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Why We’re Heading to SXSW 2025 (And Why Game Developers Should Too)

SXSW 2025 is right around the corner, and if you’re in the gaming industry—or just fascinated by where interactive entertainment is headed—this is an event you don’t want to miss. One of the things I love about SXSW is that it takes place in Austin, Texas, which is a great host city (I may be biased as I have lived there). The downtown area is compact and walkable, making it easy to hop between sessions, networking events, and all the great food spots Austin is known for. Whether you’re grabbing tacos between panels or catching live music after a long day of talks, the city adds so much to the experience.

Difference with singular Conferences and Conventions

The key difference with a festival like SXSW is its multi-layered experience—it’s not just a conference, a convention, or a public event, but a mix of all three. At SXSW, you have the Game Industry Track as part of the conference, where industry professionals attend panels, keynotes, and networking sessions. There’s also a convention hall with exhibitors showcasing new tech, games, and creative projects.

But beyond that, SXSW spills out into the city with publicly accessible events, like gaming tournaments, music performances, film screenings, and brand activations that engage both attendees and the general public.

In contrast, a standalone conference like D.I.C.E. Summit is a much more focused, somewhat industry-exclusive event, emphasizing high-level discussions, networking, and intimate talks among gaming executives and thought leaders. A fantastic event to go to as well if you are a game developer on an agenda to accomplish something great with others in the industry. Meanwhile, a convention like PAX is more consumer-facing, with a strong emphasis on fan experiences, hands-on game demos, and community engagement rather than deep industry discussions.

SXSW sits uniquely between these formats—offering professional development and networking while also embracing a larger cultural festival atmosphere. It’s a place where you can attend a serious business panel in the morning and then find yourself at a pop-up gaming event or a live concert in the evening.

Game Industry Track

I’ve been keeping an eye on the Game Industry Track, happening March 9–11, and the lineup looks fantastic. From deep dives into storytelling and music in games to fast-paced Ignite Talks featuring industry innovators, there’s a ton to take in.

One session I’m particularly excited about is “Supercharging Fandom in Gaming with Music and Storytelling.” It’s all about how narrative and music can create deeper emotional connections with players, and it features an impressive panel: Timothy Salmon (VP at CatFace/Aphmau), Ben Mattes (Creative Officer at Rovio), Linda Stenmark (Musician/Producer at Loving Caliber), and Oscar Höglund (CEO of Epidemic Sound). If you’re into world-building and player engagement, this one’s a must.

Another highlight is the “Ignite Talks: Game Industry” session, a recurring talk at previous shows, where multiple speakers each get five minutes to share bold ideas and insights. These quick-hitting talks are usually packed with fresh perspectives, and they always leave me thinking about the industry in new ways.

Not Just Gaming

SXSW isn’t just about gaming. One of the best things about this event is how it blends different creative fields—tech, music, film, and beyond. I always come away with unexpected insights from panels outside my core focus, whether it’s about AI’s role in content creation, the future of interactive storytelling, or how gaming influences other media.

One great example of gaming’s influence on other media is The Last of Us. Originally a critically acclaimed video game, its deep storytelling, rich characters, and cinematic presentation made it a perfect candidate for adaptation. When HBO turned it into a TV series, it didn’t just follow the typical “game-to-screen” formula—it elevated the storytelling by staying true to the emotional depth of the game while making adjustments that worked for television. The success of the show demonstrated how gaming narratives can drive compelling stories across different mediums, proving that interactive storytelling is just as powerful—if not more so—than traditional film and TV.

Planning Your Attendance

If you’re considering attending SXSW, now’s the time to get your plans together as the event is just a few days away. Whether you’re an indie dev, a content creator, or just someone who loves games and wants to see where the industry is headed, SXSW 2025 is the place to be (well, GDC in San Francisco and many other fine events as well for the month, all conveniently listed in our calendar :)).

My Top 10 Game Industry Event Attendance Tips:

  1. Did you register for the event? Have your receipt/confirmation accessible upon entering the event.
  2. Bring business cards and keep the design simple and to-the-point. I highly suggest you keep the back blank and white so it can be easily written on.
  3. Note in advance which panels/talks/parties to attend (and plan for walking time to them). For SXSW and many other events, the gathering may be down the street in a hotel or other venue!
  4. Promote your attendance to your network about 2-3 weeks in advance of the event.
  5. Events are always a great place to network and get to know others in your industry! Just don’t go to them expecting a guaranteed job or business offer.
  6. #1 success priority: Be likeable. Don’t go in with a hard agenda and ego, listen more than talk, and you’ll come out with friends.
  7. Day-before: Note the weather outlook and make one more call-out to your network.
  8. Day-of: Attending events is expensive! Always have a bit of cash on-hand. Also, bring an extra battery brick for your phone… you’ll need it.
  9. Speaking of cash, tip those waiters at all the free after-parties you will be at. They thank you in advance.
  10. Upon arrival, purchase at a local store plenty of snacks if you can. The on-site food and drinks are horrendously expensive, it’s almost a crime against humanity.

