Happy Lunar New Year of the rabbit! February sees a light and typical warmup to 2023 with most events back to ‘normal’ (if we can ever truly call it that again). Most events are onsite with a few offering online attendance or “viewing” in a hybrid format. There are online events as well, and we expect 2023 to be full of them here and there, but they will once again generally be in the minority.
To give you the power to easily discover upcoming game industry events calendar that includes conferences, conventions, festivals and many other types of events, we post a consolidated list here on Events for Gamers each month.
View this month’s event list below. You can also click here for the main calendar view that includes events into 2023 and beyond. We’re excited to enter a new year with new events!
More conferences, conventions, and other industry related events are being added to Events for Gamers’ calendar every day for 2023! Check out the calendar’s current listings and let us know if you are attending an event we should add.
We also will be increasing our stories throughout next year, covering all the main events with interviews and other exciting updates from your favorite events. The trend in 2020 and 2021 of more Online and Hybrid events will also continue to be tracked in our monthly event updates. In 2020, there was a surge of Online events due to the pandemic and necessity in continuing conversations about game development. Then in 2021 and through most of 2022 the industry saw the benefits of Online and Hybrid events.
We at Events for Gamers expect 2023 to continue the trend that began in late 2021 but focusing this time on more Hybrid events than Online ones. Onsite events will dominate as they did in 2022, but we expect to see more of them support some form of Hybrid offerings to those who cannot directly attend.
Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Discord, and now Mastodon for the latest social updates and event news. If you have an event to share for our calendar, please let us know! Any support you can provide is appreciated.
What events in 2023 will be winners? Let’s find out together. See you next year as we join you at these industry’s events!
Happy August Activities! We’ve put together yet another great list of events you can attend for the month.
August is a big month for events too, but not nearly as prominent as June or even July was with over twice the events as we’re seeing this month. The event season tends to cap around end of this coming month as the holidays get closer. Not to fear though, we have plenty of conferences and conventions listed with a few new intriguing festivals to mention. As you can see below, just a couple of Online-only events… it’s summer time and the pandemic is well over, so get out there event attendees!
Many of the listed events are included in the calendar from your contributions in submitting events to the calendar. Thank you for continuing to support us!
Check out this month’s event list below. We’ve made some additions to the overview! You can now see whether an event is B2B (Business-to-Business) or B2C (Business-to-Consumer), as well as the city/country. Click in the event for even more details. You can also click here for the main calendar that includes events throughout the rest of the year and beyond.
We’ve come to expect great things from webcams in the last few years, given the pandemic forced everyone indoors to buy one for their work or other needs. This mass increase in use of webcams spurred companies to develop new and improved versions. What has been striking to us though is that even though webcams are a necessity for anyone working remote these days, they still haven’t been developed to the degree that matches phone camera quality, by a long shot. It’s rather depressing how webcam technology just hasn’t caught up to the tiny devices in our pockets yet.
Perhaps that sentiment will change with today’s review of the budget offering from Poly Studio, the P5 Webcam. Budget doesn’t necessarily mean ‘cheap’… but let’s find out.
The package deal
The Poly Studio P5 Webcam (P5 Webcam for short from here on) didn’t really look like a lot when we opened up the packaged, but then again that’s not what we are buying it for… looks matter little to us as long as it isn’t downright ugly. Because webcam’s are just that, a camera, unique features tend to go towards the physical features and the software. The Poly Studio P5 Webcam is no exception here, though it keeps the physical features reasonable but still unique (some webcams border on the obscene in their design to try and distinguish themselves from the rest… don’t do that, it just makes your product look childish).
While it’s a convenience, the P5 Webcam does come with a lens cover in case you want to ensure no one is watching you through the webcam and don’t trust software to do it.
Official Specs
1080p resolution
Max focal length: 4
Max aperture: 2f
Flash Memory type: SDXC
Screen Size: 2 inches
Connectivity: USB
Color: Speckled white
Setup and usability
Setup wise it’s a webcam that plugs into the USB port of a computer or laptop (the camera is great for portability in this way) and was automatically detected on our latest macOS, Windows 11 and Windows 10 machines.
