party members is as important as combat tactics as you contend with rival Chain Hunters and the enigmatic Spirit of The Chain. Fight, negotiate with, or even recruit these foes to join you on your epic quest.

Unlock the Future of Live Service Gaming at the LSG North America Summit

Mathew Anderson
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Unlock the Future of Live Service Gaming at the LSG North America Summit

The Live Service Gaming North America Summit is coming up in April! If you’re in the gaming industry, this is the event you don’t want to miss.

Join Riot Games, 2K, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and many more as they dive deep into strategies, share insights, and explore how to maximize the potential of live service gaming across all platforms. Featuring expert-led sessions and exceptional networking opportunities, the event is designed to equip participants with actionable strategies to thrive in the competitive live service gaming space.

The event is held at the Austin Marriott South hotel this coming April 29-30th, 2025. Get your official agenda.

P.S. – The SUPER early bird discount is expiring this Friday – Save a whopping $900 off your Live Service Gaming pass.

Visit our Live Service Gaming North America Summit event page to learn more.

Author: 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.

ex-KingsIsle Entertainment Community Manager

Astro Bot, Black Myth: Wukong and Animal Well Lead Finalists for the 25th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards

Mathew Anderson
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Astro Bot, Black Myth: Wukong and Animal Well Lead Finalists for the 25th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards

SAN FRANCISCO — The 25th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA), the leading peer-based video game event celebrating the industry’s top games and developers, has announced the list of finalists for each of the ceremony’s prestigious categories. The winners in each category will be honored at this year’s Game Developers Choice Awards ceremony, which will be taking place on Wednesday, March 19. This celebration of the top games from the past year, as well as the developers who created them, takes place each year at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). The GDC, now in its 39th edition, will be held at San Francisco’s Moscone Convention Center from March 17 – 21. The GDCA is held in conjunction with the Independent Games Festival Awards (IGF Awards). All GDC 2025 pass holders will be available to attend these award shows. Those at home can also tune in via the official GDC Twitch channel.

The Game Developers Choice Awards is the leading video game awards that are nominated by, voted on, and decided by video game developers within the industry. This year, the GDCA nominations are led by Astro Bot (Team ASOBI / Sony Interactive Entertainment) and Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science), each of which received seven nominations total. Both are nominated for the highly coveted Game of the Year Award alongside Balatro (LocalThunk / Playstack), Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead Game Studios / PlayStation Publishing LLC), Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix) and Metaphor: ReFantazio (ATLUS / SEGA / Studio Zero). Indie hit Animal Well (Billy Basso / Bigmode) also received a high degree of praise, earning nominations in five categories.

Astro Bot, developed by Team ASOBI and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a 3D platforming title that was released alongside PlayStation’s 30th anniversary and is a love letter to the many iconic characters and worlds from PlayStation’s wide roster of franchises. It has been praised by fans and critics alike for its unique and energetic level design, incredible soundtrack, smart integration with the PlayStation 5’s hardware and charming aesthetics.

Black Myth Wukong logo with art from the game adjacent to the text copy.
Black Myth Wukong is one of the surprise (but popular) entries into many game of the year awards competitions, and it will be featured at the GDCA too (image: Game Science)

Black Myth: Wukong, developed and published by Game Science, is an action role-playing game rooted in Chinese mythology and inspired by the literary classic ‘Journey to the West.’ The game features skill-based combat and challenging gameplay that fans of the “soulslike” subgenre have come to appreciate.

Also leading the pack for category nominations is Animal Well, developed by Billy Basso and published by Bigmode. The Metroidvania title involves puzzle-solving and exploration, encouraging the player to think outside of the box to find solutions forward.

Any video game that was released and made publicly available during the 2024 calendar year is eligible for free nomination for the 2025 Game Developers Choice Awards. All nominees and winners are selected by the Game Developers Choice Awards-specific International Choice Awards Network (ICAN), which is an invitation-only organization, composed of leading game creators from all parts of the industry.

In addition to the categories listed below, the Audience Award welcomes the GDC audience to cast their vote for their favorite game of the year from all 18 of this year’s GDCA finalists. The public can cast their vote from the Audience Award ballot here.

