Tuesday, November 11, 2025
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DreamHack India Turns Six: Six Highlights at Hyderabad Comic Con X DreamHack India

Paul Philleo
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DreamHack India Turns Six: Six Highlights at Hyderabad Comic Con X DreamHack India

DreamHack India turns six this year, and Hyderabad Comic Con X DreamHack India promises a milestone weekend that pays tribute to the festival’s roots while pushing the experience forward. Including esports, retrogaming, analog nostalgia, cosplay and more, the three-day event running October 31 to November 2, 2025, aims to deliver any experience a gamer, creator, or collector could want under one roof. In keeping with the six years of operation, these are six of the highlighted experiences attendees can partake in.

  • KO Fight Nights Three fighting-game tournaments feature Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, and Super Smash Bros. Tekken 8 carries a ₹3,60,000 prize pool and is a DOJO stop for the Tekken World Tour 2025, meaning entrants earn official Dojo Points toward global rankings. Street Fighter 6 and Super Smash Bros events run daily with smaller cash prizes and open-bracket formats suitable for both casual entrants and regional competitors.
  • Chess at DreamHack A competitive chess program offers Rapid and Blitz sections with a combined ₹5,00,000 prize pool. Matches follow standard timed formats and tournament pairing systems, providing a structured environment for rated and unrated players alike.
  • Android PANFEST Battle Royale A mobile-focused battle-royale competition across classic maps encourages squad play and tournament-style scheduling. Organisers will publish lobby formats, match rules, and prize distribution in advance to help teams prepare.
  • Retro and Table Top Zone One Retro Zone houses arcade cabinets and board-game tables, with small prize pools for selected tournaments. Titles include arcade classics and tabletop staples such as Ludo, Carrom, and Uno; events mix casual open-play sessions with scheduled competitive brackets.
  • BYOD Bring Your Own Device The 72-hour LAN allows attendees to set up personal rigs for continuous play. On-site PC rental options are available for visitors without equipment. The space supports community-run sessions, pickup tournaments, and spectator areas.
  • Cosplay and Merch Market Daily cosplay competitions award cash prizes and culminate in the Indian Championship of Cosplay on the final day. The Merch Market will feature exhibitors selling collectibles, apparel, and game-related hardware with clear vendor listings and payment options.

Tickets and full event schedules for Hyderabad Comic Con X DreamHack India are available on the District App and the official DreamHack and Comic Con India websites.

From Vision to Reality: SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 Reveals Program Highlights and Global Creative Lineup in Hong Kong

Mathew Anderson
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From Vision to Reality: SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 Reveals Program Highlights and Global Creative Lineup in Hong Kong
  • The 18th edition of ACM SIGGRAPH Asia will be held from 15–18 December 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
  • Hong Kong set to welcome over 7,000 attendees from more than 50 countries
  • “Generative Renaissance” theme spotlights AI’s transformative role in art, science, and creativity

Hong Kong, 14 October 2025 –​​ Koelnmesse, the organiser of SIGGRAPH Asia 2025, has unveiled the 2025 theme, Generative Renaissance, a distinguished lineup of internationally acclaimed keynote speakers, featured sessions, and exhibition highlights in the lead-up to the December conference in Hong Kong.

“SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 reflects the extraordinary creativity and technical expertise flourishing in Hong Kong, alongside a convergence of the world’s leading researchers, studios, and creators,” said Taku Komura, Conference Chair and Professor at The University of Hong Kong. “With our theme, Generative Renaissance, this edition will showcase groundbreaking work in AI, animation, and immersive technologies, highlighting both local talent and international innovation. We look forward to an inspiring conference that pushes the boundaries of creativity and technology.”

Shaping Tomorrow: Keynotes on AI Transforming Art, Design, and Media

SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 will feature three visionary keynote speakers whose work are redefining AI, computer vision, and generative technology:

  • Harry Shum, Council Chairman of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and former Executive Vice President of Microsoft AI & Research. At SIGGRAPH Asia, he will spotlight his work on the Low Altitude Economy (LAE) and present the Smart Integrated Low Altitude System (SILAS), an operating system built to connect operations, regulations, and end-users.
  • Jamie Shotton, Chief Scientist at Wayve, a leader in computer vision and AI for autonomous vehicles. His pioneering research on real-time human pose recognition has reshaped AR/VR applications and now drives the next frontier in intelligent mobility.
  • Dr. Chunchao Guo, Head of Hunyuan 3D Generation and World Modeling at Tencent, whose groundbreaking work in generative AI and large-scale 3D modeling is advancing world simulation, digital twins, and creative AI across industries.

Oscar-Winning Innovators and Pixar Visionaries Headline Featured Sessions 

Each year, the Featured Sessions spotlight leading work in animation, visual effects, and virtual production. The 2025 edition features Paul Debevec, Chief Research Officer at Eyeline Studios (Netflix) and Richard Chuang, Founder of d1n0. Also joining this year is a group from Pixar Animation Studios—Claudia Chung Sanii, David Luoh, Emron Grover, Jordan Rempel, Renee Tam, and Sajan Skaria—presenting Alien Abduction! The Truth Behind the Making of Pixar’s Elio.