A neat feature we don’t often see with webcams were the P5’s lighting indicators:
Green means a call is active (or the camera is enabled on some software)
Red confirms the lens covered is enabled
White means the camera isn’t doing anything but is able to be activated
The software (called Poly Lens) serves the user’s needs well enough, allowing all basic adjustments you would expect for a webcam. We don’t cover that part of the P5 Webcam in this review because it’s all common settings and features. It just works… for the most part. We had some weird issues getting it to preview properly at times, but this was most prominent on our non-Windows PC. It worked flawlessly on Windows 11.
Performance
The P5 Webcam performed well enough at 1080p, but like all other webcams, we unfortunately didn’t experience any dramatic breakthrough with other budget webcams. It needed some tweaking of various settings like contrast and gamma, but surprisingly it was one of the better webcams to be ready out-of-the-box.
Here is a single front-face view. I purposefully positioned myself along the sunny window side of the house to show how it treats lighting extremes:
In short, the P5 Webcam will do you just fine, especially if you’re traveling and need a quick plugin solution… just don’t expect any miracles.
Pros
Easy to set up and simple to manage
Good video out-of-the-box with one caveat below
Clear and neutral audio
The lens cover is a nice bonus
Portability (it’s small and light-weight)
Cons
Camera sharpness in some low light situations is a bit blurred ever so slightly. We couldn’t seem to improve it, though it’s minor.
It isn’t the prettiest (if you care about that sort of thing)
The value of the P5 Webcam is quite good at currently just $29.49 on Amazon.com.
KYOTO, JAPAN — July 18th, 2024 — BitSummit, Japan’s longest-running indie games festival, has officially announced the games nominated for this year’s BitSummit Awards. BitSummit Drift will be held this weekend from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21, 2024. The Award Ceremony, where the winning titles will be announced, is scheduled for Sunday, July 21, at 3:45 PM JST. Viewers worldwide can tune in via YouTube and Twitch for a live broadcast of the main stage events.
The BitSummit Drift Award Nominees were chosen from more than 300 games and showcase the best of creativity, innovation, and pure fun in indie gaming.
The POPULAR SELECTION AWARD will have its nominees chosen by visitors during the event. They will be announced along with the VERMILION GATE AWARD Nominees for the Best in Show and all winning entries, including all sponsor awards, media partner awards, Game Jam Award, and BitKids Award, at the Awards Ceremony on Sunday, July 21, from 3:45 PM JST live on stage! Check out the official streaming of the awards ceremony on the event day.
BitSummit Drift tickets can also be purchased at the venue. If the venue is close to capacity on the day of the event, those who purchase tickets may be asked to wait to enter.
TwitchCon Rotterdam took place from June 29-30 this year in the Netherlands. If you weren’t one of the about 11,500 attendees and wondered what it was like to be there for the experience, we’ve got the video for you. Content creator Guzu took a vlog of the time spent in Rotterdam attending the TwitchCon event hosted there this year.
In this twenty minute video, Guzu and a couple of his friends join him in the TwitchCon, starting from the Rotterdam security check-in. From there, he comes across a “quest giver” as well as other content creators, then on to the merch booth on the expo floor, playing unique games like three-way ping-pong, some more traditional games like classic arcade cabinets, a trip to the Red Bull VIP area, and more. It’s a fun (and relatively quick) perspective of one creator’s journey through a day spent at a TwitchCon event.
Have you attended a TwitchCon and want to share your experience? Post a comment or send us a note if you have a video and want us to share it. 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!
There’s a good chance you’ve heard the term “Christmas in July.” Amazon certainly seems to be intimately familiar with it. In it’s ninth year, celebrating the many millions of Amazon Prime members, Amazon’s Prime Day is bringing a wealth of discounts and promotions for a massive range of products, with deals for Amazon Prime members from July 16-17.
But for many other retailers and companies, it’s an opportunity to follow suit and make the most of this week as a chance to offer their products at discount. And Synology is no exception, offering these deals within the week of Prime Days, from July 15-18.
This week, we’re focusing on many of the deals Synology brings to the table. During this week as well (with the chance to win open until July 19), we’re giving away a Synology 2TB BeeDrive portable SSD!
