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

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

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

Mathew Anderson
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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

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

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

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

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 

Paul Philleo
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TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT to Feature 100+ Titles 

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 Entertainment, Pocketpair, Happinet Indie Collection, MBA International, PayPal, Hybrid Squad, ViviON, Chorus Worldwide, Kakehashi Games, JFR Group, Asahi Satellite Broadcasting Limited, Sacra Game Music, and Game Creator’s Guild. Additionally, special thanks for supporters Indie Game Incubator, PlayX4, Kids Programming Academy, event partners gamescom latam, India Gaming Show, IGDX, 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

Paul Philleo
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GDC 2025 Agenda Locked in

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?

Paul Philleo
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Video of the Month — What’s TGAGWCAGA 2024?

“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!

Xsolla Partners with Day of the Devs for 2025 to Support New Game Development and Launches at Key Events

Paul Philleo
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Xsolla Partners with Day of the Devs for 2025 to Support New Game Development and Launches at Key Events

LOS ANGELES—FEBRUARY 13, 2025—Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, announces its 2025 flagship sponsorship for Day of the Devs, a non-profit organization celebrating video games’ creativity, diversity, and magic. This announcement underscores Xsolla’s commitment to empowering game developers and bringing together opportunities for creative talent and development worldwide.

“This partnership and collaboration underscores our ongoing mission to empower developers and make great games more accessible worldwide no matter what size or where they are from,” said Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer. “Day of the Devs powered by Xsolla provides an unparalleled platform to support diverse talent and creativity and create a channel to bring opportunities together for developers, and we are proud to be a part of this initiative.”

Day of the Devs, powered by Xsolla, will include incredible events and opportunities for video game developers to showcase their new games and connect with industry leaders to help them build their gaming businesses. Kicking off 2025, Day of the Devs: San Francisco Edition will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at The Midway in San Francisco, bringing thousands of indie fans and developers together to play incredible hand-picked titles. More details on the event can be found on the Eventbrite page here.

Continuing the celebration, Day of the Devs: GDC Edition will feature a selection of titles from the San Francisco Edition at the Moscone Center during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025, running from March 17 to 21 on the 3rd floor of Moscone West. Attendees can explore these unreleased games during regular hours, while the public, 18 and older, can experience them during GDC Nights on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM PT. ​ Xsolla will also be hosting a lounge on the first floor of Moscone West to support the community and provide an area for developers to collaborate with the Xsolla team.

Day of the Devs, a non-profit organization, has celebrated video games’ creativity, diversity, and magic for over 13 years. It has hosted thousands of attendees at physical events, reached millions through virtual showcases, and provided a platform for hundreds of games and developers.

“This event embodies the spirit of creativity and community that defines indie games,” said Greg Rice, Head Curator at Day of the Devs. “Thanks to partners like Xsolla, we can continue to keep these events free and accessible, allowing thousands to connect with the magic of games and the talent behind them.”

Through this sponsorship, Xsolla will engage with hundreds of game developers to support their initiatives and bring opportunities together to solve inherent questions and challenges facing their funding, distribution, and monetization efforts. This flagship sponsorship reinforces Xsolla’s commitment to supporting game developers to provide the same opportunities and connections to any game – regardless of size, location, genre, or platform. For more information, please visit: xsolla.blog/dotdgdc

USC Games Announces Lifetime Achievement Award for Muriel Tramis and 2025 Black History Month Speaker Series

Paul Philleo
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USC Games Announces Lifetime Achievement Award for Muriel Tramis and 2025 Black History Month Speaker Series

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 12, 2025)—In celebration of Black History Month, USC Games, North America’s leading collegiate game design program at the University of Southern California, is hosting an on-campus speaker series throughout February to reflect on the history and future of Black innovation in the games industry.

As part of this series, on Wednesday, February 19, USC Games will honor Muriel Tramis, celebrated as the first Black woman game designer and innovator in the video game industry, with an inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for her impact on gaming. Known as the “Grande Dame of French Video Games,” Tramis’ works, such as Méwilo and Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness, address themes of history, culture, and identity through innovative storytelling.