Bonus tip: Take notes of everything! Well, not everything, but do note who you met so you can add them to LinkedIn and network again in the future. Write a journal of what was interesting, challenging, and what you would do differently the next year.

Want to get in on the parties too? Check out our SXSW 2025 Party List!

I hope these tips and insight into SXSW helps you plan your next event attendance. See you all at SXSW!

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

Google X’s Captain of Moonshots ASTRO TELLER to host THE MOONSHOT PODCAST

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“The world needs moonshots now more than ever. We want to inspire others to join us in a mission to create radical new technologies to help solve some of the world’s biggest problems.” – Astro Teller, The Moonshot Podcast host

Feb 27, 2025 (New York, NY) – The Moonshot Podcast, a ten-part podcast series hosted by Google X Captain of Moonshots, Astro Teller, is set to launch from SXSW 2025 with a celebratory morning launch event and live panel on March 10, 2025. The event will include prototypes of some of the most celebrated innovations from Google X, interview clips of the creators lauded for the innovations, and very special panelist guests joining Astro Teller live on stage, to be announced soon. 

The podcast chronicles the untold stories of innovation – both highs and lows – from 15 years inside Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory. In conversation with thinkers and creators behind X, the Moonshot Factory’s most audacious projects including self driving cars, wearables, robots, computer systems that code themselves, Internet balloons, laser internet, wildfire prediction, and so much more, Astro explores huge problems, radical solutions and breakthrough technologies that have the potential to reshape our world. 

Said Astro Teller, “This year we’re celebrating 15 years of moonshot taking. We saw this as a great opportunity to go back and talk to those who helped shape key moonshots over X’s history–particularly people who invented new technologies that have transformed industries or created new ones. Through our conversations, we hear their reflections on the process of experimentation, the evolution of technology, and what the future holds for critical spaces like transportation, connectivity, computing, and sustainability.”

The podcast will explore important questions like How do we achieve the clean, green energy dream? and Can technology give our planet a second chance? while diving into the history of exciting projects like WaymoBrainEveryday Robots and Google Glass.

The Moonshot Podcast embodies optimism, realism, inspiration and resilience in the face of the world’s most pressing social and environmental threats. This is an unprecedented opportunity to take an unfiltered look into X, the Moonshot Factory, and the people working to solve some of the world’s hardest problems. Radical innovation is never straightforward, but it holds keys to unlocking human progress, and this series will show listeners how.

ABOUT GOOGLE X, THE MOONSHOT FACTORY:

In 2010, Google parent company Alphabet formed a new division called X to work on moonshots: far-out, sci-fi sounding technologies that could one day make the world a radically better place. It was something of a moonshot unto itself. Today, X is a diverse group of inventors and entrepreneurs who build and launch technologies that aim to improve the lives of billions. X ‘graduates’ have become new Alphabet companies (Waymo, Wing), others have found homes inside Google (Brain), and others still have become independent companies outside of Alphabet (Dandelion, Malta). The goal remains the same: 10x impact on the world’s most intractable problems, not just 10% improvement. X approaches projects that have the aspiration and riskiness of research with the speed and ambition of a startup.

ABOUT ASTRO TELLER:

As Google X’s Captain of Moonshots, Astro is responsible for steering X’s projects through the bumps and scrapes they meet along the road to reality. Prior to X, Astro founded and grew five companies, including BodyMedia, which developed wearable body-monitoring devices. Before moving to the business world, Astro was an engineer and researcher for Phoenix Laser Technologies, Stanford’s Center for Integrated Systems, and taught a Computer Science class at Stanford University. He holds a B.S. in computer science and an M.S. in symbolic and heuristic computation, both from Stanford, and a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence from Carnegie Mellon, where he was a recipient of the Hertz fellowship. Through his work as a scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur, Astro holds many U.S. and international patents, related to hardware and software technology. He’s the successful author of three published books and an international speaker on technology and innovation.

GlobalStep to Host High-Powered Panel at GDC 2025: “The Future of Gaming: The Next 1,000 Days”

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DALLAS, Texas – February 27, 2025 – GlobalStep, powering the future of video games through end-to-end creative and technical solutions, is bringing together some of the game industry’s top leaders for an exclusive panel discussion at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 in San Francisco. Titled “The Future of Gaming: The Next 1,000 Days,” the panel will examine the forces shaping the games industry, including the impact of AI, evolving production models, and investment trends that will define studio success in the years ahead.

The session will be moderated by Tim Fields, GlobalStep board member and former CEO of Kabam, and features industry leaders: Jason Chapman (Managing Partner, Konvoy Ventures), Ryan Filsinger (CEO, Iron Fox Games), Leah Hoyer (CEO & Head of Creative, Level Headed Games), Jeff Pobst (CEO & Founder, Hidden Path Entertainment), and Luke Takeuchi (Executive Producer, Night Garden Studio).