They will be joined by Momo Wang, award-winning animation director, artist, and creator of Tuzki; Scott Ross, Founder of Digital Domain and former GM of ILM and SVP of Lucasfilm; Raman Hui, acclaimed director of Monster Hunt and longtime DreamWorks animator, best known for his work on the Shrek franchise; and Chris Bremble, Founder & CEO of Base Media, spotlighting the studio’s triumphant return with Ne Zha 2 and its groundbreaking visual effects work.

World Experts at the Helm of SIGGRAPH Asia’s Innovation Programs

SIGGRAPH Asia 2025’s core programs are curated by a world-class lineup of chairs, each leading a unique facet of the conference. Conference Chair Taku Komura sets the vision for the event, while Technical Papers Chairs Michael Wimmer and Hongbo Fu highlight groundbreaking research. Art Gallery Chair Isaac Leung and Art Papers Chair Kian Peng Ong showcase the latest intersections of art and technology.

The Computer Animation Festival (CAF), SIGGRAPH Asia’s iconic program, is led by Chair Tim Cheung and Producer Jennifer Lee. Each year, CAF’s Electronic Theater and Animation Theater showcase the world’s best CG animation, offering audiences entertaining and thought-provoking works. An international jury of top experts will also select the best entries and award four prestigious honors: Best Student Project, Jury Special, Best in Show, and Audience Choice.

In addition, Courses Chair Mélina Skouras, Emerging Technologies Chair Kening Zhu, XR Chair Evan Yifan Peng, and Games Chair Eric Liu provide hands-on learning and immersive experiences for attendees.

Educator’s Forum Chair Meili Wang, Featured Sessions Chair Baoquan Chen, Posters Chair Junyong Noh, Real-Time Live! Chair Bent Stamnes, Technical Communications Chair Yuting Ye,  Workshops Chair Ruizhen Hu, and Publications Chair Stephen Spencer provide platforms for knowledge sharing and experimentation. Supporting the community is Student Volunteers Chair Patience Lee.

SIGGRAPH Asia Exhibition Stage: Where Innovation Debuts

Running 16–18 December, the SIGGRAPH Asia Exhibition will feature more than 70 leading companies showcasing breakthroughs in hardware, software, and interactive technologies. With over 7,000 professionals expected, it is the region’s premier platform to connect with innovators, discover talent, and experience technologies shaping the future.

This year’s exhibition will showcase leading sponsors including FORUM8, Tencent, Huawei Technologies, Morpho, Vicon, NVIDIA, and Foundry.

Visitors can also look forward to participation from some of the industry’s most influential players such as Adobe, Chingmu Motion Capture, CLO Virtual Fashion, Meta’s Reality Labs Research, NOKOV, Pixar Animation Studios’ Renderfarm, and Qualisys. Adding to the diversity of innovation, the exhibition will feature two country pavilions – South Korea and Malaysia – spotlighting emerging technologies and creative talent from across Asia.

For complete SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 Conference and Exhibition details, visit https://asia.siggraph.org/2025/.

REGISTRATION

https://asia.siggraph.org/2025/register is open to trade visitors and the public.

First GDC 2026 Party (That We Know of) Announced

Paul Philleo
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First GDC 2026 Party (That We Know of) Announced

It’s over four-and-a-half months to the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2026, but already the first third-party event (caveat: that we’re aware of, anyway) around the San Francisco-hosted game industry conference has been announced.

Courage XL is an indie-focused showcase and social pre-party scheduled for the evening of Sunday, March 8 at The Great Northern in San Francisco. Run by Courage.Events, the gathering pairs a curated indie game demo floor with a more relaxed social format. The event leads off with an early VIP hour for press, investors and platform contacts, followed by broader access with rotating demo stations and a “chill bar” atmosphere.

Photo from Courage XL 2024, with indie developers and gamers in a purple-lit venue.
Expect lots of indie developers and indie game-loving players, such as these from Courage XL 2024 (image: Courage.Events)

The Courage XL event targets industry professionals rather than general consumers. Typical attendees include indie developers showing in-progress builds, recruiters and platform reps scouting talent, journalists and influencers seeking fresh stories, and veteran creators looking for low-pressure networking before GDC’s official program begins. Courage XL focuses more on casual table setups and conversational demos so developers can get focused feedback and make direct connections. Even with a more casual atmosphere, organizers expect about 1,000 or more attendees over the course of the evening.

For approximately three dozen indie developers, the event will offer exposure to relevant industry contacts and a practical opportunity to get business momentum from their demos. For GDC attendees it serves as a fun kick-off to the week of GDC activities, where early partnerships and story leads can often form.

In addition to organizing indie game dev showcases at GDC, Courage.Events also organizes events at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. Additionally, they host smaller, local meetups and “GameDevDinners” in the Netherlands focusing on specific topics like serious gaming.