“USC Games will recognize the innumerable contributions the Black community has made to the industry by bringing the games community together for a special Black History Month Speaker Series,” says TreaAndrea Russworm, Professor of Cinematic Arts and Microsoft Endowed Chair at the University of Southern California. “A highlight of these events will be honoring Muriel Tramis, widely recognized as the first Black woman video game designer, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. A true trailblazer, Tramis made history with her contributions to the industry, and we are excited to continue learning from her within the broader USC Games and Los Angeles area games communities. Tramis will also preview one of her upcoming games during the visit.”

The series kicked off on February 5th with Charles Babb, a creative producer at Meta, and Travis Williams, head of production at Oculus Publishing, where they shared insights on their unique industry experiences, and advice to help inspire the next generation of game makers.

USC Games’ Black History Month Speaker Series:

  • February 12, 4:30-6:00pm (SCI 106):  Mia Ginaé Watkins, creative operations at Riot Games
  • February 19, 4:30-6:30pm (SCI 106): Muriel Tramis, legendary French video game designer and first Black woman in games
  • February 26, 4:30-6:00pm (SCI 106): iAsia Brown, senior producer at Xbox

Evo Awards Show Reveals Official Run of Show on Feb. 15 Dedicated to Celebrating the Fighting Game Community 

Paul Philleo
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Evo Awards Show Reveals Official Run of Show on Feb. 15 Dedicated to Celebrating the Fighting Game Community 

LOS ANGELES (February 12, 2025) – Evolution Championship Series (known as Evo), unveiled additional details for its inaugural Evo Awards powered by Qiddiya Gaming on February 15 in Los Angeles. The invite-only event will honor the icons of the fighting game community and the future trailblazers and will reveal the winners across 22 categories voted by the fans, Hall of Fame inductees, and publisher reveals.

Evo Awards Run of Show (times are subject to change)

5:00 p.m. PT –  The Evo Awards Pre-Show hosts Tasty Steve and Hollywood RobTV kick-off the evening that will stream live on Evo’s Twitch Channel and Evo’s YouTube Channel. Additional special guests include Maximilian Dood, Faye Mata and Evo Award Nominees.

5:15 p.m. PT – Pre-Show continues with Arcade Carpet Interviews and the Marvel vs Capcom 2 “Tournament of Champions” featuring FGC Legends Justin Wong, Michael “IFC Yipes” Mendoza, Sanford Kelly, and Duc Do and commentated by Mike Ross and GoldenBoyNeo.

6:45 p.m. PT – Pre-Show wraps up with major announcements about Evo 2025 including ticketing, hotels, special guests and more game reveals.

7:00 p.m. PT – The Evo Awards presented by Qiddiya Gaming hands out the first of 22 Awards that include Player of the Year, Match of the Year and Moment of the Year.

The Evo Awards will also see three FGC Legends – Tokido, John Choi and Alex Valle, inducted into the Evo Hall of fame.

During the show fans can expect a multitude of world premiere announcements from several of our partners, including a major announcement from Cygames for Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. There will also be updates from Arc System Works with a world premiere announcement for their upcoming title  HUNTER×HUNTER NEN×IMPACT. There will also be a world premiere announcement for UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes.

illustration from SNK's Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves game
SNK’s Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, which is one of the new fighting games to be shown off at the Evo Awards show (image: SNK)

Additionally, we’ll have World Premiere announcements from SNK for FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves at the Evo Awards, with attendees able to access a demo of the game on-site. Fans tuning in can expect an exciting exhibition match featuring several fighting game champions and personalities. The Open Beta Test will be starting from Feb. 20th and running until the 24th, giving everyone a chance to get in on the action. FATAL FURY: CotW is available for preorder on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and the Epic Games Store.”

Fighting game fans can look forward to Capcom promoting the upcoming Capcom Fighting Collection 2 at the event, giving fans a sneak preview of the arcade classics, including: Project Justice, Power Stone 2, Capcom vs. SNK 2 and more.

Chipotle®, who returns as presenting partner for the third year in a row for the flagship event in Las Vegas on Aug. 1-3, will also present the “Best Meme” and “Best Custom Hardware” Awards, while Zenni will present the “Best Dressed Award”. The show will also be supported by PlayStation Tournaments who will present the “They’ve Got Next” award, and NACON will present “Comeback of the Year”. To crown the unforgettable evening, the Evo Awards’ powering partner Qiddiya Gaming will honor both the Player of the Year and Moment of the Year Awards.