Panel Details:
Title: The Future of Gaming: The Next 1,000 Days
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
Location: Room 3020, West Hall, Moscone Center

According to a recent industry report by Epyllion CEO and games industry expert Matthew Ball, the video games industry has shrunk by 13% in real terms since 2021, VC funding has dropped 8x from its peak, and major gaming stocks have underperformed the broader market by up to 140%. As competition intensifies and new players stagnate, studios must adapt to new technologies and business models to survive in this evolving landscape.

“The video games industry is at an inflection point, where economic pressures, technological disruption, and shifting player behaviors are redefining the rules of success,” said Gagan Ahluwalia, Founder and CEO of GlobalStep. “Matthew Ball’s latest industry report suggests that gaming’s decade-long growth surge is over. Studios can no longer rely on traditional playbooks, and they must rethink how they build, monetize, and scale games to remain viable in this new reality. We feel this is the right time to assemble some of the greatest and brightest minds in the games industry to talk about the best way to cope with these changes. This panel is not just a conversation—it’s a step toward actionable strategies that will enable studios to thrive in the future.”

The discussion will focus on three critical areas driving the future of gaming:

  • Positioning Studios for Long-Term Success: How game studios must evolve to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
  • Harnessing AI in Game Development and Player Experience: Understanding AI’s transformative potential in game production, live operations, and audience engagement.
  • Building Enduring Value in a Shifting Investment Landscape: What makes studios attractive to investors in today’s environment, and how to drive long-term growth.

GDC attendees can also connect with GlobalStep’s leadership team in its hospitality suite at The Marriott Marquis to explore tailored solutions that help studios optimize their game development, live operations, and overall business strategy in today’s market.

To make the event even more exciting, panel attendees will have a chance to win exclusive prizes from GlobalStep’s customers including Microsoft, Meta, Sony and Netflix, celebrating the spirit of innovation and excellence in the games industry. Prizes include:

  • Microsoft Xbox Series X
  • Sony PlayStation 5
  • Meta Quest 3
  • Netflix Subscriptions: Three one-year subscription gift cards

Schedule a meeting with GlobalStep during GDC at events@globalstep.com, or visit https://www.globalstep.com/FutureofGaming for more details.

Dubai’s Museum of the Future Makes SXSW Debut

Dubai Meets Austin through 2050 Track Sponsorship, Pop-Up Museum, Panels, The Original Dubai Chocolate and Cultural Events on March 7-11, 2025

AUSTIN, TEXAS (FEB. 25, 2025)—Dubai’s Museum of the Future (MOTF), the flagship project by Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), announces their groundbreaking participation at SXSW®. The five-day immersive experience, which will take place from March 7 to 11, is centered around collectively imagining, inspiring, and designing the future. The extensive programming includes 20 curated experiences and will take place at Dubai’s official SXSW headquarters, the Museum of the Future House, located at Third Street and Congress Avenue in Austin, TX. It will offer SXSW attendees a window into the world-class city of Dubai.

The Museum of the Future, a seven-story cultural landmark in Dubai that opened in 2022, along with the Dubai Future Foundation, aims to spotlight the United Arab Emirates’ emergence as a global technology and innovation hub. The foundation is a sponsor of SXSW’s 2050 conference programming track, and will lead discussions on lunar colonization, sustainable food production, and artificial intelligence. Attendees can expect workshops, outdoor activations, networking opportunities, and a mix of Middle Eastern narratives exploring humanity, nature, and future technologies—from space-proofing cuisine to innovative food systems emerging from desert landscapes.

The Dubai-based Museum of the Future empowers people to shape humanity’s next chapter by journeying to the year 2071 and showcases a vision of progress that can inspire cities worldwide. The Museum of the Future House will offer SXSW attendees a glimpse into Dubai’s dynamic evolution, highlighting its rapid rise as a global hub for innovation, talent, and investment.

The pop-up museum exterior features eye-catching Arabic calligraphy, while inside, guests will explore a multi-sensory immersive experience inspired by space, humanity and the natural world. An outdoor space will highlight Emirati culture, with culinary experiences including tastings of the viral TikTok sensation, the original Dubai chocolate bars from FIX Dessert Chocolatier and traditional chai demonstrations by Project Chaiwala.

Internationally renowned Digital Visual Artist Refik Anadol (@refikandol) has created an immersive artwork called “Earth Dreams,” exploring the three elements of the Earth: air, land, and water. The AI-powered installation turns real environmental data into dynamic, ever-changing visuals. Using cutting-edge machine learning, the artwork reimagines real-life elements in a way that gives them color, immersing attendees in a mesmerizing, dreamlike exploration of nature’s hidden patterns. The exhibit is also on display at the Museum of the Future in Dubai and was first launched during the Dubai Future Forum, the flagship event of the Dubai Future Foundation and the largest gathering of futurists. This isn’t just a showcase – it’s an invitation to reimagine what’s possible.