To learn more about Courage.Events and Courage XL, check out their events website. For Courage XL tickets pre-registration, also linked from their event site, visit their Eventbrite page for free tickets and VIP/individual sponsorship tickets. Last but not least, if the main event, GDC 2026 is what interests you, you’ll want to start with their official conference site to explore more.

Sustainable Games Alliance Launches First Industry Standard for Sustainable Games

Mathew Anderson
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Sustainable Games Alliance Launches First Industry Standard for Sustainable Games

One year after its founding, the Alliance delivers a sustainability framework already in use by more than 30 members worldwide

Helsinki, Finland, 07.10.2025 – The Sustainable Games Alliance (SGA), a global non-profit cooperative of game developers, universities and associations, today announced the launch of the Sustainable Games Standard, the first global emissions reporting framework created specifically for the games industry.

Established in 2024, SGA set out to bring studios, publishers, associations, and partners together around a common goal: making gaming the most sustainable form of entertainment. Just a year later, that goal has moved from vision to reality. With more than 30 members and partners already involved, the Sustainable Games Standard gives the industry a freely available, practical tool to measure, benchmark, and reduce emissions across development, publishing, distribution, and infrastructure.

“With the Sustainable Games Standard, the industry finally has a framework that reflects how games are actually made, turning ambition into actionable impact. It is a commitment of the industry uniting companies, associations, and researchers under one standard to drive change at scale. Our ambition is to make gaming the most sustainable entertainment medium, and industry wide strategic action based on easily accessible and comparable data is the only way we’ll get there.” said Maria Wagner, Managing Director of the Sustainable Games Alliance.

A Framework Designed for Games

Unlike generic reporting tools, the Sustainable Games Standard has been built around the unique needs of the games sector and its value chain. Covering everything from game design and server infrastructure to marketing and hardware, the framework enables companies to:

  • Track emissions with accuracy specific to games

  • Benchmark performance across titles and companies

  • Identify improvements that cut costs and reduce environmental impact

  • Comply with new regulations in Europe and beyond

  • Optimize energy consumption and extend battery life

  • Reduce hardware load and optimize performance

  • Enhance the player experience

Importantly, the framework is freely available, ensuring studios of all sizes, from AAA to indie, can take part.

Global Industry Support

The Sustainable Games Alliance already unites a broad coalition of studios, publishers, service providers, and associations. Together, these organizations represent every corner of the industry, from pioneering indie developers and global studios to trade associations and research initiatives, reflecting a growing momentum for systemic, industry-wide action on sustainability.

“The SGA Standard paves the way for greater transparency and streamlined collaboration between game developers, manufacturers, and service providers to more effectively contribute to emissions reduction,” said Mathias Gredal Nørvig, CEO of SYBO. “An industry standard for measurement and reporting is the critical next step in making the gaming landscape’s sustainability efforts more efficient and impactful.”

“To accurately measure our company’s full carbon footprint, we need transparent data from our partners. While we get detailed emissions reporting for some services like business travel, there are major data gaps when it comes to digital service infrastructure. This prevents us from truly understanding our impact. Standardized reporting for services is essential—it would empower customers and providers alike to make meaningful climate progress. That’s why I’m excited to see what we can achieve with the SGA Standard,” said Tommi Lappalainen, Senior Sustainability Manager at Rovio Entertainment.

“Energy efficiency is not just a technical detail, it’s a competitive advantage. Longer battery life keeps players engaged on the go, while lower energy demand contributes to a more sustainable game industry. To make real progress, we need reliable ways to measure and compare performance across the industry, and it is exciting to see SGA being a leader of that transformation”, said Laurent Gibert, Principal Product Strategy Architect & Co-Lead Unity Montreal.

From Launch to Action
The launch of the Sustainable Games Standard marks the beginning of a new chapter for the industry, one where environmental responsibility becomes part of how games are made. It is paving the way for more strategic and systemic reporting and emissions reduction by enabling integration into game engines, platforms, and by service providers, saving developers time and money by delivering better data, faster and with greater transparency freeing up capacities for studios to focus on creating more sustainable, just better games.

Throughout 2025 and 2026, the Sustainable Games Alliance (SGA) will support adoption of the standard and will host workshops, case studies, and presentations that showcase results from early members and demonstrate real-world impact.

SGA is calling on developers, publishers, platforms, investors, and associations worldwide to join the initiative and help position gaming as a global leader in sustainable entertainment.

For more information about the Standard for Sustainable Gaming
https://sustainablegamesalliance.org/standard/

Press kit and media information
https://sustainablegamesalliance.org/press/

About the Sustainable Games Alliance (SGA) 

The Sustainable Games Alliance (SGA) is a non-profit cooperative founded by the world’s leading game entrepreneurs and environmental researchers with one goal: to make the games industry the leader in sustainability by setting ambitious and achievable standards for environmental and social responsibility.  https://sustainablegamesalliance.org/

SGA already has 33 members from 11 different countries including PC, console & mobile game developers, research groups, and local as well as pan-European trade associations. Its members are:

Arctic Game, Black Soup, Bold Beetle Games, Charged Monkey, Clean Play, Colossal Order Ltd, EGDF, Ever Curious Entertainment Inc., Expa Game Business Cooperative, Fingersoft, Game Only, Games Denmark, Horizon Europe STRATEGIES, IGDA Climate SIG, INSTINCT3 GmbH, Lockwood Publishing, London Games, MOOD ApS / MOOD Holding ApS, Neogames Finland ry, Nitro Games Plc, Psyon Games, Remedy, Second Stage GmbH, Secret Exit Oy, SGDA, Spielfabrique, Sports Interactive, Starbreeze, Super Evil Megacorp, SYBO, Tactile Games ApS, and WLove Games.