Additional partners for the Evo Awards include Red Bull and SEGA’s Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

“With the Evo Awards, we are thrilled to be presenting an event acknowledging the achievements of the game community now and in the years ahead,” said Rick Thiher, General Manager of Evo. “These Awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate and inspire the passionate players, fans, publishers, and developers that make fighting games so exciting.”

Art from Bandai-Namco's fighting game, Tekken 8
Bandai-Namco’s Tekken 8 is one of the fighting games up for more than one award at Evo Awards (image: Banda-Namco)

The list of Evo Award Categories and Nominees are below.< Evo Awards Categories:

  • Best Pop Off

    • Nominees: Hayao NoahtheProdigy, Nitro, AK, Punk
  • FGC Content of the Year

    • Nominees: TEKKEN 8 Tutorials, Marvel vs Capcom 2 Streams, Sajam TEKKEN Slam, Will It Kill?, Trash Talk Podcast
  • FGC Meme of the Year presented by Chipotle

    • Nominees: The Wazzler, Hand Heart & Thumbs Up, Hayao Does The Splits, Let’s Go Gambling, Attacks IRL
  • Comeback of the Year presented by NACON

    • Nominees: Hayao, Arslan Ash, G_Conceptz, SonicFox, Yagami
  • Match of the Year Award

    • Nominees: Punk vs Big Bird, Hayao vs FrankieBFG, Xiao Hai vs Kusanagi, Nitro vs Tatuma, Arslan Ash vs ATIF
  • Best On-Air Duo

    • Nominees: IFCYipeS + Sajam, RIP + Tasty Steve, Sajam + Tasty Steve, Justin Wong + IFCYipeS, Vicious + Justin Wong
  • Best Commentary

    • Nominees: That is a Worthless Button!, This Could Be Game…And It Is, Arslan’s Gonna Do It! He’s So Close! He’s So Close, Steve!, That Could Be an Evo-Losing Anti Air, Break His Guard!
  • Best Custom Hardware presented by Chipotle

    • Nominees: C.O.M.B.O. Extension Buttons, Snack Box Micro, MPress Nano, Custom Claiomh Solais Arcade Stick, Haute Pad T-Series
  • Best FGC Cosplay

    • Nominees: Chonibu, MSValentine, Chiba Josui, Onesaya, Kryrayne
  • Best Dressed presented by Zenni

    • Nominees: Tasty Steve, Logan Sama, Vicious, Hollywood RobTV, IFCYipeS
  • Best Button of the Year

    • Nominees: Dragunov Ignition Switch (QCF+4), Luke Crouching Medium Punch, Dash Light Attack, Johnny Cage Forward 3, Ken Crouching Medium Kick
  • Tech of the Year

    • Nominees: Pro KO Leverless, SWORL Arcade Controller, Hit Box Ultra, Sapphire Leverless Controller, LVL Controller
  • Marketing Campaign of the Year

    • Nominees: Evo + SFG + TEKKEN 8, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves X Cristiano Ronaldo, 2XKO, Street Fighter 6 Season 2, ECT Commercial
  • Fighting Game Release of the Year

    • Nominees: TEKKEN 8, Street Fighter 6 Season 2 DLC, Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Series, Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes, Rivals of Aether II
  • They’ve Got Next presented by PlayStation Tournaments

    • Nominees: EnzoTheHokage, Booce, NoahtheProdigy, KingReyJr, Blaz
  • Best FGC Local

    • Nominees: Tatakai Tuesday, NLBC, Abou Dojo, FGC Meetups, Ozimeme
  • Invitational of the Year

    • Nominees: Red Bull Kumite, Sajam TEKKEN Slam, Crazy Raccoon Cup, Red Bull Golden Letters, Topanga Championship 5
  • Best Online Series

    • Nominees: CasaBunch, TNS Online, Saltmine League, The Kolosseum, Can Opener
  • Content Creator of the Year

