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The Open Compute Project Wants Your Vision for Next-Gen Game Servers

Paul Philleo
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The Open Compute Project Wants Your Vision for Next-Gen Game Servers

While the spotlight often shines on GPU specs and ray tracing, the actual architecture powering modern gaming, from cloud streaming to massive multiplayer backends, is quietly being defined by key players involved with the Open Compute Project (OCP). The OCP has officially opened its call for proposals for the 2026 OCP Global Summit and the co-located Future Technologies Symposium, inviting engineers and researchers to help shape the next generation of hyperscale infrastructure.

The 2026 OCP Global Summit runs from October 12–15, 2026, and is solely an in-person event in San Jose, California. This is the place for technical deep dives and collaborative discussions on work already accomplished within OCP Projects. Submissions should showcase the impact of OCP-recognized deployments, influence community standardization, or spotlight non-proprietary innovations ready to hit the market within the next 12 months. Commercial pitches or confidential information are strongly discouraged; the focus must be on reporting engineering or scientific results.


For those with a 2-5 year vision, the Future Technologies Symposium (FTS) takes place on October 14, 2026. The FTS is designed to bring forward-looking ideas and talent to the OCP community, aiming to solve future problems facing the industry. Submissions must be a two-page IEEE formatted paper (abstracts not accepted) in categories like AI/HPC (AI Hardware and cluster hardware/software design), DC Sustainability (product life cycles and cutting-edge materials), and other disruptive ideas like Quantum Technology. The FTS also offers a $10,000 US prize for the best paper.

This is a potentially impactful opportunity for professionals connected to gaming hardware and software to engage with the essential backbone of the industry. The evolution of large-scale AI hardware clusters, addressed in the AI/HPC track, directly impacts the performance of in-house development tools and the quality of generative AI that may be used in game production. Also, participation in OCP projects related to data center efficiency and advanced material science, which are topics in DC Sustainability, that provide a unique chance to influence the long-term cost and environmental footprint of global cloud gaming platforms and live service titles. Influencing the design of the server hardware is influencing the limits of what future games can achieve.
The submission period for both the Global Summit and the Future Technologies Symposium ends on Monday, June 15 at 11:59 PM PST. Pro tip: The Open Compute Project has also shared a blog post that offers tips that can increase chances of a successful speaking application.

June 2026 Game Industry Conference and Convention Events Calendar

Mathew Anderson
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June 2026 Game Industry Conference and Convention Events Calendar

Unlike the quieter transition period of spring, June fully kicks off the annual showcase season, where publishers and indie studios (and fans) all compete for attention at once. What used to revolve around a single tentpole of expos (once led by the long demised E3 Expo) has evolved into a sprawling month-long of livestreams, conventions, and an increasing number of community-driven festivals.

This year’s June calendar reflects an industry leaning heavily into visibility and momentum, but to perhaps no ones surprise, increasingly being skeptical of the AI trend. Publishers are trying to reclaim audience excitement after years of layoffs and restructuring but in a more tradition way that minimize the use of ‘unnecessary AI’ tools, while indie developers continue to lean on showcases, regional events, and creator partnerships (especially the latter). At the same time, fan-focused conventions and gaming festivals remain one of the few areas where enthusiasm across the industry still feels consistently organic.

Featured Events

June begins with Games First Helsinki (June 4), a cozy B2B conference in Helsinki, Finland. Then there is Summer Game Fest (Live show) (June 5) and its surrounding constellation of livestreams and publisher presentations. The growing stack of June broadcasts — including the Future Games Show, PC Gaming Show, Xbox Games Showcase, and numerous indie-focused directs — reinforces how the industry has fully shifted to this new decentralized and more direct-to-consumer event model.

Mid-month, tabletop and hybrid gaming take center stage through long-running gatherings like Origins Game Fair 2026 (June 17–21). Origins is one of our favorite tabletop events to attend. While digital gaming events often dominate headlines, tabletop and analog-focused conventions continue showing remarkable stability, largely because they succeed where many online ecosystems struggle: fostering genuine in-person communities that aren’t dependent on algorithms or platform visibility.