Press Contact
Eisvita Ziemelyte

eisvita.ziemelyte@gamesbranding.com

Evo France Set to Become Largest Fighting Game Event In European Union History

Paul Philleo
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Evo France Set to Become Largest Fighting Game Event In European Union History
NICE, FRANCE (Oct 7, 2025) – The Evolution Championship Series (known as Evo) makes its historic European debut on October 10–12 in Nice, France, at the iconic Palais des Expositions de Nice. Evo France has already shattered records with competitors from 93 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Africa, as they search to hoist a Championship trophy across seven gaming titles. In addition to the competition, the three-day event features a vibrant showcase of community and culture across an expansive show floor. Online ticketing is now closed, but one-day tickets are available at the venue.
The weekend will kick off on Thursday, October 9 at 18:00 CEST with a press conference featuring the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, along with Evo officials at the OcéaNice Congress Centre on the waterfront to preview the weekend.
“While we knew France would be an incredible host for Evo‘s first European event, members of our community showing up to compete from 93 countries is still an awe-inspiring response,” said Rick Thiher, General Manager of Evo. “In recent years, fighting game communities have reaffirmed their cultural impact worldwide, and Evo is committed to showcasing their ongoing growth when we return to Nice in 2026.”
In the tournament brackets, France leads the way with 1,948 competitors at Evo (including world travelers Luffy, Mister Crimson, Valmaster, Yasha, and Super Akouma), followed by the UK with 584, Germany with 286, Spain with 231, Italy with 183, Switzerland, the United States with 128, Netherlands with 121, Poland with 85, and Belgium with 76, rounding out the top 10 countries. Other international players looking for glory include Daigo Umehara, Tokido, Punk, Knee, Arslan Ash, Lord Knight, and Bonchan. Several renowned fighting game personalities will be featured in the broadcast, including Logan Sama, Jwong, Tyrant, Jaidlyn, Iamc4iq, Rookang, Lazarus, Virum, Rynge, and Tasty Steve. There will also be notable French creators at the event, including Mister MV, Kayane, Gen1us, Ken Bogard, and broadcast host Damascus.
Evo France will reunite with its global partners—Nacon, PlayStation, Qiddiya Gaming, and Zenni—alongside regional supporters, the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur and Nice Office du Tourisme, to connect with the fighting game community both onsite and online.
The Evo France lineup will feature the following titles:
LINEUP
  • SNK’s FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves
  • Cygames’ Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising
  • Arc System Works’ GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-
  • Capcom’s Street Fighter 6
  • Bandai Namco Entertainment’s TEKKEN 8
  • Arc System Works’ DRAGON BALL FighterZ
  • Bushiroad’s HUNTER×HUNTER: NEN×IMPACT
Fans can experience playables for upcoming games, including Riot Games’ 2XKO and Arc System Works’ Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, along with a pop-up arcade, Fighting Game Museum, curated Artist Alley and Exhibitor area, and Bring Your Own Community (BYOC) Tournaments area. Fans can also cheer on their favorites during the Top 8 Finals, and major brand partners can connect fans with new and innovative activations.
The complete Evo France schedule is as follows (subject to change):
Friday, October 10 (all times in CEST):
  • 8:00am: Doors open
  • 9:45am Preshow
  • 10am: Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising (Pools)
  • 11am: Domitys Cup Exhibition
  • 12pm: Street Fighter 6,TEKKEN 8, GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- (Pools)
  • 2pm: Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves (Pools)
  • 3pm: Cosplay Exhibition
  • 4pm Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, DRAGON BALL FighterZ (Pools)
  • 6pm: Top 8 of HUNTER×HUNTER NEN×IMPACT to end of stream
  • 10pm: Venue closes or when competitive play finishes
Saturday, October 11(all times in CEST):
  • 8:00am: Doors open
  • Top 8 timing (all times estimates and subject to change)
    • 9am: DRAGON BALL FighterZ
    • 3pm: FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves
    • 5pm: Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising
    • 10pm: Venue closes or when competitive play finishes
Sunday, October 12 (all times in CEST):
  • Doors open at 9:00am
  • Top 8 timing (all times estimates and subject to change)
    • 10am: GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-
    • 1pm: TEKKEN 8
    • 4pm: Street Fighter 6
    • 10pm: Venue closes or when competitive play finishes
During Evo earlier this year it was announced that Evo‘s flagship event will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center from June 26-28, 2026. Evo will also return to Tokyo for Evo Japan from May 1-3, 2026. After Evo France returns to Nice next year, Evo will continue its expansion with Evo Singapore in early 2027, with dates still to be announced.