    • Nominees: Sajam, Justin Wong, Brian_F, Broski, Diaphone
  • Commentator of the Year

    • Nominees: IFCYipeS, Tasty Steve, Sajam, Rynge, Vicious
  • Player of the Year presented by Qiddiya Gaming

    • Nominees: Punk, Arslan Ash, MenaRD, Xiao Hai, Nitro
  • Moment of the Year presented by Qiddiya Gaming

    • Nominees: Punk Wins Street Fighter 6 at Evo, Hayao “Moment 38”, Xiao Hai Wins Esports World Cup, Lilypichu vs Harada at Evo Showcase, MenaRD Wins His First Evo

Evo returns to Japan on May 9-11 at Tokyo Big Sight and will also feature two five-on-five tournaments with STREET FIGHTER III 3rd STRIKE -Fight for the Future- and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. Its flagship and biggest event, seeking to become the largest tournament in esports history once again, returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center on August 1-3 with Chipotle® as presenting partner. Registration to compete is open at evo.gg in the eight featured Arena tournaments with spectator tickets on sale on Feb. 15. Evo will make its European debut at the Palais des Expos in Nice, France, on October 10-12 and also announced it will expand to Singapore in 2026.

Power Up, Milwaukee! The Midwest Gaming Classic, America’s Largest Retro Gaming Gathering Returns, April 4-6th

Mathew Anderson
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Power Up, Milwaukee! The Midwest Gaming Classic, America’s Largest Retro Gaming Gathering Returns, April 4-6th

MILWAUKEE (February 12, 2025) – Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned gamer, the Midwest Gaming Classic will have you selecting “start mission.” The event’s welcoming atmosphere attracted over 30,000 visitors from around the world last year. Why such a frenzy? The Midwest Gaming Classic is the only event to offer 10,000+ playable games ranging from vintage to new releases alongside vendors, musical acts, wrestling, cosplay, competitions, and more. Access to all the fun is included with the price of admission. Kids under 9 can attend for free.

The heart of the gathering is the Game Center filled with over 250 pinball and arcade video games (no quarters required), as well as every generation of home consoles. Other areas will host gaming exhibits, tabletop games, live entertainment, live-action role-playing, video game art displays, and more. With loyal attendees that include both locals and visitors from Japan, South Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain, the Midwest Gaming Classic has become the largest celebration of retro and modern gaming in the country, with more than 350,000 square feet of gaming and nostalgia. The event is estimated to generate over $3 million in tourism dollars for the Milwaukee area, according to Visit Milwaukee.

“In 2001, we started as an in-person gathering for an online fan group. Today, we have become the gathering place for hundreds of online fan groups to share their passions in person,” says co-founder Dan Loosen. “Today, we have something for everyone: cosplay contests, live music, tattoo artists, and even Family Day to introduce the next generation to the endless possibility of games you can play.”

Exciting 2025 additions include a massive expansion in tabletop games, a speedcubing tournament, brand-new pinball games, and celebrity appearances from voice actor Christopher Sean, the creators of Activision, and others. And yes, the popular attractions of previous years such as the playable gaming museum, esports competitions, and unmatched Official After Party will return.

Interview: What to Expect at SXSW Gaming 2019

Mathew Anderson
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Interview: What to Expect at SXSW Gaming 2019

Before heading off to SXSW Gaming coming up this week (March 15-17), we had a chat with Andrew McNeill, SXSW Gaming Conference Manager, about this year’s show and what exciting content visitors can expect throughout the three days. Have a read:

Tell us about how SXSW Gaming came about and how does it connect to the whole of SXSW?

SXSW Gaming has been around since SXSW 2006 when it was known as the Screenburn Arcade and was just a small part of the SXSW Interactive Trade Show. Over the years it grew larger, eventually becoming its own expo within SXSW.

We added conference sessions and other elements to it and rebranded it as SXSW Gaming several years later. In 2017, we added a SXSW Gaming wristband to the list of credentials at SXSW, so it became a unique event that was open to not only SXSW badge holders and the attendees from those convergent industries that SXSW touches, but also general gaming consumers.

Now SXSW Gaming is a one-of-a-kind event that highlights the ways in which the gaming world intersects with the other creative industries that are present at SXSW.