At the same time, events like TooManyGames 2026 (June 26–28) and OtakuFest 2026 (June 19–21) highlight the continued blending of gaming culture with cosplay, anime, creators, retro collecting, live entertainment, and influencer-driven fandoms. Increasingly, attendees are showing up less for product announcements and more for shared experiences and community identity. I’m also a Community Manager by trade and can highly respect this new trend.

The game industry is balancing blockbuster showcases, creator-driven communities, indie experimentation, and a growing demand for sustainable growth.

Business-oriented gatherings are also continuing to expand regionally. Events such as the West Coast Gaming Summit 2026 (June 15–17) point to a growing appetite for smaller-scale networking and publishing events that offer more focused access than massive international expos. Especially as travel budgets tighten across parts of the industry, regional B2B events are increasingly positioning themselves as practical alternatives to legacy conferences.

Toward the end of the month, community-first conventions continue dominating attendance and online engagement. Events centered around retro gaming, cosplay, tournaments, creators, and fandom culture consistently generate stronger grassroots enthusiasm than many traditional corporate showcases. That ongoing shift says a lot about where audience energy currently lives: less around corporate messaging and more around participation, nostalgia, and creator-driven communities. I’m personally a huge fan of community initiatives, so this trend is particular exciting for me.

The sheer variety of June’s lineup underscores how diversified the game industry event landscape has become. AAA publishers, indie collectives, tabletop organizers, esports communities, creators, educators, and fandom conventions now operate alongside each other rather than beneath a single industry umbrella.

New Events

Joining the calendar or gaining notability this month, keep an eye on the following events:

With all that said, 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:

15% off Mobidictum Conference (B2B) [EVENTGAMERS15]
10% off WN Events Limassol and Istanbul (B2B) [E4G-10]
20% off Nottingham Video Games Expo (B2C) [E4G]
10% off PGC Summit Shanghai (B2B) [MCGLDWK]
20% off PGC Summit Malmo (B2B) [Valborg20]
40% off NAGIS Summit (B2B) [NAGIS402026]
20% off Serious Play Conference (B2B) [EARLYBIRDNA20]
5% off Atsusacon (B2C) [EVENTSFORGAMERS]

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

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!

This Month’s Events

Many of the listed events are included in the calendar thanks to your contributions in submitting events to the calendar.

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, Threads, and Facebook!

Editor: Mathew Anderson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Events for Gamers, Community Manager for the computer game industry, and Public Relations Manager and Communication Specialist for various other industries.

BitSummit PUNCH Sets New Attendance Records and Paves the Way for Two New Global Showcases

Paul Philleo
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BitSummit PUNCH Sets New Attendance Records and Paves the Way for Two New Global Showcases

BitSummit, one of Japan’s leading indie game festivals, successfully concluded its 14th edition, “PUNCH,” at Kyoto Miyako Messe, reporting a strong (and record-setting) attendance of 68,000 visitors over three days. The event’s success is highlighted by the Business Day alone, which drew nearly 14,000 attendees. The festival, which featured 125 Official Selections chosen from 548 submissions, will return on May 21–23, 2027.

While the physical event is over, the celebration of independent games continues online with two new showcases premiering on May 26th.

The BitSummit PUNCH Mixtape, a 60-minute showcase developed in partnership with GamesRadar+ and PC Gamer, will present festival highlights, alongside world premiere trailers, new announcements, and surprises from participating developers. This broadcast will be available on the GamesRadar+, PC Gamer websites, and their respective Twitch and YouTube channels. It premieres on May 26th at 9 AM PDT / 12 PM EDT (May 27th at 1 AM JST).

Following immediately is The MIX @ BitSummit, a digest program featuring interviews with developers and spotlights on partners from the show floor. This segment will air as part of a two-hour block on IGN, GameSpot, and The MIX’s official Twitch channel, beginning on May 26th at 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT (May 27th at 2 AM JST).

BitSummit PUNCH also recognized outstanding titles with 19 awards, encompassing jury, media, and audience selections.

The VERMILION GATE AWARD (Grand Prize) for the most outstanding title was presented to Artis Impact by Mas.