Global Game Jam and WIPO Launch ‘The Next Great IP Jam’ to Inspire Young Game Developers to Build the Industry’s Next Cross-media Universe

Mathew Anderson
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Global Game Jam and WIPO Launch ‘The Next Great IP Jam’ to Inspire Young Game Developers to Build the Industry’s Next Cross-media Universe

Virtual Jam Challenges Developers to Level Up Using the Power of IP 

GENEVA – September 26, 2025 – What does it take to build a game that could become the industry’s next big franchise? The Next Great IP Jam is challenging game developers to find out by creating franchise-worthy concepts with the potential to become legendary intellectual property (IP).
 
Running from October 9 to 27, 2025, the virtual jam is a collaboration between the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Global Game Jam (GGJ). The initiative will engage young game developers between the ages of 15 and 35 in not only making a game but also understanding the role and relevance of IP throughout the creative and business process.

Jammers will design games with franchise potential, focusing on characters, branding, and merchandising. The jam simulates the IP commercialization chain and highlights the importance of protecting original content from the outset. Through tailored knowledge sessions led by experts from around the world, participants will learn how copyright, trademarks, patents and design rights can protect and strengthen their creations, ensuring that the ideas they develop during the jam are truly IP-ready and capable of growing into sustainable franchises.

“Video games bring together technology, culture, and creativity to tell exciting new stories, and that makes them a treasure trove of intellectual property,” said Todd Reves, who heads the area that oversees WIPO’s IP and Youth Empowerment Strategy (IP-YES!). “From the code, game play and characters, to the storytelling, music, branding and merchandising, every part of a game can be protected and strengthened by IP such as copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, designs, and even patents.”

“Too often, game developers don’t realize the importance of IP until it’s too late,” Global Game Jam executive director Maria Burns Ortiz said. “Next Great IP Jam will showdevelopers why this is something you should be thinking about as soon as you start brainstorming, and we’ll make it fun.”

Through this initiative, WIPO seeks to show young developers how IP can transform an idea into a lasting franchise with global reach. This collaboration with GGJ is part of WIPO’s IP-YES! initiative, which seeks to spark passion about IP among young creators, innovators and entrepreneurs, help them build skills to leverage the tools and services available to them, and empower them to protect, and scale their creative and innovative ventures.

The best games from each region will be announced the week of November 17, 2025. Winners will receive mentorship from industry leaders and a range of exclusive opportunities to showcase their work, develop their skills and build their networks.

For more or to sign up, visit: www.globalgamejam.org/wipo

About WIPO

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized United Nations agency that serves the world’s innovators and creators, ensuring that their ideas enter safely to the market and improve lives everywhere.

We do so by providing servicesthat enable creators, innovators and entrepreneurs to protect and promote their intellectual property (IP) across borders and acting as a forum for addressing cutting-edge IP issues. OurIP data and informationguide decision makers the world over, and our impact-driven projects andtechnical assistanceensure IP benefits everyone, everywhere.

About Global Game Jam

The Global Game Jam inspires game creators to experiment, innovate, and collaborate. Each year, GGJ organizes the world’s largest game jam, bringing together tens of thousands of participants across hundreds of sites worldwide. Founded in 2008, GGJ will celebrate its 17th edition from Jan. 26 – Feb. 1, 2026, with over 500,000 lifetime participants. GGJ also runs the world’s largest youth game jam, GGJ Next, and works to support and grow game development ecosystems around the world year-round.

GDC Evolves With “Festival of Gaming” Rebranding

Paul Philleo
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GDC Evolves With “Festival of Gaming” Rebranding

The long-running Game Developer Conference (GDC) has officially rebranded as the GDC Festival of Gaming, a change unveiled via social media (on X among other platforms) last week that sent waves of interest and feedback from the game development community.

Scheduled for March 9–13, 2026, at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, this shift for GDC reflects a broader industry pivot, events experiences included. In a statement to GamesIndustry.biz, organizers promise “more connection, more opportunity, more relevance,” positioning the festival as a one-stop destination for every stage of game creation.

In explaining the rebrand, GDC leaders highlighted seismic changes in development budgets, fragmented attention spans, and tougher discovery pathways for indie teams. They argued that new technologies have democratized game design but also intensified the need for community support. “Our community needs more connection, visibility, and support,” the announcement declared in the same statement to GamesIndustry.biz, framing the Festival of Gaming as the logical next step for an evolving sector.

A revamped pass structure underpins the rebrand. The new Festival Pass replaces the pricey All Access option at a significantly reduced rate, making sure that full entry is the baseline rather than a premium add-on. Start-ups and academic attendees will have access to additional discounts, eliminating a too-familiar trade-off between affordability and full programming access.

Last spring’s GDC drew nearly 30,000 attendees and expanded exhibitor booths from 325 to 400. Over 1,000 speakers led 750 sessions, workshops, and roundtables, while GDC Nights—a pair of after-hours gatherings—welcomed another 6,000 participants, hinting at some of the refreshed social dimensions the Festival of Gaming may amplify.

