The still-ongoing Los Angeles-area fires that have been raging since January 7 this year have taken lives, ravaged thousands of acres of land and property, and disrupted the lives of millions of people in the region and beyond. The impact of the fires, once they are fully contained and fully stamped out, will be felt for a long time. This impact will include game developers based in the Los Angeles region — as well as events in the near-term, which we’ll be looking at in particular.
Game studio offices, including, prominently, LA-based Riot Games, have been closed since the wildfire outbreak, with several game industry companies and organizations helping to raise funds to assist affected communities.
Game industry-related events that have been planned for January or February in the Los Angeles area have been moved weeks or months into the future, due to the impact of the fires. Here are a few events on our radar that have made key logistical changes due to the fires.
Shovel Knight Live: Steel Thy Concert:
Yacht Club Games, the developer of the Shovel Knight game, was initially going to present a live concert based around the popular platforming game on January 19. The date has been changed to March 30. Original tickets will be honored, as will any cancellations due to the date change, according to their statement.
For all current information about the Shovel Knight Live: Steel Thy Concert, check out our event link.
Digital Entertainment World 2025
Digital Media Wire, the organizer behind the Digital Entertainment World (DEW) annual conference, which focuses on the intersection of digital media, games, and entertainment. The DEW conference was originally scheduled for February 10 at the UCLA Palisades Ballroom has been updated to May 22, due to the interests of the safety and well-being of the community affected by the fires.
For all current information about DEW 2025, check out our event link.
DEG EnTech Fest
Digital Entertainment Group’s (DEG) EnTech Fest, which focuses broadly on new technology and ideas in entertainment, has been moved from its February 5 date to June 3. This event will also be merged with their Summer Symposium event. DEG’s merged events will be hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center in West Los Angeles. 50% of the funds raised from all non-member tickets will be donated by DEG to fire relief efforts.
For all current information about EnTech Fest and Summer Symposium check out our event link.
If these events are of interest, be sure to keep an eye on further updates from the organizers as well as other events you may be attending in the near future in Los Angeles. Events for Gamers, too, will also be keeping an eye out for updates, which we’ll pass along in the calendar.