The International Award went to Dungeon Clawler (Stray Fawn Studio) for being the most outstanding title from outside Japan. YaoyoroZOO (AlSH) received the Innovative Outlaw Award for its technical or conceptual innovation.

In the craftsmanship categories, NIGHTMARE OPERATOR (DDDistortion) won the Excellence in Game Design Award, while Finding Polka (lidlocks) secured the Visual Excellence Award. The Excellence in Sound Design Award was given to Cento (Hoshimadara Lab).

The audience-voted Popular Selection Award went to 60 Seconds (60病) (Matrix, Inc. / HINATA, Inc.), which also earned the ID@Xbox Award. Other notable awards included the PlayStation® Award for Vikings on Trampolines and the Famitsu Award for Mount Lomyst.


The BitSummit PUNCH Steam event remains active until May 28th, allowing players to check out featured titles, download demos, and take advantage of event sales awhile available.

GIC Sprint Katowice: Final Price Hikes Imminent and New Speakers Confirmed

Paul Philleo
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GIC Sprint Katowice: Final Price Hikes Imminent and New Speakers Confirmed

The Game Industry Conference (GIC) Team has sounded an alert for its upcoming GIC Sprint event in Katowice: the current window for ticket pricing is closing fast. Attendees have until the end of May to purchase their passes before prices increase for both the GIC Sprint and the main GIC event in Poznań. The price change takes effect in June, marking the final weeks of current rates. Planning ahead is now crucial, especially for budget-conscious potential attendees. But, whenever buying in to attend GIC events, a key incentive remains: industry professionals who purchase tickets for both Polish conferences simultaneously will receive a substantial 50% discount on the second pass.

For those who may not be familiar with the event, The GIC is one of Europe’s more established events for game developers, operating two major gatherings in Poland this year. While the flagship event runs in Poznań, the inaugural GIC Sprint is launching as a new, accessible summer edition held in Katowice, offering focused summits, business matchmaking, and over 120 expert talks. The GIC Sprint will takes place in Katowice, Poland, from June 25–27, 2026, while the main GIC (Game Industry Conference) takes place in Poznań, Poland, from October 21–24, 2026.

In addition to ticket pressure, the GIC Team has secured solutions for a major conference expense: lodging. They have arranged special hotel discounts at selected locations near the GIC Sprint venue in Katowice. All necessary codes and hotel options are available for attendees online.

The conference agenda is continually expanding. While the initial 30% of the GIC Sprint agenda has been published, new lectures are actively being added and clearly highlighted with a “NEW!” tag. The latest speaker confirmations point to a robust, B2B-focused track for game design and technology leadership.


Newly confirmed speakers include:

  • Manfredo Stagno d’Alcontres (Senior Technical Game Designer at Wargaming)
  • Greg Hennessey (Game Design Director at CCP Games)
  • Eric Vezzoli (Director of Technology at Razer)
  • Cat Chew (Managing Director at Ichiba)

Game industry pros looking to connect and gain high-level insights should lock in their travel plans and ticket purchases are finalized before the looming deadline.

Global Game Jam Announces Microgrant Pilot Program with Endless Foundation to Support Indie Studios and Emerging Game Talent

Mathew Anderson
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Global Game Jam Announces Microgrant Pilot Program with Endless Foundation to Support Indie Studios and Emerging Game Talent

Minneapolis, Minn., May 22, 2026 — Global Game Jam announced a new initiative that will  connect aspiring developers with indie studios through paid micro-projects in art, audio, and QA.

With support from the Endless Foundation, Global Game Jam is launching “GGJ Micro-Missions: Small Projects, Big Impact.” The program will provide paid, short-form opportunities for aspiring game professionals while helping indie studios accelerate development through micro-project support.

GGJ Micro-Missions is designed to address two ongoing industry challenges: limited short-term production capacity for indie studios, and limited opportunities for aspiring developers to gain professional experience and build portfolios.

The pilot will bring together indie game studios and members of the Global Game Jam community through small, focused tasks that can be completed in under 48 hours. Participants will gain real-world experience, portfolio material, and paid opportunities, while studios will receive original creative assets and valuable QA support.