But, based on some of the feedback from individuals and organizations, there were definite hints that the GDC event experience may have hit a wall, especially in the last year or two.

Now, with the rebrand, across social media, developers and press alike have greeted the rebrand with a mix of cautious optimism and wariness about the shift from a developer-focused experience and a unified event pass — with some factors not changing yet, like the political situation in the U.S affecting travelers from abroad or the pricey San Francisco-based location.

Will the nay-sayers or enthusiasts for the rebrand be proven correct in the end? Perhaps the only way is to attend or, at least, follow the discussion online as we approach and enter GDC season in early 2026. Learn more at the official GDC website and follow along with E4G as we share news and updates as the Game Developer Conference approaches!

October 2025 Game Industry Conference and Convention Events Calendar

Mathew Anderson
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October 2025 Game Industry Conference and Convention Events Calendar

We’ve put together another great list of events you can attend for October 2025! The month is shaping up to be a much more mixed bag of conferences, conventions, and even a few educational events, even than September’s interesting mix. With fall season on the horizon, it’s looking crisp and cool for everyone at all levels of game industry involvement.

NEXUS Game Conference (Oct 1-2) takes the lead with GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit following right behind as a day-conference on Oct. 2. Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki Conference (Oct. 7-8)is always a favorite of ours, and MeetToMatch’s Bangkok Edition. The middle of the month also has plenty of conventions like TwitchCon San Diego (Oct. 17-19) and Steam Next Fest October (Oct 13-20).

This month also has some unusual but interesting new events (for our calendar), such as Donna Day (Oct. 22-23), Albert Games Series (Oct. 7-8), and W Love Games (Oct. 9-10).

There are plenty of conferences and conventions in this month’s lineup to explore. It’s a full calendar, and I can’t wait to see what surprises come out of it all. Many of the conferences listed will also have sessions and discussions about the state of the industry that continue from events earlier in the year.

Check out the complete month’s event list below, but first…

SPECIAL OFFERS

We recently 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
20% off PG Connects Helsinki (B2B) [DL-Midsummer20]
5% off Atsusacon (B2C) [EVENTS4GAMERS]
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]
40% off (GSD) Mobidictum Conference (B2B) Registration Page
25% off Serious Play Conference (B2B) [GGJSPC25]
11% off WN Events (B2B) [E4G]

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

THIS MONTH’S 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!

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.

There are no upcoming events at this time

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!

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

Gamathon 2025: Africa’s Premier Games & Immersive Media Convention Returns to Lagos for Main Convention Following Successful Regional Tour

Mathew Anderson
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Gamathon 2025: Africa’s Premier Games & Immersive Media Convention Returns to Lagos for Main Convention Following Successful Regional Tour

Continental finale brings together Video Games, XR, Animation, and Digital Creative Industries for transformative week of business innovation and economic growth

LAGOS, Nigeria – September 23, 2025
Africacomicade, Africa’s leading catalyst for the immersive and interactive media industry, today announced the sixth edition of Gamathon Nigeria 2025, the flagship event and grand finale of this year’s continental tour, taking place in Lagos from September 29 to October 4, 2025.

The Nigeria edition serves as the main event following successful regional tours in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa earlier this year, bringing Gamathon “home” and uniting the continent’s most innovative minds in video games, extended reality (XR), animation, and digital creative industries for one transformative week. 

Building on Success: From Regional Impact to Continental Unity

Following the resounding success of Gamathon 2024’s ( Themed “Thrive” ) which celebrated the tenacity and creativity of African digital creatives, this year’s convention adopts the theme “Bridge,” expanding reach and deepening cross-continental collaboration to increase access to opportunities for creatives across Africa.

“The regional tours in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have demonstrated the immense talent and potential across our continent,” said Michael Oscar, Founder of Africacomicade. “Gamathon Nigeria 2025 represents the culmination of these efforts, creating bridges between regions and sectors while establishing pathways for youth empowerment, investment, job creation, and socio-economic growth.”

 

Open Innovation Platform

Gamathon 2025 welcomes a vibrant mix of investors, policymakers, industry professionals, creators, students, and enthusiasts passionate about game development, XR, animation, and the wider creative technology ecosystem.

Building on the success of previous editions, the convention has featured extensive industry showcases, knowledge-sharing sessions, studio tours of leading creative companies, and curated stakeholder engagements — all contributing to the growth of Africa’s creative industries.

This event is proudly endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, and the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, with strong backing from organizations such as UNDP, Providus Bank, Sanlam Allianz, MSI, and more. Together, these partners are working to engage stakeholders, spotlight opportunities, and drive a sustainable future for the sector.