Events for Gamers is giving away a FREE 2TB Synology BeeDrive SSD! 🎫
Thanks to @Synology, we’re giving away one of their 2TB BeeDrive SSDs! Enter by July 19, 2024 for a chance to win! https://t.co/RgCBoRpCXs
— Events for Gamers (@eventsforgamers) July 12, 2024
This week, let’s explore a few of the deals Synology is offering, in both the United States and Canada. Please keep in mind prices will vary between vendors, and Canadian pricing reflects the rate of the Canadian dollar. Starting off, let’s see which retailers are carrying deals that are available for Synology’s NAS enclosures:
Synology’s DS224+ 2-bay NAS drive enclosure (image: Synology)
And, if you want to shop Synology’s store on Amazon, check out this link. Some of the previously mentioned products (among others) can be found in their Amazon shop can be found on sale, such as the RT2600ac router (15% off).
SIGGRAPH Asia returns to the vibrant city of Hong Kong for 2025
SIGGRAPH Asia is excited to announce that Hong Kong will be the host city for its 2025 conference and exhibition. This prestigious event will bring together the world’s most respected technical and creative minds, showcasing Hong Kong’s vibrant technology industry and enhancing its status as a global business hub.
Taku Komura, SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 Conference Chair and Professor at The University of Hong Kong, stated, “We are thrilled to bring SIGGRAPH Asia back to Hong Kong. The city’s dynamic and innovative environment, combined with its strategic location and strong support from both the government and industry, makes it the perfect venue for our 2025 conference. We look forward to building on the success of our previous events here and showcasing the latest advancements in computer graphics and interactive techniques.”
Tomasz Bednarz, SIGGRAPH Asia Conference Advisory Group (SACAG) Chair, added, “The SACAG is thrilled that SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 will be hosted in Hong Kong. We believe that our conference will allow connecting and enabling more researchers, artists, designers, and practitioners from the region to join our international SIGGRAPH community. This year’s SIGGRAPH Asia conference in Tokyo is set to be a remarkable success, and we are greatly looking forward to the dynamic exchange of ideas and innovations it will bring. Mark your calendars already and see you at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 and 2025!”
Hong Kong previously hosted SIGGRAPH Asia in 2011 and 2013, both of which were successful, attracting top talents worldwide and providing a platform for researchers and practitioners to share their latest findings and innovations.
The support for SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, alongside local industry and institutions, underscores the city’s commitment to fostering excellence in the field of computer graphics and interactive techniques. Additionally, Hong Kong’s vibrant ecosystem is home to numerous start-ups and established companies specializing in various aspects of these technologies, which will contribute to the event’s dynamic presence and foster opportunities for collaboration and growth.
“Winning SIGGRAPH for Hong Kong is a rewarding result of HKTB’s effort in rallying the academia and is a strong testament to the city’s professional standing. The return of this global flagship event on computer graphics and interactive techniques will underline Hong Kong’s position as an innovation and technology hub and its vibrant art scene as a cradle for digital art to thrive. With 8,000 delegates, over half of them coming from Mainland and overseas for a five-day programme, the event is yet another testament to Hong Kong’s capacity in hosting mega events and will generate huge economic value.” shared Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE and Cruise, Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Stay tuned at asia.siggraph.org/2025 for more updates as we prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey of innovation and creativity in the heart of Hong Kong in 2025.
Synology is a well-known name to gamers, thanks in particular to their gaming network-attached storage (NAS) drives. But that’s only a portion of the offerings from the Taipei, Taiwan-headquartered company, who are also known for a variety of other storage and backup solutions. Among these other storage devices is the Synology BeeDrive, which is essentially a portable SSD paired with Synology’s versatile desktop and mobile apps.
A good portable SSD can be a great asset if you’re a mobile gaming, tech or events business or creative professional, for example. Often, backing up files and keeping them synched between devices can be up there with the “wallet, phone, keys” check.
So, we’ll dig in and find out how well it works, and if the BeeDrive storage device is a reliable, speedy, secure, and convenient choice for on-the-go folks.