“SXSW has always been a place where big ideas come to life,” said Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Museum of the Future. “We are bringing a bit of Dubai’s perspective and flavors to Austin, where we hope to spark new conversations about how technology and culture can create positive change. We will bridge ideas from both East and West to reimagine what tomorrow could look like.”

Engaging discussions will spotlight diverse voices and perspectives different from the ones that usually dominate conversations about the future, from Arab filmmakers and award-winning writers to astronauts, navigating topics like artificial intelligence’s evolving role in society. The food panel track takes a deeper look at the future of food, where visionary leaders converge to reimagine food systems, using technology to create sustainable, culturally-connected solutions that could transform how we nourish the global community. Expect to hear from brands like Solar Foods, for example, who pioneer sustainability using solar energy to produce food. These events will prioritize those with a SXSW badge to access.

Notable speakers include Canadian Astronaut Shawna Pandya; Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati Astronaut; Author and Urban scholar-practitioner Geci Karuri-Sebina; and Film Producer Gianluca Chakra, among many others.

For more information about how these visiting organizations bring Dubai to Austin through expert panels, art, and cultural programming during SXSW, please visit museumofthefuturesxsw.com. To discover more about their commitment to Dubai’s future, please visit dubaifuture.ae. Follow along on Instagram for live updates at @museumofthefuture and @dubaifuture. The event hashtag is #MuseumOfTheFutureSXSW.

The programming schedule is as follows and is subject to change:

Friday, March 7 – Monday, March 10
2050 Track sponsored by Dubai Future Foundation
Location: Austin Marriott Downtown – 304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

About: Dive into what the world could look like by the year 2050. Sponsored by DFF, the 2050 track focuses on long-term, big-picture thinking emphasizing scientific discovery. The programming features topics ranging from quantum computing and space exploration to robotics and foresight best practices. The Dubai Future Foundation works to make Dubai one of the world’s foremost future cities. By working closely with public and private sector partners, the organization builds a cohesive innovation ecosystem that includes accelerator programs, incubators, labs, regulatory sandboxes, and knowledge platforms – all to challenge the status quo and design a future-ready city powered by future leaders and disruptors.

Full Schedulemuseumofthefuturesxsw.com

Friday, March 7 – Tuesday, March 11
Museum of the Future House
Location: 3rd/Congress Parking – 3rd/Congress, Austin, TX 78701
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. || Open to the public, badge priority line

About: To reimagine the future, people must be open to new possibilities. Join MOTF on a journey to 2071. Pioneer new worlds and ways of living and return to shape today’s world for the better. Experience the future of space travel and living, climate change and ecology, health, wellness, and spirituality. Learn how technologies such as synthetic biology and artificial intelligence can combat climate change.

*The capacity is limited to 250 people at a time.

Speakers at MOTF House include astronauts Shawna Pandya and Hazza Al Mansour, visual artist Refik Anadol, award-winning novelist Hisham Matar, author and urban scholar-practitioner Geci Karuri-Sebina, and film director Gianluca Chakra.

Friday, March 7: Creator and Media Preview
12 p.m. || Private Event – Invite Only

Digital creators and top international techies are invited to this mixer event to capture a first look at The Museum of the Future activation. This will be a special sneak peek that will catapult creators into the future.

March 2025 Game Industry Conference and Convention Events Calendar

Hello March Madness Followers! This month is chock-full of festivals, conferences, and more. As we continue to warm up to the spring time, the event season ramps along with a wider variety of events. We’ve put together yet another great list of events you can attend for the month, led by superstars like GDC, SXSW, NVIDIA GTC, and PG Connects.

Check out the complete March event list below, but first…

SPECIAL OFFERS

We have launched a new feature on the website – Event Ticket Discounts and Offers. Want to know when your event has a 10% off special or early bird rates open? Check out our Free Offers Page regularly!

Here are the latest offers listed as of this blog post:

Discount Event Code/Link
Early bird DevGAMM Gdansk (B2B) Register Here
Early bird Evercon (B2C) Register Here
10% off (3+ use) Game Quality Forum (B2B) [TEAM3]
15% off (5+ use) Game Quality Forum (B2B) [TEAM5]
20% off (7+ use) Game Quality Forum (B2B) [TEAM7]
10% off MeetToMatch San Francisco (B2B) [REGULAR10]
40% off (GSD) Mobidictum Conference (B2B) Registration Page
10% off Pocket Gamer Connects San Francisco (B2B) [E4GSF20]
50% off Pocket Gamer Connects Barcelona (B2B) [50FOR50PGC]
11% off WN Events (B2B) [E4G]

Have an offer we can add to this list? Please let us know!

MARCH EVENTS

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!