Over the next year, Global Game Jam will select indie studios to receive microgrants of up to $2,500 USD each. Studios will work with GGJ to create micro-projects supporting their active game development efforts. Participants can review available micro-projects posted by studios, submit their work or sign up for assignments, and receive payment upon selection or completion. Global Game Jam will coordinate participant onboarding, payment management, and project administration throughout the pilot.

The pilot will have three core micro-project categories

Artwork
Studios can post requests for small game-ready assets such as props, weapons, pets, or environmental elements. Participants will submit original work for studio review, with selected creators receiving micropayments and game credit. All participants can showcase the work in their professional portfolios.

Audio
Studios can request original sound effects or music assets, such as UI sounds, ambient effects, or short musical cues. Participants will submit original audio files for consideration, with selected creators receiving game credit and micropayments. As with artwork, all participants are permitted to include the work in their portfolios.

QA Testing
Studios will also be able to use grant funding for QA testing. Participants selected for QA assignments will test games or portions of games, gaining real-world experience. QA participants will receive onboarding and training in bug reporting best practices before participating and be credited.

Supporting Career Development Through Real-World Experience

By participating in real development tasks tied directly to active game projects, creators will gain hands-on experience while building skills relevant to careers in art, audio, QA, production, and development. For indie studios, the model will provide additional production support and expanded early QA testing opportunities. The pilot is expected to engage at least 25 indie studios, more than 500 global participants and result in an estimated 1,500–2,000 paid micro-projects in its first year.

The initiative builds on Global Game Jam’s existing infrastructure, including its Indie Studio Support program, global volunteer network, and expanded operational capacity.

GGJ Micro-Missions is currently in the pre-launch phase with upcoming opportunities for both interested studios and aspiring or early stage professionals. Interested participants can sign up here to get more information as soon as it’s available: https://globalgamejam.org/micromissions

About Global Game Jam
Global Game Jam is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower people around the world to learn, experiment, and create together through the medium of games. In addition to organizing the largest game jam in the world, GGJ works year-round to support, promote, and grow the global game development community.

About Endless Foundation
Endless Foundation empowers people to turn passion into skills, providing the tools, access, and opportunities to drive innovation in education and livelihood. Together with our partners, we break down barriers and create sustainable change, ensuring anyone can become a creator, with the skills and knowledge to shape their own technology, rather than be shaped by it.

Esports World Cup 2026 to be Hosted in Paris, France

Paul Philleo
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Esports World Cup 2026 to be Hosted in Paris, France

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 21, 2026: The Esports Foundation (EF) today announced that the 2026 edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC), the world’s largest esports and gaming event, will be hosted in Paris, France, from July 6 through August 23.

The Esports Foundation is guided by a long-term vision of growing its international tournaments and competitions through collaboration with audiences, partners and host markets around the world over time. Following an extended evaluation process, and in light of the current regional situation, the Esports Foundation decided to accelerate that international rotation ambition for the 2026 edition, offering clarity and stability for players, Clubs, publishers, partners, and fans worldwide, while preserving the tournament’s scale, structure and competitive integrity.

“Riyadh helped turn the Esports World Cup into a global phenomenon,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation. “Riyadh is the home of EWC and one of the world’s leading hubs for esports, powered by an incredible community of fans and long-term ambition for the future of the sport. This year, we’re excited to bring EWC to Paris for its first edition outside Saudi Arabia. Paris has hosted some of the world’s biggest sporting events and is one of the great global capitals of sport, culture and entertainment. Together with the passion of French fans and the strong support we’ve received locally, we’re excited to bring the global esports community there for the next chapter of EWC. Paris now becomes the first international chapter in EWC history.”

The announcement builds on the continued growth of the Esports World Cup and its global audience following successive editions hosted in Riyadh.

In 2025, EWC reached more than 750 million viewers worldwide and generated over 350 million hours watched, with peak concurrent viewership nearing 8 million. The event was delivered across 28 platforms through 97 broadcast partners and over 800 channels in 35 languages, reaching fans in 140 countries.