The package deal:
The front of the 2TB Synology BeeDrive package… (image: E4G)
…and the back of the BeeDrive box! (image: E4G)
Inside the Synology 2TB BeeDrive’s basic exterior cardboard box, with product information and software QR codes, is a folding black cardboard nested sleeve with the BeeDrive device on top in sealed plastic, a paper quick guide, and a 1 feet (30.5 cms) USB-C to USB-C cable for USB-C Type 2 10 gig-level transfer speed and a USB-A adapter to cover other, older USB connections.
BeeDrive, USB dongle and cable, and quick start guide — everything you need to get started (image: E4G)
The Synology 2TB BeeDrive is a rounded square of matte black plastic and weighs out at a very light 1.52 oz. (43.1g). By no means does it feel rugged, but I didn’t feel I had to handle it with kid gloves either. Dimensions measure a diminutive 2.56 x 0.59 x 2.56 inches (65 x 65 x 15mm), which fits in the palm of my hand.
The BeeDrive is not quite a handful (image: E4G)
The BeeDrive logo is embossed on the top, with a white status indicator LED in the lower-left corner of the front-facing side of the drive. On the back, you’ll find certifications and other product information. On the front-side of the device is a USB-C port for direct connections up to 10.5GB/s transfer rates when connected to a computer’s USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. Inside the BeeDrive’s plastic shell is a 2TB SSD formatted pre-formatted for exFAT, which is just about universal for reading from and writing to by almost any modern device.
Simple enough with no extraneous packaging — so it’s easy to start from the hardware end of the Synology BeeDrive.
Setup and usability:
Behind the deceptive simplicity of the hardware, the Synology BeeDrive’s software is where the capability truly lies and is a significant value-add to the hardware. And it’s an essential part of setting up when going a step beyond a “dumb” storage device is the main use for the BeeDrive. A connected PC or Mac computer is the hub of the connectivity, from which the backups, synchronization, and even the mobile backup is managed and run.
Oh, also, if you don’t have an account with Synology, it is required as part of the setup for more of the device- and service-level management.
Setting up the desktop BeeDrive app is as simple as clicking the exe. install file to get started. After installation, it’s possible to proceed right away to backing up desktop or mobile data or synchronizing the folders and files you want.
Choose your data adventure from the setup screen on BeeDrive’s desktop app: computer backup, synching, and mobile transfer (image: E4G)
Home screen of the BeeDrive desktop app from which each functions, its options, and stats can be accessed (image: E4G)
Whether backing up a desktop or mobile media files, synchronizing files across devices, when first setting up the processes, you can start by quickly backing up the top-level folder, which, on a Windows PC would be C:\Users\YourName, for example, or to explore your drive to select a folder or folders you want included. As an additional insurance policy for data, up to five different file version backups can be selected. There’s also file archival settings, file type and size filters to help refine the files backed-up even more. It’s also easy to review the device and data transfer status, pause or disconnect the current transfer, as well as review the transferred files history and edit settings.
Synchronizing files follows a similar setup as backing up, with the main difference being the two-way synching option (between computer and the BeeDrive) or one-way synching (to or from the BeeDrive) direction and file archival options for backup.
Advanced options for backup synching from the desktop app. Computer backup options are similar, except for archival of deleted files instead of sync direction (image: E4G)
By dropping and dragging files into one of the folders or plugging in the BeeDrive, the folders will automatically synchronize if it’s a two-way synching. It’s possible to juggle synchronization of up to 10 individual folders via the synch function, even synchronizing one folder between multiple devices when shuttling the BeeDrive between them.
Main screen of the BeeDrive mobile app, with BeeDrop and photo backup info and options (image: E4
Photo backup and options screen on the mobile BeeDrive app (image: E4G)
On to the mobile app and its features! After downloading the BeeDrive app in the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store, you pair the device via QR code. Navigating the mobile app is easy to pick up quickly — whether to back up either new or all photos and video media automatically. Also, you can cherry-pick and send individual files, photos, or instant camera shots files using the BeeDrop functionality.