March 4-7: TING: The Ultimate Student Recruitment Event | EDU | Stockholm & Online
7-8: IndieCade Horizons | B2B | Online
7-15: SXSW Conference | B2B | Austin, TX USA
8-9: Tokyo Indie Games Summit | MIX | Tokyo, Japan
14: HIT Games Conference Istanbul | B2B | Istanbul, Turkey
16: Courage XL | B2B | San Francisco, CA USA
17: European Game Showcase | B2B | San Francisco, CA USA
17: The Game Industry Social | MIX| San Francisco, CA USA
17: MIX Spring Showcase | MIX | San Francisco, CA USA
17-18: Pocket Gamer Connects San Francisco | B2B | San Francisco, CA USA
17-20: NVIDIA GTC | B2B | San Jose, CA USA
17-21: GDC | B2B | San Francisco, CA USA
17-21: GDC Nights | Party | San Francisco, CA USA
17-21: MeetToMatch – The San Francisco Edition | B2B | San Francisco, CA USA
18: Sui Gaming Summit | MIX | San Francisco, CA USA
18: Community Clubhouse at GDC | B2B | San Francisco, CA USA
20: Future Games Show Spring Showcase | B2C | Online
20: WN iGaming Lounge Limassol | B2B | Limassol, Cyprus
28-29: DStars | MIX | Online
28-30: WonderCon | B2C | Anaheim, CA USA

March 2025 had two more events listed than last year. Notice something else for this month? There are only a few online or hybrid events. We’ve officially migrated right back to ‘normal’ mode for the event industry.

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 LinkedIn, Twitter, Bluesky, 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.

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

2025 Game Developers Choice Awards Honors Iconic Writer/Director Sam Lake with Lifetime Achievement Award and Innovative Designer Lucas Pope with Pioneer Award

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SAN FRANCISCO – February 19, 2025 – Organizers of the 25th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA), the premier accolades for peer recognition in the digital games industry, have revealed the recipients of two of the award show’s most prestigious awards. This year, the international game development community will honor Sam Lake, writer for games such as Max Payne, Alan Wake, Quantum Break and Control with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Lucas Pope,  the renowned mentor, designer and developer who has worked at major game companies for over 20 years in the industry, will be recognized with the Pioneer Award for his outstanding contributions to the industry. The Pioneer Award is given to key individuals who elevate video games and the industry as a whole, including 2023’s recipient Mabel Addis, the first female game designer, and other industry icons including Jordan Mechner, Gabe Newell, Alexey Pajitnov and many others.

Sam Lake headshot
Sam Lake, writer and director (image: GDC)

Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Sam Lake is a respected writer and director in the video game industry, acting as a key creative force in dreaming up Remedy’s acclaimed games and stories in Max Payne, Alan Wake, Quantum Break and Control; the protagonist of the Max Payne series was famously designed with his likeness in mind. Lake is renowned for his deep, layered storytelling and ability to meld together different mediums to create unique interactive experiences. Most recently, he was the co-director and lead writer of Alan Wake 2, which won over 200 industry awards—including Best Game Direction and Best Narrative at The Game Awards, along with Best Visual Art at the 2024 Game Developers Choice Awards. Lake was also a BAFTA nominee for Narrative and Performer in a Supporting Role in Alan Wake 2. In 2023 and 2024, Lake was included in the Variety500 list of the most influential people shaping the global media industry and received The Develop:Star Award for Best Creative Lead and Gamesbeat Visionary Award. He also recently received the prestigious Andrew Yoon Legend Award at the New York Game Awards in January 2025.

Luke pop headshot
Luke Pop, independent game developer (image: GDC)

Lucas Pope, recipient of this year’s Pioneer Award, is an independent game developer experimenting with the interactions of mechanics, narrative, and art. Starting with hobbyist development on the Mac Plus, he found his interests in music, engineering, art, and problem-solving perfectly reflected in the toil of creating games. Stumbling through 30 years of indie, serious, AAA and mobile titles, he has tried to make things that others don’t, exploring new genres and new ways of telling interesting stories. He is most well known as the creator of Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, both of which are known for their innovative approach to storytelling and immersive gameplay. Papers, Please was highly lauded across the board, winning the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the Independent Games Festival (IGF) along with several trophies at the Game Developers Choice Awards in 2014, along with a BAFTA Games Award for Best Strategy and Simulation Game. Return of the Obra Dinn was also heavily praised by critics, again winning Pope the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at IGF Awards, along with several trophies from the Game Developers Choice Awards, Peabody Awards, D.I.C.E. Awards and BAFTA Games Awards.

“The Game Developers Choice Awards has a proud legacy of shining the spotlight on figures who make gaming the most gripping and evocative method of storytelling,” said Stephenie Hawkins, GDC’s Event Director. “We’re excited to recognize Sam Lake and Lucas Pope for their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the medium through transcendent narrative structures, complex moral questions and evocative gameplay.”