The complete list of nominees for each category of the 25th annual Game Developers Choice Awards, including honorable mentions, are as follows:

Best Audio
Animal Well (Billy Basso / Bigmode)
Astro Bot (Team ASOBI / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix)
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (Ninja Theory / Xbox Game Studios)

Honorable Mentions: Balatro (LocalThunk / Playstack), Lorelei and the Laser Eyes (Simogo / Annapurna Interactive), Metaphor: ReFantazio (ATLUS / SEGA / Studio Zero), Neva (Nomada Studio / Devolver Digital), Silent Hill 2 (Bloober Teams SA / KONAMI)

Balatro logo
LocalThunk’s Belatro has won several awards already and is one of the contenders in 2025 (image: Balatro)

Best Debut
1000xRESIST (Sunset Visitor / Fellow Traveller)
Animal Well (Billy Basso / Bigmode)
Balatro (LocalThunk / Playstack)
Pacific Drive (Ironwood Studios / Kepler Interactive)
Tiny Glade (Pounce Light)

Honorable Mentions: Manor Lords (Slavic Magic / Hooded Horse), Mullet Madjack (HAMMER95 / Epopeia Games), The Plucky Squire (All Possible Futures / Devolver Digital), Tiny Glade (Pounce Light)

Best Design
Animal Well (Billy Basso / Bigmode)
Astro Bot (Team ASOBI / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Balatro (LocalThunk / Playstack)
Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
Lorelai and the Laser Eyes (Simogo / Annapurna Interactive)

Honorable Mentions: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix), Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead Game Studios / PlayStation Publishing LLC), Satisfactory (Coffee Stain Studios / Coffee Stain Publishing), The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Grezzo, Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development / Nintendo), UFO 50 (Mossmouth)

Innovation Award
Animal Well (Billy Basso / Bigmode)
Astro Bot (Team ASOBI / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Balatro (LocalThunk / Playstack)
Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
UFO 50 (Mossmouth)

Honorable Mentions: Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead Game Studios / PlayStation Publishing LLC), Lorelei and the Laser Eyes (Simogo / Annapurna Interactive), Thank Goodness You’re Here! (Coal Supper /Panic), The Plucky Squire (All Possible Futures / Devolver Digital), Tiny Glade (Pounce Light)

Best Narrative
1000xRESIST (Sunset Visitor / Fellow Traveller)
Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio / SEGA)
Metaphor: ReFantazio (ATLUS / SEGA / Studio Zero)
Mouthwashing (Wrong Organ / Critical Reflex)

Honorable Mentions: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix), Frostpunk 2 (11 bit studios), Life is Strange: Double Exposure (Deck Nine Games / Square Enix), Neva (Nomada Studio / Devolver Digital), Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (Ninja Theory / Xbox Game Studios)

Best Technology
Astro Bot (Team ASOBI / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead Game Studios / PlayStation Publishing LLC)
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (Ninja Theory / Xbox Game Studios)
Tiny Glade (Pounce Light)

Honorable Mentions: Animal Well (Billy Basso/ Bigmode), Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Threyarch, Raven Software, Beenox, High Moon Studios, Activision Shanghai, Sledgehammer Games, Infinity Ward, Demonware /Activision), Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare / Electronic Arts), Satisfactory (Coffee Stain Studios / Coffee Stain Publishing), Tekken 8 (Bandai Namco Studios Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment)

Best Visual Art
Animal Well (Billy Basso / Bigmode)
Astro Bot (Team ASOBI / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
Metaphor: ReFantazio (ATLUS / SEGA / Studio Zero)
Neva (Nomada Studio / Devolver Digital)

Honorable Mentions: Balatro (LocalThunk / Playstack), Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (FromSoftware Inc. / Bandai Namco Entertainment), Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (Ninja Theory / Xbox Game Studios), Tiny Glade (Pounce Light), Ultros (Hadoque / Kepler Interactive)

Social Impact
1000xRESIST (Sunset Visitor / Fellow Traveller)
Astro Bot (Team ASOBI / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Frostpunk 2 (11 bit studios)
Life is Strange: Double Exposure (Deck Nine Games / Square Enix)
Neva (Nomada Studio / Devolver Digital)

Honorable Mentions: Closer the Distance (Osmotic Studios / Skybound Games), Distant Bloom (Ember Trail / Kina Brave), Dragon Age: The Veilguard (BioWare / Electronic Arts), Tales of Kenzera: Zau (Surgent Studios / Electronic Arts)

Game of the Year
Astro Bot (Team ASOBI / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Balatro (LocalThunk / Playstack)
Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)
Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead Game Studios / PlayStation Publishing LLC)
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix)
Metaphor: ReFantazio (ATLUS / SEGA / Studio Zero)

Honorable Mentions: Animal Well (Billy Basso / Bigmode), Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead Game Studios / PlayStation Publishing LLC), Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio / SEGA), Satisfactory (Coffee Stain Studios / Coffee Stain Publishing), UFO 50 (Mossmouth)

Taipei Game Show 2025 Concludes with Nearly 370,000 Visitors – Next Edition Scheduled for January 29, 2026

Mathew Anderson
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Taipei Game Show 2025 Concludes with Nearly 370,000 Visitors – Next Edition Scheduled for January 29, 2026