BeeDrop file backup options from the BeeDrive mobile app (image: E4G)
Options and toggles in the app are fairly spare compared to the desktop app, but they can be useful, especially since most of them aren’t available on the desktop. For those with several mobile devices tp manage, the ability to pair with up to 5 is helpful, but being mindful of the available space on the BeeDrive will be more of a critical soft skill.
Performance:
Let’s look at the main three categories that define what the BeeDrive can do: backup, sync, and mobile.
For backing up, using CrystalDiskMark benchmarking, I tested three times at random and achieved an average of about 975MB/s read speed and 700 MB/s write speed on an HP gaming laptop with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. The marks were a bit shy of the marks it could theoretically reach, but for me, the speed was more than satisfactory.
As a means of comparison, the laptop’s built-in LiteOn CX2-8B256-Q11 256GB NVMe SSD reached 1830 MB/s read and 588 MB/s write speed. For an external portable SSD drive, that’s pretty darn fast.
For synchronizing files, generally speaking, speeds for syncing are in no small part dependent on the type of synchronization, the USB port used for desktop or Wi-Fi used for mobile. It seemed to me that two-way synchronizations were faster than one-way synchronization but were overall reasonably fast enough for me.
Lastly, using the BeeDrive’s mobile app, I backed up about 1.7 GBs of photos and videos over a Wi-Fi 5 network at about 113 MB/s, about 2 minutes to sync on a two-way backup. On a Wi-Fi 6 network, this speed could easily be several times faster, but real-world conditions can dramatically affect speeds.
How the BeeDrive folders display on a ChromeBook (image: E4G)
Out of curiosity, I also tested the Synology BeeDrive with a Chromebook, which isn’t listed as a supported device. The Android app doesn’t work for it and a Chromebook-native app doesn’t exist for it, but manually moving files to and from the Chromebook is doable.
One feature I found myself missing is AES-256 encryption, which is a common and important feature for securing files in portable SSDs. I hope future iterations of the BeeDrive may incorporate file encryption, whether from the hardware or software side. Using a third-party encryption solution like BitLocker with the BeeDrive is possible, but of course, it’s an extra step to factor in when backing up.
Official Specs:
Size: 2.56 x 0.59 x 2.56 inches (65 x 65 x 15mm)
Weight: 1.52 oz. (43.1g)
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)
Speed: Up to 1050 MB/s (depending on host device, Wi-Fi speeds, usage conditions, and other factors)
System Requirements: Windows 10 64-bit (Version 1809 or above) and Windows 11; macOS 12 or above; iOS 15 or above; Android 10 or above
File System Requirements: exFAT (pre-formatted)
Environment Requirements: • Operating temperature: 32˚F to 113˚F (0˚C to 45˚C) • Storage temperature: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)
Warranty: 3 years
Value:
According to a current Disk Prices listing of several well-known external SSD storage brands, the $169 MSRP listing places the Synology 2TB BeeDrive in the middle of the pack of this selection of 2TB external SSDs. A sale price would place the BeeDrive above average. Given the extra benefit of the well-designed desktop and mobile app, the value-add above and beyond the hardware makes the BeeDrive a good to very good value.
Also, the Synology BeeDrive comes in three storage sizes, with a 1TB ($99), 2TB ($169), or 4TB ($259) size, so you can select a size that best meets your budget.
Pros:
The desktop app and mobile BeeDrive apps make backing up and synchronizing files relatively automated and very quick and simple.
If the 2TB version isn’t quite enough, the 4TB Synology BeeDrive option is a good fit for power users
Very quick data transfer speed capability
Lightweight, compact, and highly portable
Between the hardware and software, it’s a very solid value (but on sale, it would be even better).
Cons:
No native encryption included
Given the Synology brand, some consumers will expect the BeeDrive to comparable to a NAS, but it’s no replacement for one
Ideal for:
Do you want cross-device storage and backup convenience and functionality that lies somewhere between a NAS drive and a basic external SSD? This device is the solution you’re looking for. At $169 MSRP, the 2TB BeeDrive is priced within reach for most of the mass market and offers plenty of zippy storage for most everyday sorts of uses and a robust software offering to grease the wheels of file synching and backup. A caveat, however: If either security and maximum budget-friendliness are your most important features, you may want to at least browse other options on the market.