The 25th annual GDCA awards ceremony will take place during the 2025 Game Developers Conference (GDC) on Wednesday, March 19, and will be held immediately after the Independent Game Festival (IGF) awards. Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement and Pioneer Award were chosen by this year’s Game Developers Choice Editorial Committee, following suggestions from the International Choice Awards Network (ICAN). All GDC 2025 pass-holders will be able to watch both award ceremonies in person at San Francisco’s Moscone Convention Center. The GDCA and IGF award shows will also be live-streamed on the official GDC Twitch channel.

For more information about the 25th annual Game Developers Choice Awards, visit: http://www.gamechoiceawards.com. For more details on the Game Developers Conference, please visit the GDC’s official website, or subscribe to regular updates via Facebook, X or Bluesky. Official photos are available via the Official GDC Flickr account: www.flickr.com/photos/officialgdc.

gamescom asia and Thailand Game Show Join Forces to Establish the Region’s Largest Gaming Event

Bangkok, Thailand, 20 February 2025 — gamescom asia, Southeast Asia’s most important B2B and B2C platform for the games industry, and Thailand Game Show, the region’s largest and most vibrant B2C gaming showcase, are officially combining forces to create Southeast Asia’s ultimate gaming stage. This unprecedented merger, debuting in October 2025, unites the best of both worlds: a powerful global business and consumer platform and an electrifying fan-focused gaming experience.

Since its inaugural edition in 2021, gamescom asia has established itself as a key event in the gaming industry, with a home base in Singapore. The most recent 4th edition, held in 2024, attracted over 40,000 attendees from 78 countries and 177 exhibitors. 

In Thailand, the Thailand Game Show has consistently delighted audiences since 2006, with its 2024 event attracting over 185,000 visitors and 50 exhibitors. The union of these two powerhouses will create gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show, Southeast Asia’s ultimate business and launch platform for the games industry and its fans.

“This partnership is a game-changer for the region’s games industry. gamescom asia’s success has been built on a solid foundation in Singapore, where it has flourished since its inception in 2021, positioning Southeast Asia as a hub for gaming innovation. By joining forces with Thailand Game Show, we are unlocking unprecedented opportunities to connect global video game players with one of the world’s most vibrant and passionate gaming communities. With its rich culture and expanding gaming ecosystem, Bangkok is the ideal stage for this exciting next chapter,” said Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director and VP of Asia Pacific at Koelnmesse Pte Ltd. 

“This historic collaboration presents tremendous opportunities for gamers and developers in Thailand, marking a significant leap forward for our gaming industry. With strong governmental support and cooperation, we are solidifying Thailand’s position as a premier gaming hub in the Asian region. We are grateful for gamescom asia recognising Thailand’s potential, and together, we will write a new chapter in Thailand’s gaming history that will elevate our industry to unprecedented heights. This partnership will build on what we have been doing for the past 18 years,” said Pongsuk Hiranprueck, Founder, Thailand Game Show.

“The collaboration between gamescom asia and Thailand Game Show marks a significant milestone for Thailand’s growing role in the global gaming industry. This partnership strengthens our commitment to advancing digital innovation and creativity. depa and the local gaming industry are excited to be part of this unified event, creating new opportunities for global collaboration, investment, and talent development, and reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading destination in the digital entertainment sector,” said Asst. Prof. Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency or depa.

“With its home in Germany and satellites in Asia and South America, gamescom has become the biggest global event brand of the games industry. Joining forces between gamescom asia and Thailand Game Show will take the event to the next level and offer the community a more extensive programme. Thank you to the teams on both sides and also to our governmental partners in Thailand for making this possible,“ said Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – The German Games Industry Association, Co-host and brand owner of gamescom.

This exciting partnership is a testament to the growth and dynamism of the region’s gaming landscape, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and entertainment. Attendees can look forward to a multifaceted event featuring a dedicated business area, expert-led industry gaming conference sessions, and a vibrant entertainment area showcasing the latest AAA titles, indie games, esports tournaments, cosplay, exclusive showcases, and live experiences.

The partnership is spearheaded by leaders in the gaming and events industry:

  • Koelnmesse: One of the world’s leading trade fair organisers, with more than 80 events annually across several countries, including gamescom, gamescom asia, and gamescom latam. 
  • Show No Limit: Co-organising the event with Online Station, Show No Limit is the founder of Thailand Game Show, the biggest game exhibition in Thailand, and the company behind the success of BT beartai, a leading tech media in Thailand.
  • game: The German Games Industry Association, uniting the entire video game ecosystem, from development studios and publishers to esports event organisers, educational institutions and other related entities. game is the brand owner and co-organiser of gamescom.

gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show will have strategic support from key government bodies in Thailand, such as depa, Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency, as well as the main industry body, the Thailand Game Software Industry Association (TGA).  

gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show will take place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand, from 16 to 19 October 2025. For more information, visit gamescom.asia or follow gamescom asia on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Discord, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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

GDC’s 13th Annual State of the Game Industry Survey Results

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GDC released the results of its 13th annual State of the Game Industry Survey recently, sharing global data and sentiment from developers on topics including the practical and ethical use of generative AI, the increase in layoffs, the platforms they’re currently developing games for and much more.