This edition of the EWC will once again welcome more than 2,000 players and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries, who will compete in 24 games across 25 tournaments for a share of the record-breaking $75 million+ prize pool.

Details on the new venue for EWC 2026 in Paris will be announced in the coming weeks. Clubs, teams, players and fans with tickets to the event will be contacted directly. More information and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the EWC 2026 Website.

Video of the Month: Evo Japan 2026 Drops a Barrage of Fighting Game Reveals

Paul Philleo
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Video of the Month: Evo Japan 2026 Drops a Barrage of Fighting Game Reveals

This month’s pick comes from YouTube, where fighting game news and info-focused, rooflemonger, has posted a compact, no‑frills recap of Evo Japan 2026.

The video runs a little over 12 minutes, which is short enough to watch over a coffee but long enough to cover the weekend’s major reveals without feeling rushed. The video post opens with a direct walk‑through of the biggest competitive and announcement‑driven moments.

Tekken 8 gets the first segment, and for good reason: the event showcased new mechanics, balance shifts, and a few unexpected tournament outcomes. Rooflemonger doesn’t inflate the drama, as he simply points out what’s changed and why players reacted the way they did. Next up is King of Fighters XV, followed by Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. Both titles had new material on display, and the commentary sticks to what was actually shown: roster updates, gameplay slices, and the general direction SNK seems to be steering its fighters. The tone stays measured, more like a colleague giving you a quick debrief than a hype reel.

The mid‑section of the video gives space to the smaller but still‑active communities. Melty Blood, Under Night In‑Birth, and Dead or Alive 6 Last Round all get short, focused segments. These aren’t treated as filler; they’re part of the broader fighting‑game landscape, and the video acknowledges that without overselling it. There’s also a brief nod to the absence of Virtua Fighter, which remains one of the fighting game genre linchpin brands.

What makes this video pop is its information density and clarity. It’s a short, clean, digestible summary of what Evo Japan 2026 delivered news-wise, posted on a channel that’s built a reputation for cutting through noise.

If you want a quick, reliable catch‑up on news from Evo Japan’s without committing to hours of livestream archives, this YouTube breakdown is arguably the most efficient way to get there.

Did you attend Evo Japan 2026? If so, what stood out the most to you? The esports action, the fighting game announcements, or something else? Please 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!

D.I.C.E. Athens 2026 Reveals Networking Events Lineup, Including Acropolis Museum Reception

Paul Philleo
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D.I.C.E. Athens 2026 Reveals Networking Events Lineup, Including Acropolis Museum Reception

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) is bringing its executive conference, D.I.C.E. Athens, back to Europe, providing a destination for industry leaders to converge. The event is officially scheduled for September 21–23, 2026 and will be held at the Athens Marriott. This year’s summit is organized as an executive retreat, encouraging attendees to bring significant others, and is built around the theme, “The Story Ahead.”

Known for its core focus on insightful formal sessions, the three-day conference will include dedicated roundtable discussion sessions to facilitate discourse among peers. Beyond the sessions, the networking agenda is structured to offer distinctive, memorable, culturally resonant connection points. The schedule features:

  • Greek Pottery Competition: A hands-on, creative team challenge set within a classic Greek taverna, offering a light introduction to ancient Greek culture.
  • Opening Night Reception: An exclusive, high-profile event hosted at the Acropolis Museum. Attendees can expect private access to explore the museum while enjoying food, drinks, and Hellenic entertainment.
  • Closing Night Reception: A final gathering held on a rooftop at the Athens Marriott, allowing attendees to mix and mingle one last time while overlooking the city’s skyline.

The AIAS notes that its European conferences have historically sold out. Executives interested in attending are encouraged to secure their registration by August 3rd to take advantage of the available early bird rates. Registration and further details on speaker and roundtable proposals can be found at www.diceeurope.org.