Still, we definitely recommended the 2TB BeeDrive, especially for many casual-to-mid-level users (while power users may look at the 4TB drive as an entry point).
KYOTO, JAPAN — July 5th, 2024 — BitSummit, Japan’s longest-running indie games festival, unveils the lineup for this year’s stage events at BitSummit Drift. This year’s event, spanning three days from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21, 2024, will feature music performances, talk panels, and live interviews with renowned industry veterans from Japan and around the world.
This year’s BitSummit stage promises an array of captivating sessions, including a highly anticipated talk panel featuring Ryoya Usuhane, the 2023 Grand Prize winner of the “Kami Game Creator Evolution” contest. He will be joined by industry legends Shuhei Yoshida, head of the Indie Initiative at Sony, and Takashi Tokita, producer at Square Enix and professor at Tokyo University of the Arts, to delve into the appeal of award-winning indie games.
Special musical performances are set to electrify the BitSummit audience on-site and offline, starting with Professor Sakamoto, the pitch-perfect electronic maestro best known for his renditions of classic, retro game music. Sakamoto’s return as the opening act promises to set the tone for the three-day weekend of festivities. Also performing this year are Family Continue, a dynamic duo celebrated for their retro game-themed music and energetic rap. Their unique “Chip-Hop” style, blending 8-bit sounds with Famicom-inspired rap, has garnered a dedicated following and promises an unforgettable experience for fans.
In addition to these highlights, attendees can look forward to a variety of other exciting stage events throughout BitSummit Drift. Hosting the stage with their signature enthusiasm, returning MCs Aoi Yokomachi and J-mon will ensure an energized and entertaining showcase. For those unable to attend in person, all stage events will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch, offering global access to the festival’s vibrant energy.
KYOTO, JAPAN — July 2, 2024 — BitSummit, Japan’s oldest indie game festival bringing together the vibrant game creators community, pulls back the curtains on the 100 titles selected to be part of BitSummit Drift Official Selections and showcased in Kyoto from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 20th, 2024.
Following the success of last year’s event, “BitSummit Let’s Go!!”, which attracted over 23,000 visitors, BitSummit returns for its twelfth and biggest installment yet. This year, Japan’s most prominent indie game celebration will take over the entire Miyako Messe event space for three days, expanding to both floors for the first time. The first day is dedicated to B2B attendees, including developers, publishers, media, and sponsors, while the second and third days welcome the general public. Attendees can explore 100 unique titles from the Official Festival Selections and many more games from sponsors and partners that push the boundaries of creativity, storytelling, and fun in gaming.
Please visit the link below to see this year’s fantastic roster of indie games:
BitSummit Drift will be held both in-person and virtually, with live broadcasts on YouTube, TikTok, Bahamut, and Twitch, ensuring a global audience can partake in the festivities. The event will feature a diverse array of indie games, from award-winning hits to undiscovered gems, providing something for every gaming enthusiast.
Event Information:
Dates: Friday, July 19th to Sunday, July 21st
Location: Miyako Messe, Kyoto
Streaming Platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Bahamut, and Twitch
Languages: Japanese, English, and Chinese
Ticket Sales: Available on the official BitSummit website
In addition to the game showcases BitSummit Drift will include insightful panels, engaging presentations from industry leaders, and opportunities to interact with developers. Detailed schedules and additional announcements, including details on special guests and streaming booths, will be shared in the upcoming weeks.
Tickets and Access:
BitSummit Drift offers general admission and business tickets, catering to a wide range of attendees, from industry professionals to passionate gamers. Friday is dedicated to industry and media, while the weekend opens the doors to the public. Tickets are now on sale; click here to purchase!
SEATTLE – June 27, 2024 – Show organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade reveal Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer will participate in the Storytime opening session to kick off the festivities at PAX West 2024. Badges are now on sale for the West Coast’s most-attended gaming event, taking place Friday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 2, at the Seattle Convention Center.
Spencer will take the Main Stage on Friday, August 30, for an entertaining and informative look behind the scenes of his illustrious career with more than 30 years of experience in gaming, tech and entertainment. In his current role as Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Gaming, Spencer leads Microsoft’s global interactive entertainment business, spanning a range of legendary brands including Xbox, Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard Entertainment, King, and Xbox Game Studios.