Taipei Game Show 2025 Concludes with Nearly 370,000 Visitors Over Four Days –Next Edition Scheduled for January 29, 2026

Taipei Game Show 2025 officially came to a close today, welcoming nearly 370,000 visitors over its four-day run—a new milestone in its steady annual growth. The B2C Zone was bustling with enthusiastic crowds, while the B2B Zone attracted over 1,800 business visitors from 43 countries. Meeting rooms were nearly fully booked, marking a strong start for global gaming industry exchanges this year. Asia Pacific Game Summit also saw packed audiences across its 19 sessions of talks and panel discussions, providing industry professionals with insights into the latest trends and technologies. The organizer shared that over 350 games were showcased ahead of the Lunar New Year and thanked everyone for their support. Taipei Game Show 2026 is set for January 29 to February 1, 2026. The organizer is looking forward to hosting another successful event.

Asia Pacific Game Summit Draws Full Houses – B2B Zone Facilitates Active Networking Across 43 Countries

The first two days of the TGS featured Asia Pacific Game Summit, which offered 19 sessions of talks and panels. Renowned speakers from Taiwan, the Czech Republic, the United States, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Japan shared insights on six key themes: Game Development, Game Operations and Marketing, Generative AI, Indie Game, eSports, and Monetization. In addition, Asia Pacific Game Summit collaborated with the National Development Council Asia Silicon Valley Development Agency to present the highly anticipated “AI Forum.” The forum offered in-depth insights into the latest AI applications and trends, covering topics such as generative AI, 5G, AIoT, edge computing, and edge AI. It not only provided a detailed analysis of each subject but also directly addressed potential challenges that may arise with technological advancements. With high-profile speakers on stage, the event drew great attention from the attendees, filling every session to capacity.

Meanwhile, the B2B Zone buzzed with activity, welcoming over 1,800 business visitors from 43 countries. Across nearly 2,000 meeting sessions, participants from all corners of the industry networked and exchanged ideas. The vibrant atmosphere led to numerous international collaboration proposals and discussions. Indie game developers especially benefited from connecting with international publishers, creating new opportunities to bring their work to global markets.

Over 350 Games Thrill the Visitors – Exciting Stage Performances Close Out the Event

On the final day of the event, not only were there large numbers of visitor, but families were also out in full force, enjoying games together with smiles all around. The afternoon’s star-pass session saw an overwhelming surge of attendees. Across the four days, booths featured an incredible lineup of games, including RATATAN and BrownDust2, which hosted a series of special activities. KOEI TECMO wowed the crowd with Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land and Venus Vacation PRISM – DEAD OR ALIVE Xtreme, two of the show’s standout highlights. In addition, the exclusive collector’s edition of Dynasty Warriors: Origins created a buying frenzy. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Gemdrops captivated attendees with the charming PICO PARK 2, while Sofia in Exchange for Lies, a collaborative effort between MUTAN and storynote, garnered praise for its unique aesthetic.

The excitement didn’t stop there. Clouded Leopard Entertainment brought the Falcom jdk BAND from Japan’s Falcom to the stage, electrifying the crowd with live performances of iconic tracks. Fans went wild, cheering and waving props in sync with the music. Cygames hosted an intense tournament for Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, where dazzling moves and incredible strategies left spectators in awe. At the Street Fighter 6 booth, a special stage event unveiled the popular new character Mai Shiranui, available for the first time at TGS. Producer Shuhei Matsumoto and Director Takayuki Nakayama also made an appearance to share the latest updates. Meanwhile, RO: Ragnarok Online, a popular game, unveiled its 2025 plans and the game’s future roadmap. On the stage for Wuthering Waves, several popular Taiwanese streamers delivered a fun and interactive experience, further heightening the festive atmosphere.

The TGS STAGE was filled with non-stop excitement, featuring friendship matches for Nintendo Switch games including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon in a thrilling showdown among players from Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Competitors showcased their exceptional skills and put on an impressive display of gameplay. Additionally, the producer of GUILTY GEAR Xrd -SIGN- Nintendo Switch Edition, Ken Miyauchi, took the special stage to highlight the game’s unique features and attract the audience with an exhibition match demonstrating its appeal. Lastly, the six-year anniversary Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six community appreciation event brought the house down, with a popular streamer kicking off the show with an electrifying performance.

TGS also featured national pavilions, with the “Czech Centre Taipei” and “Korea Creative Content Agency” presenting a variety of Czech and Korean games, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in international gaming while exploring rich cultural elements. Last but not least, the Tokyo Game Show booth made its debut, drawing eager players into a frenzy with its limited-edition merchandise.