The Southeast Asian Games Showcase 2026 is Surfing into Summer Game Fest

Paul Philleo
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The Southeast Asian Games Showcase 2026 is Surfing into Summer Game Fest

The Southeast Asian Games Showcase (SEAGS) is set for a return soon, riding the waves right into Geoff Keighley’s massive Summer Game Fest event. The premier online showcase, dedicated to celebrating the growing game development scene across Southeast Asia, is confirmed to air on June 6th, 2026. The showcase is expected to bring a torrent of exclusive announcements, updates, and world premieres of games specifically made in the Southeast Asian region.

The Southeast Asian Games Showcase, described as a “premium online showcase in Summer 2026,” is committed to high-impact initiatives that support the industry, hoping to expand its reach and establish itself as a vital bridge between the region and the world. This year’s partnership with Summer Game Fest is a significant endorsement of the region’s creative output and a clear signal that SEA-made games are becoming central tothe global gaming conversation. While the initial announcement teases a reveal of five specific games today, the full broadcast promises to be packed with essential viewing for anyone interested in the future of gaming.

A showcase of this magnitude requires a hosting lineup that is equally impressive and reflective of the community it serves. SEAGS has delivered, assembling a diverse slate of game industry personalities and professionals drawn from the Southeast Asian community and the global diaspora.

Leading the charge are Co-Founders Arief Johan (Malaysia) and Samantha Low (Malaysia) of the Southeast Asian Games Showcase. They are joined by a powerhouse ensemble that includes:

  • Jay Wong, Co-Founder of Kopiforge (Singapore)
  • Michael Higham, Editor at IGN (Philippines, United States)
  • Sarah Johana, Indie Game Marketer (Indonesia)
  • Nhi Do, Voice Actor and Studio Producer for sunset visitor 斜陽過客 (Vietnam, Canada)
  • Victoria Tran, Communications Director at Innersloth (Vietnam, Canada)

This collective of hosts ensures that the broadcast will be both deeply informed and genuinely engaging, bringing varied perspectives to the exclusive content being revealed. The sheer geographic and professional diversity of the hosting team highlights the collaborative and borderless nature of game development coming out of the region.

Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and prepare to tune in on June 6th, 2026. The show kicks off at 8 am PT.

For our global audience, here are the key viewing times: 8 am PT (11 am ET, 4 pm BST, 11 pm MYT, 1 am AEST (June 7th)

You can catch the action live across multiple major platforms:

If the indie game development scene from Southeast Asia Sparks your interest, you wont want to miss this essential look at some of the up-and-coming talent from that part of the world.

BitSummit PUNCH Award Nominees Revealed! Shuhei Yoshida Joins as International Award Judge and Presenter

Paul Philleo
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0
BitSummit PUNCH Award Nominees Revealed! Shuhei Yoshida Joins as International Award Judge and Presenter

KYOTO, Japan – May 14th, 2026 – With less than two weeks to go before BitSummit PUNCH opens its doors at Miyako Messe, we’re proud to reveal the full nominee roster for this year’s awards and the second wave of stage event programming. We’re also thrilled to announce that Shuhei Yoshida will be joining us as judge and awards presenter for the International Award.

BitSummit PUNCH, the 14th edition of Japan’s largest indie game festival, runs May 22nd (Fri.) to May 24th (Sun.), 2026, at Miyako Messe in Kyoto. May 22nd is a dedicated Business Day, with public days on May 23rd (Sat.) and May 24th (Sun.).

The official event page is live now at bitsummit.org/14th/ and will continue to be updated as new announcements are revealed.

BitSummit PUNCH Awards — Nominees

This year’s awards span eight categories. Six are determined by jury vote, with nominees selected from exhibiting titles based on judge recommendations and final deliberation during the event. The remaining two — the Popular Selection Award and Kids Selection Award — are decided by attendee vote on-site.

The awards ceremony takes place on the evening of Saturday, May 23rd. The fun doesn’t end there, though, with the two visitor-voted awards being announced on Sunday, May 24th, and the full ceremony will be broadcast via our official livestream for everyone watching from home.

VERMILLION GATE AWARD / 朱色賞 《 Grand Prize 》

Awarded to the most outstanding title exhibited at BitSummit PUNCH.