What makes Austin a great location for an industry event like SXSW Gaming?

Austin is a great for a number of reasons. First off, Austin is simply a one-of-a-kind city that people want to visit and March is a great time of year to do so. Additionally, Austin boasts some world-class development studios, from both the AAA level on down to the indie outfits. Austin is an extremely creative city and that trait is reflected in what happens at SXSW.

How does SXSW Gaming differ from shows like E3 Expo, PAX, or even GDC?

The biggest thing that I’ve noticed that sets SXSW Gaming apart from other events is the people that attend. While there are plenty of the traditional gaming fans that you’ll find at other conventions, there’s also lots of gaming fans who are in town for SXSW who wouldn’t otherwise attend a gaming event.

But these gamers are here for SXSW because they work in the tech or film or music industries and they’re getting their one taste of a gaming event in-person every year at SXSW Gaming. And for the games industry, it’s the one event that they can exhibit in front of those people, because you’re not going to find them at any other event.

What are some of the highlights we can look forward to for SXSW Gaming 2019?

We’re really excited about the program for SXSW Gaming 2019. We’ll have three days of Halo esports on our Tournament Stage, including a $100,000 prize pool for the Halo Championship Series Invitational, along with a number of other tournaments and events throughout SXSW Gaming. On the conference side of things, we’ve got some incredible Featured Sessions that run the gamut of the esports world, including a talk from Overwatch League Commissioner Nate Nanzer that’s sure to be news-worthy.

Our evening events should be amazing as well. The SXSW Gaming Opening Party is hosted by Blankos Block Party, the new game from Mythical Games, and will feature Questlove, who will emcee and DJ the evening’s festivities. Our SXSW Gaming Awards Ceremony will be hosted by Rooster Teeth’s Lindsay Jones and Alex Corea from Attack Media. Lastly, we’re partnering with Alienware to host our Cosplay Contest and official Closing Party at the Alienware Outpost, an incredible activation Dell is building for SXSW.

What can visitors expect might be welcomingly the same, or different, from last year’s event?

The structure and flow of SXSW Gaming should feel free familiar to anyone who has attended SXSW Gaming in the last couple of years, just expect the quality across the board to be improved.

We’ve worked hard as a team to collaborate closely with our production partners to program a lot of really good tournaments and events in our open play areas, like the PC Arena and Tabletop Experience. In addition to our open play areas, we’ll have some incredible activations from AXE, the Halo Championship Series, Dreamleague Racing Series, and more!

Who are the keynote speakers and what talks are being featured this year?

For the second year in a row, the esports industry is a big focus of our conference programming at SXSW Gaming. Nate Nanzer will have some interesting things to share about the future of the Overwatch League in his Featured Session. We’ve also got PlayVS CEO Delane Parnell talking about the emergence of a high school esports structure, Riot Games Head of Global Esports Partnerships Naz Aletaha discussing the growth of sponsorships coming from outside the games industry, and much more.

In talking with exhibitors, speakers, and expected attendees, what trends have you seen develop in the game industry?

I think the biggest thing is just that games are everywhere and in every industry. Gaming is no longer just a niche hobby or something off to the side. Gaming has touchpoints in every industry and every medium, which is incredible.

Who are SXSW Gaming partners and where can potential attendees go to get the latest SXSW Gaming updates?

We have a number of great partners for SXSW Gaming this year. HyperX, AMD and Zenni Optical are all sponsoring our PC Arena and showing off their products. Nighthawk Pro Gaming is sponsoring The Streamery at the SXSW Gaming Expo. Microsoft and 343 Industries are bringing the Halo Championship Series to the SXSW Gaming Tournament Stage. Blankos Block Party is sponsoring the SXSW Gaming Opening Party and giving SXSW Gaming attendees a first look at the game. Alienware is sponsoring the SXSW Gaming Cosplay Contest and Closing Party.

For more on SXSW Gaming and to get updates on the event, we can be found @SXSWGaming on all social media platforms.

Anything else you’d like to share about what visitors can expect?

We’ve got a really great event planned for this year and think fans will find a gaming event unlike any other!

You can get tickets for SXSW Gaming at www.sxswgaming.com.

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
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