Indie Game Fans Break Language Barriers at Indie House – Laughter Fills the Final Day at the Board Game Wonderland

Riding the wave of the STEAM sale, the Indie House attracted massive crowds eager to try out new games. By the final day, many developers were losing their voices from engaging with so many visitors. While some international studios had to rely on gestures to communicate with players, their shared passion for games transcended language barriers. Many visitors, after trying out the demos, immediately added the games to their wishlists, excited to purchase and play them in the future.

At the Board Game Wonderland, excitement reached new heights with the return of the adorable Ultraman Arc and life-sized characters from Cookierun Braverse: Trading Card Game, drawing children to stop for photos. The game tables were filled with laughter, as many parents took the chance to buy new board games, saying, “This Lunar New Year, we’ll play together.” Meanwhile, board game companies and studios made the most of the final day by offering exclusive discounts, with sales and enthusiasm running high until the very end.

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.

ex-KingsIsle Entertainment Community Manager

[Podcast] Lou Adducci: Community and Game Industry Nonprofits

Mathew Anderson
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[Podcast] Lou Adducci: Community and Game Industry Nonprofits

Lou Adducci, Nonprofit Fundraising Consultant and Community Builder, chats with us about building online communities, nonprofits in the game industry, events, and more! If you want to take your career in a unique direction you may not have considered before, be sure to watch this podcast!

“If you are part of a team that is trying to support or grow a community or if you are a company that comes and says, ‘we’ve heard of community, it’s this amazing thing. Can we do a community?… and people like me [say] YES!” – Lou Adducci

Author: 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.

ex-KingsIsle Entertainment Community Manager

February 2025 Game Industry Conference and Convention Events Calendar

Mathew Anderson
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February 2025 Game Industry Conference and Convention Events Calendar

Hello Frosty February Followers! It’s a bitter cold day out today here in Texas with snowstorms on the horizon. We haven’t had snow in this part of the state in several years, so it will be an unusual appearance for many. On the bright side, we’re looking forward to make snow angels in the driveway!

The recent weather, and the terrible forest fires in California, all mix to bring about a difficult start of the year for those still looking for a job. Take hear though in resources like Amir Satvat’s Community for helping us all out. Also, attending events and networking is the next best thing you can do to help out your career enter its next stage. We’ve put together yet another great list of events you can attend for the coming month.

Special Offer! Use code **GDSE4G10** to get 10% off GameDev Summit registration.

Many of the listed events are included in the calendar thanks to your contributions in submitting events to the calendar.

We are also looking for folks who want to get some editorial experience (or just prestige of attending an event) by writing about their event experiences (or simply taking photos showcasing an event you are attending). Let us know if you want to contribute!

Thank you so much for continuing to support us!

February 4-9: Comic Con The Cruise | B2C | Tampa – Cozumel
5-7: Gamedev Summit | B2B | Baracay, Philippines
6: Game Anglia Festival | MIX | Suffolk, UK
10-23: Yorkshire Games Festival | MIX | Onsite
11-12: WN Conference Abu Dhabi | B2B | Abu Dhabi, UAE
11-13: D.I.C.E. Summit Las Vegas | B2B | Las Vegas, NV USA
11-13: MeetToMatch – The Las Vegas Edition | B2B | Las Vegas, NV USA
13-15: Copenhagen Gaming Week | MIX | Kobenhavn, Denmark
14: Guildford Games Festival | B2B | Guildford, UK
15-16: ANIME Impulse Los Angeles | B2C | Pomona, CA USA
19-21: Devcom Leadership Summit | B2B | Lisboa, Portugal
20-21: VFI Plaython | MIX | Andra Pradesh, India
21-23: gamescom LAN | B2C | Cologne, Germany
22: Shovel Knight Live: Steel Thy Concert | MIX | New York, NY USA
24-March 3: Steam Next Fest February | B2C | Online
27-28: DevGAMM Gdansk | B2B | London, UK
27: VIVA! Games Marketing #2 | B2B | Guildford, UK
28: Games Growth Summit | B2B | London, UK
28-March 2: Evercon | B2B | Rothschild, WI USA

Visit the main event calendar that includes events throughout the year and beyond.

Which events are you attending this month? Let us know by commenting on this article here or on Twitter and Facebook!

New Beta View!

We’ve made some additions to the overview, including a new test view of the events right from the calendar itself listed below. Let us know which type of list you prefer.

Feb 10
Yorkshire Games Festival 2025
February 10 - February 23
Feb 20
VFI Plaython 2025
February 20 - February 21
Feb 27
VIVA! Games Marketing #2 2025
9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Feb 28
Games Growth Summit 2025
All day
Feb 28
Evercon 25
February 28 - March 2
Author: 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.

ex-KingsIsle Entertainment Community Manager
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