Spencer has overseen console launches like those of Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. He’s also led initiatives for Xbox Game Pass, ID@Xbox, and recently hosted the Xbox Games Showcase, alongside Xbox President Sarah Bond and Microsoft Gaming Game Content and Studios President Matt Booty, who was previously our PAX West 2022 Storytime keynote speaker.
Spencer’s Storytime opening session will kick off a jam-packed schedule of events, panels, and concerts commemorating the 20th anniversary of PAX in the area where it all started. A full schedule and list of exhibitors will be shared in the coming weeks ahead of the show.
“Phil Spencer is at the center of something unprecedented with Microsoft Gaming,” said Jerry Holkins, co-founder of Penny Arcade and PAX. “It’s a tremendous responsibility. I can’t wait to find out what the industry looks like from where he’s sitting.”
PAX West badges are now on sale for $250 for a 4-day badge, or $66 for single-day badges for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.
Media and content creators interested in covering the event can apply for badges here.
The fine folks (Koelnmesse GmbH and game – Association of the German Games Industry) organizing the gamescom congress have sent fresh news and updates about the upcoming 2024 iteration of the German-based conference, now in its 17th year.
Leading off what’s new, one prominent change gamescom congress attendees will discover is that they’re hosted at the Confex, which is the new conference center on the Koelnmesse exhibition grounds. Sccording to the news release, Confex offers technologically advanced facilities that can enable more attendees to participate, since the prior venue, the Koelnmesse’s Congress Centre North, had met its peak number of attendees. The new location on south-west portion of of the exhibition grounds the exhibition grounds will be better located in relation to the gamescom Business Centre and the Cologne Messe/Deutz train station — presumably resulting in better connections to the gamescom expo event itself and to connecting areas in and around the host city of Cologne.
A view of the new Konfex venue that will host the gamescom congress 2024 (image: Koelnmesse Group)
On the topical side, the focuses will expand from the core of games and game development and business to incorporate education, culture, business and science and how games might add value to each other. Along those lines, the timely topics “Games and Artificial Intelligence” and “Games and Democracy” will be featured at the gamescom congress. The new topics will be divided into “Science & Education”, “Economy & Innovation” and “Society & Culture” sections for folks who want a little more granularity when they are on the hunt for a specific topic or talk.
A few of the topics that will be addressed include how games might be able to strengthen democratic coexistence, how games might add (or subtract) from democratic discourse, what possibilities can artificial intelligence unlock for business and society, and so on. It’s safe to assume this expansion of topics represents an outreach to connecting disciplines that may expand the impact of the event.
With the idea of amplifying the value of these new topics and disciplines represented at gamescom congress, new program formats, such as roundtables and speed dating, will be introduced this year to help with networking and help with connecting the dots between these different interest groups.
Whether you’re from the business or development side of games or another industry, if you want to attend gamescom and/or gamescom congress, visit this link to check out your ticket options. Gamescom takes place in Cologne, Germany, which will be be online on August 20, 2024 and in person from August 21-25, 2024. Specifically, Gamescom Congress will be hosted on August 22, 2024. More details about the program and other possibly new and (pardon the turn of phrase) game-changing additions may be coming to this event, which we’ll keep an eye out for!
Happy July Jubilation! We’ve put together yet another great list of events you can attend for the month.
July is a big month for events too, but not nearly as prominent as June was with over twice the events as we’re seeing this month. Not to fear though, we have plenty of conferences and conventions listed with a few new intriguing festivals to mention. As you can see below, no completely Online-only events… it’s summer time and the pandemic is well over, so get out there event attendees!
Many of the listed events are included in the calendar from your contributions in submitting events to the calendar. Thank you for continuing to support us!
Check out this month’s event list below. We’ve made some additions to the overview! You can now see whether an event is B2B (Business-to-Business) or B2C (Business-to-Consumer), as well as the city/country. Click in the event for even more details. You can also click here for the main calendar that includes events throughout the rest of the year and beyond.