 

Six Days of Innovation and Opportunity

As Africa’s premier B2B2C convention for the creative tech sector, Gamathon 2025 will deliver comprehensive programming designed to drive industry growth:

Knowledge Exchange & Capacity Building

  • Workshops, Co-creation sessions , masterclasses, and expert panels featuring African and global leaders around the subject of entrepreneurship, Intellectual property , Policy, monetization, innovation and more , covering gamification, game development, digital fashion, extended reality, spatial computing, education, and interactive storytelling 

Business Development & Investment

  • Featuring exclusive Industry Dinner and strategic networking opportunities, direct access to investors, accelerators, and industry founders, presenting their  IP projects for funding and publishing deals. There will also be a pitch competition  with a $2000 prize pool for both  PC and Mobile Games, spearheaded by Korapay and IndieGamesBusiness. 

Creative Showcases & Cultural Exchange

  • Spotlighting African creativity and innovation in games, animation, comics, and XR
  • through an online exhibition on MeetToMatch platform, a two-week Pan-African Game Jam fostering cross-continent collaboration and cultural exchange, as well as  two physical expo at the Industry Day and Creative Bloc carnival

Key announcements and Activations at the Gamathon

This year’s Gamathon solidifies its role as the definitive launchpad for innovation and creativity within Africa’s video games and immersive media industry.

The convention will feature:

Attendees will also gain access to exclusive industry reports, market data, and insights, making the Gamathon not just a celebration of creativity but also a critical hub for knowledge-sharing and industry growth.

Positioning Africa for Global Leadership

The event addresses a critical market opportunity as Africa’s gaming and creative tech sectors experience unprecedented growth. With the continent poised to contribute significantly to the next billion digital consumers globally, Gamathon 2025 focuses on positioning African youth as creators rather than merely consumers.

“The next billion players are coming from the continent,” emphasized Oscar. “It’s crucial to position our youth as creators to ensure a sustainable future for our society and economy.”

Global Game Jam and Pocket Gamer Connects Announce Global Community Partnership

Mathew Anderson
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Global Game Jam and Pocket Gamer Connects Announce Global Community Partnership

From GGJ and PGC: GGJ and Pocket Gamer Connects have worked together on different events in the past, but this new, wider Community Partnership means we can now bring even more value to our community members and developers. Through this collaboration, the GGJ community will gain unique access to the networking, insights, and opportunities that PGC’s world-class events are known for. With GGJ’s and PGC’s aligned mission to grow and support game development communities around the world, this partnership feels like a natural next step. Thank you to PGC for this collaboration and continued support of developers everywhere!

For those unfamiliar, Pocket Gamer Connects is a leading international B2B conference series for the global games industry. Since its launch in 2014, it has grown into one of Europe’s premier games events, with a diverse program spanning mobile, PC, console, XR, web3, and AI. Each event brings together developers, publishers, investors, and industry professionals through inspiring talks, matchmaking, pitching opportunities, and more.

As part of our partnership, PGC is offering the GGJ community exclusive discounts for all their global events. First up: PGC Helsinki, October 7–8, 2025! Book your tickets now and enjoy 20% off with the code GGJHSK20 – Register here.

And there’s more! Any indie developer who uses our discount code when registering will also be entered into a raffle to win a free showcase table at the event to demo their game to publishers, investors, and the wider industry.

Thanks to PGC and this exciting, expanded, year-round partnership, GGJ will also have a few free passes to distribute for each PGC event. These will go to some of our most engaged and involved volunteers, indie studios, and community members, as a small way of recognizing everything they do to make GGJ possible and wonderful.

We look forward to seeing our community connect, learn, and grow at PGC events around the world.

Upcoming PGC events:

  • Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki – October 7 – 8, 2025
  • Pocket Gamer Connects Summit Korea – October 31, 2025
  • Pocket Gamer Connects Aqaba – November 8 – 9, 2025
  • Pocket Gamer Connects Summit Canary Islands – December 4 – 5, 2025
  • Pocket Gamer Connects London – January 19 – 20, 2026
  • Dubai GameExpo Summit powered by Pocket Gamer Connects – May 20 – 21, 2026
  • Pocket Gamer Connects Barcelona – June 2026.
  • Pocket Gamer Connects Summit Shanghai – Late July 2026.

Nodwin Gaming Brings Dreamhack India Back to Hyderabad Comic Con for the Ultimate Youth Entertainment Extravaganza This October

Paul Philleo
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Nodwin Gaming Brings Dreamhack India Back to Hyderabad Comic Con for the Ultimate Youth Entertainment Extravaganza This October

New Delhi, September 18, 2025: NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, has announced that DreamHack India 2025, India’s largest digital festival, will return to Hyderabad this year as part of Hyderabad Comic Con 2025, one of the nation’s biggest pop culture celebration. The mega three-day event will take place from October 31 to November 2, 2025, giving fans the ultimate festival of gaming, comics, cosplay, and fandom culture under one roof.

Adding to the excitement, DreamHack India celebrates its 6th anniversary this year, marking a milestone moment for India’s gaming community. DreamHack has become a staple of India’s esports and gaming calendar, featuring electrifying LAN tournaments, cosplay contests, tech expos, retro zones, meet & greets with leading streamers and creators, and its fan-favourite Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) zones.