The responses from over 3,000 game industry professionals reflect findings including:

  • 11% of developers reported being laid off in the past year. Roles in the Narrative field saw the most impact, with 19% of respondents.

  • When asked about what reason developers were given for these layoffs, 22% were told it was due to restructuring, 18% cited declining revenues and 15% were due to market or industry shifts. Interestingly, 19% were not given a reason for the layoffs they observed.

  • 30% of respondents reported that they believe that generative AI is having a negative impact on the games industry, which is a 12% increase from last year. Developers pointed to intellectual property theft, energy consumption, a decrease in quality from AI-generated content, potential biases within AI programs and regulation issues as the main factors behind their discontent with the technology.

  • One in every three AAA developers surveyed (33%) noted that they are working on a live-service title.

  • More than half (56%) of survey respondents reported that they have put their own money into funding the creation of their game. That’s nearly double the next most option of project-based or publishing deals, which 28% noted was where their funding had come from.

The full survey, which includes more insight into the game development community’s thoughts on these topics, can be downloaded for free here.

Article information from a GDC email newsletter. 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

Last Week to Submit: SUGOI Showcase 2025 Submissions Close on February 21st

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CALIFORNIA FEBRUARY 14, 2025 The countdown is on! There’s just one week left for indie game developers to submit their titles for the SUGOI Showcase 2025, set to air on March 27, 2025. The deadline for submissions is February 21, 2025, and developers are encouraged to submit their games before it’s too late!

After the success of the 2024 The Game Awards for Games Who Can’t Afford the Game Awards (TGAGWCAGA), Joystick Ventures is back with SUGOI Showcase 2025, a celebration of 35 incredible indie games that defy expectations. The showcase will feature extraordinary titles that stand out in a terribly amazing way, showcasing those hidden gems and boundary-pushing indie games that deserve the spotlight.

Submission details:

  • Deadline: February 21, 2025
  • Cost: $0.00 – Absolutely no fees to apply or participate
  • Submission link: Submit your game here

“We’re super excited to bring this showcase to life,” said Andrea Alvarez, Marketing Manager at Joystick Ventures. “After the success of TGAGWCAGA, which ran for over two hours and featured more than 80 incredible titles, we had a ton of fun, but we knew we wanted to try something a little more compact this time around. SUGOI Showcase 2025 will be short and explosive, just 35 standout indie games that defy expectations and deliver in a big way. It will continue to highlight the indie titles that make this industry so special. No filler, just the good stuff. It’s going to be very SUGOI.”

SUGOI Showcase 2025 promises to be an excitement-packed event where 35 hand-picked indie games will be spotlighted through a digital event on the official SUGOI Media YouTube channel on Thursday, March 27. 

What makes a game SUGOI material?

Does your game defy expectations? Does it challenge the norm in a fresh and exciting way? If the answer is yes, then SUGOI Showcase 2025 wants to highlight it. Whether your game is a fresh take on an established genre or something completely out of left field, we want to hear from you!

Can I co-stream the event?

Absolutely! We encourage creators to co-stream the event on their channels. For more details on how to get involved, please contact us at marketing@sugoigames.com.

Don’t miss out on the chance to have your game featured in SUGOI Showcase 2025. The clock is ticking, and the deadline is February 21st. Submit your game now through this form and join us in celebrating the future of indie gaming!

For more information, follow SUGOI Showcase on Bluesky and Twitter/X, check out TGAGWCAGA 2024’s livestream from last December, and visit Joystick Ventures’ official website.

TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT to Feature 100+ Titles 

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TOKYO — Feb 14, 2025 — TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT organizers Phoenixx Inc. today announces the inclusion of multiple indie titles available for preview during this year’s in-person event taking place Saturday, March 8th, and Sunday, March 9th, 2025 at Musashino Kokaido in Kichijoji, Tokyo.

Visit the intersection of art and gaming in Kichijoji, Japan as TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT brings together both local and global indie developers and publishers for a two-day celebration of gaming for consumers and industry members alike. Check out this year’s exhibitors here.

Go hands-on with this year’s titles, including:

  • Deperson, the surreal branching narrative visual novel from developer Error Thing, now in development for PC via Steam
  • Byte Survivor, the resource-collecting action game developed by minmuu, coming to PC via Steam in Q2 2025

…and many more!

Attendees can enjoy events for the whole family, including musical performances and free refreshments. For parents with young children, nurture the next great game designer at Kids Programming Academy’s free workshop for elementary school students. Visit Kirarina Keio Kichijoji where families can try out games designed for parents and children to play simultaneously.

TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT extends special recognition to this year’s partners, including sponsors Sony Interactive EntertainmentPocketpairHappinet Indie CollectionMBA InternationalPayPalHybrid SquadViviONChorus WorldwideKakehashi GamesJFR GroupAsahi Satellite Broadcasting LimitedSacra Game Music, and Game Creator’s Guild. Additionally, special thanks for supporters Indie Game IncubatorPlayX4, Kids Programming Academy, event partners gamescom latamIndia Gaming ShowIGDX, and Global Game Jam for their continued support.

Tickets are now on sale for Business Day (March 8th) and General Admission Day (March 9th). Tune in to the TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT YouTube Livestream for a virtual visit to Kichijoji filled with the latest indie updates from Japan.

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.

GDC 2025 Agenda Locked in

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The 2025 Game Development Conference (GDC) is one big step toward readiness for going live on March 17 (to March 21) in San Francisco, CA. The full GDC 2025 conference agenda has been revealed, and the organizers have highlighted a few of the audio-focused sessions in their announcement email — which we’ll also share:

Audio Adventures in a Multiplayer VR Social World: ‘Dimensional Double Shift’ Audio Post Mortem

“Dimensional Double Shift is Owlchemy Labs’ latest VR game, and also Owlchemy’s first multiplayer social game. With that Owlchemy Labs faced a lot of audio challenges that relate to networked audio and multiplayer in a VR environment.

In this talk Owlchemy Labs Audio Director, Daniel Perry. and Senior Audio Specialist, Michael Kim, are going to talk about challenges and considerations they encountered during the development of Dimensional Double Shift.”

An Inclusive Soundscape: Diversity in Game Audio Roundtables

“The video game industry, like many tech-focused fields, continues to face challenges in diversity and inclusion. While recent social movements have brought increased attention to these issues, there remains significant work to be done. As industry professionals with firsthand experience as diverse voices in game audio, we aim to lead vital discussions on fostering lasting change.

This year, we’re expanding our roundtable to a three-day format. Each day will focus on different aspects of diversity in game audio, providing a comprehensive look at the challenges faced by underrepresented groups and strategies for creating a more inclusive industry.

Day 1: Bridging Invisible Divides: Fostering Empathy and Understanding in Game Audio
Day 2: Actionable Inclusion: Navigating Diverse Realities in Game Audio
Day 3: Reshaping the Soundscape: Fine Tuning Systemic Change

Through these themed discussions, we’ll address topics such as cultural navigation, hiring challenges, and the balance between authenticity and professionalism.”

King: Enhancing Mobile Audio with Accessibility and Inclusion

“This session explores King’s efforts in audio accessibility for mobile games, with a spotlight on the latest advancements in Candy Crush Soda Saga. Attendees will discover the innovative features, collaborative processes and technology integrations that are changing audio standings in the casual mobile gaming industry. By exploring these developments, participants will gain insight into how King is enhancing the game experience for all players, including those with auditory and impairments. The session will highlight the team’s commitment to inclusivity and the efforts that drive new innovation in game design and accessibility. King believes that they’re games are designed for all players, so come and discover why audio is such an important part of any casual mobile gaming experience.”

To view all the sessions in the main conference and summits at GDC 2025, visit this link to the agenda to explore the range of topics and speakers planned for next month. Events for Gamers will continue to share more news and updates from GDC 2025 as we get closer to mid-March!

Video of the Month — What’s TGAGWCAGA 2024?

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TGAGWCAGA 2024” is an awards show that should win an award for the most unique acronym for a gaming event, even if it’s a tough one to remember accurately. But the tongue-in-cheek idea behind it is much easier to remember. Hosted in mid-December, the The Game Awards for Games Who Can’t Afford the Game Awards (TGAGWCAGA) 2024 was offered up as an alternative to the glitzy The Game Awards (TGA) production that celebrates mostly AAA games and high-profile indie games.

The TGAGWCAGA 2024 dished up both a showcase and an awards show, covering 2024 indie game releases, hidden gems, released demos, most innovative titles, upcoming games, self-published titles — and bookended by a deliberately simple opening and closing. But as the video descriptions says, “No big-budget theatrics or celebrity cameos—just pure indie grit”, this video and show delivered in spades. If you’re into indie games, there’s likely something new and undiscovered that may fit what you want to try out.

To watch the entire recorded livestream video in one go, you may want to settle in with a beverage and a snack, because it clocks in at over two hours on-demand.

While this event was apparently planned within a two week window as an alternative to the TGA, it won’t be the last event the organizers, Joystick Ventures, produces: They recently announced the SUGOI Showcase in late March, which focuses on newer talent in the indie games space. Plus, of course, there’s always a chance TGAGWCAGA may return with a 2025 edition later in the year.

Did you attend watch TGAGWCAGA 2024, or maybe you submitted an indie game development project for the awards show? Feel free to share your thoughts about it below or on our social media posts about this story!

Whether you are an event coordinator, press, or general attendee, if you have an event video to share with us, please let us know and we’ll be happy to feature it!

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