The BYOD zone remains one of DreamHack’s most iconic experiences. Here, attendees can bring their own PC, console, or mobile setup to game together across three days, surrounded by friends, creators, and fellow enthusiasts. For working professionals and college students, BYOD offers the perfect weekend gaming getaway, an immersive break from routine where you and your crew can compete, connect, and play nonstop in a true festival atmosphere. This year, fans will also have the option to rent a high-performance PC on site, making it easier than ever to jump straight into the action without carrying heavy equipment.

Together, DreamHack x Hyderabad Comic Con 2025 will host an unparalleled lineup of activities, including:

  • PAN FEST (BGMI) – An open-for-all BGMI competition with daily lobbies, giving every fan a chance to drop in solo or squad up with friends and battle it out live at the festival.
  • KO Fight Night – DreamHack’s legendary fighting games tournament returns, featuring Tekken 8, Super Smash Bros, and Street Fighter VI. Expect intense 1v1 duels, dramatic comebacks, and electrifying rivalries.
  • Chess at DreamHack – A battle of minds featuring Rapid and Blitz formats, where classic strategy meets DreamHack’s competitive stage, drawing in both seasoned players and curious fans.
  • BYOD Tournaments – The heart of DreamHack, where fans can bring their own PCs, consoles, or mobiles (or rent one on-site) to game non-stop across three days with friends, communities, and creators.
  • Retro & Board Games Zone – A nostalgia-packed zone featuring classics like Contra, Pac-Man, and Tetris alongside all-time board game favourites like Monopoly, Carrom, and Ludo for fans looking for a fun, casual break.

Speaking on the announcement, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, said: “Over the past six years, our partnership with DreamHack has built some of India’s most iconic gaming moments, and blending it with Comic Con has created a one-of-a-kind celebration where gaming meets pop culture. Hyderabad’s fans have always brought unmatched energy, and last year’s three-day format proved just how powerful this fusion can be. This October, we’re coming back bigger and bolder than ever with everything from comic book launches, spectacular cosplay showcases, music and comedy performances, and geeky shopping to esports tournaments, chess, retro, and tabletop games, all under one roof.”

Shefali Johnson, CEO, Comic Con India, added: “What makes Hyderabad Comic Con truly magical is how it brings every kind of fan under one roof, from cosplay enthusiasts and comic collectors to gamers and creators. Last year, over 40,000 fans cheered as Wagh Suyog was crowned champion in both the Blitz and Rapid Chess formats, a perfect example of how competition, creativity, and community thrive together here. This year, by joining forces with DreamHack once again, we’re taking that spirit to the next level. Fans can look forward to three unforgettable days where pop culture, gaming, and fandom collide like never before.”

Comic Con India has been the nation’s definitive pop culture destination for over a decade, bringing together comics, anime, movies, television, and cosplay in five major cities. This year, Hyderabad Comic Con returns earlier than ever with more experiences, more fandom, and more entertainment than before.

Tickets for DreamHack x Hyderabad Comic Con 2025 are now live on District App, official DreamHack and Comic Con India websites.

Follow @NodwinGaming, @DreamHack_in, and @ComicConIndia on social media for more updates.

Video of the Month — PAX West 2025’s Fun and Games at the Expo

Paul Philleo
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Video of the Month — PAX West 2025’s Fun and Games at the Expo

PAX West 2025, held from August 29th to September 1st, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, reached it’s 21st birthday (old enough for an adult beverage, anyway). The popular gaming convention brought together gamers from across the globe to celebrate the love of all things gaming.

Captured in a fast-pace 11:29 video by Brett Weiss, a veteran gaming author, YouTuber, and historian who’s written 13 books chronicling retro games and pop culture since 1997, The video captures the energetic atmosphere of the convention, capturing some of the experience, at least from the expo floor.

Brett Weiss’s video coverage of PAX West 2025 delivers a fast-paced, boots-on-the-ground look at one of the most popular annual gaming conventions on any gamer’s calendar. From the moment the camera rolls, viewers are immersed in the vibrant chaos of the expo floor, where retro gaming meets modern fandom in a celebration of all things interactive.

The video opens with a flurry of familiar faces, including Pac-Man and Pikachu, roaming the convention center and delighting attendees with impromptu photo ops. Weiss captures a brief moment with Kelsey Lewin of Pink Gorilla Games, a nod to the retro gaming community’s enduring presence. Nintendo’s booth attracted attention with a sneak peek at Kirby Air Riders, while rumors swirl around Bubsy 4D and a new Bubble Bobble title as well.

Limited Run Games made a strong showing, with exclusive merchandise and collector buzz adding to the energy. Throughout, Weiss’s commentary is upbeat and informative, offering viewers a quick and curated glimpse into the highlights without losing the spontaneity or authenticity of the experience.

For fans of retro gaming and convention culture, this video is a lively, fun snapshot of PAX West’s enduring appeal. To check out the video, swing by Brett Weiss‘ YouTube channel or click the following link to experience the PAX West 2025 expo rollercoaster ride.

Did you attend PAX West 2025? Feel free to share your thoughts about the retro (or modern) gaming expo experience you explored while at the show.

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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