  • Denshattack! — Undercoders
  • Am I Nima — HO! Games
  • Algolemeth — Medium-Rare Games
  • Satoyama Note: Spring Stroll (里山のおと 春さんぽ) — Satoyama Note
  • City of None — Extremely OK Games, Ltd.
  • Artis Impact (アーティス インパクト) — Mas

INTERNATIONAL AWARD / インターナショナルアワード賞

Awarded to the most outstanding title submitted from outside Japan.

  • The King Is Watching — Hypnohead
  • Sledding Game — The Sledding Corporation
  • the Berlin Apartment — PARCO GAMES
  • TCG Card Shop Simulator — OPNeon Games
  • Surfpunk — Double Stallion Games
  • Whisper Mountain Outbreak — Toge Productions
  • Dungeon Clawler — Stray Fawn Studio

INNOVATIVE OUTLAW AWARD / 革新的反骨心賞

Awarded to a title pushing boundaries in technology, concept, or design.

  • On Air! Taxi Detective Casebook (放送開始！タクシー推理事件簿) — 373 STUDIO
  • Surface Maze Kurumab (表面迷宮くるまぶ) — KUMAZASA
  • Type & Magic — Decoboco Games
  • YaoyoroZOO — AlSH
  • Sloppy Forgeries — Playful Systems
  • Bytes and Knights – ADVENTURE — Jonathan Holmes (crait)
  • Hermit Computer — VIA studio (Visual Interactive Arts)
  • The Remake of the End of the Greatest RPG of All Time — Coin Drop Game

EXCELLENCE IN GAME DESIGN AWARD / ゲームデザイン最優秀賞

Awarded to a title demonstrating outstanding game design.

  • Lost and Found Co. — Bit Egg Inc
  • Werewolf Burger (人狼バーガー) — uracon
  • Astromine — Alientrap Games
  • Parking Together! — Yaneuragames Co., Ltd.
  • OPUS: Prism Peak — SIGONO
  • NIGHTMARE OPERATOR — DDDistortion

VISUAL EXCELLENCE AWARD / ビジュアルデザイン最優秀賞

Awarded to a title with outstanding visual design.

  • High Fructose — Chazak Games
  • Satoyama Note: Spring Stroll (里山のおと 春さんぽ) — Satoyama Note
  • FEAR FA 98 — Jacob Jazz
  • Finding Polka — lidlocks
  • Moldwasher — Anshar Publishing
  • ダレカレ (Darekare) — yona・TearyHand Studio
  • Into The Haunted Land — Kevin Lai

EXCELLENCE IN SOUND DESIGN AWARD / オーディオデザイン最優秀賞

Awarded to a title with outstanding audio design.

  • Katuba’s Poacher — Joe Yu Studio
  • Liquid Abyss: The Melted Jelly (リクイッド・アビス – The Melted Jelly -) — Hello Quest
  • Starless Umbra — Alcuria Games
  • DEATH A LIVE — Rabbit Trigger
  • Cento — Hoshimadara Lab.
  • Mekururiwitchi (めくるりウィッチ) — SleepingMuseum
  • Toroa: Skycall — Atawhai Interactive

POPULAR SELECTION AWARD / ポピュラーセレクション賞

Voted on by event attendees on-site — winners will be announced on May 24th (Sun.). Cast your vote when you’re here!

KIDS SELECTION AWARD / ビットキッズアワード

Voted on by young attendees on-site — also announced on May 24th (Sun.). Cast your vote when you’re here!

Rounding out the ceremony, sponsor awards from PlayStation® and ID@Xbox, media partner awards from Famitsu, Dengeki Online, Gizmodo Japan, Game*Spark, IGN Japan, 4Gamer, VGC, and Game Makers, and the BitSummit Game Jam Award — recognizing the most outstanding title created during the BitSummit Game Jam — will also be presented on the night.

Shuhei Yoshida Joins BitSummit PUNCH as International Award Judge and Presenter

Long one of the games industry’s most prominent voices for independent development, Shuhei Yoshida has joined our esteemed panel of judges and presenters and will present the International Award prize at the awards ceremony on May 23rd. His decades of experience — and his well-known passion for indie games from around the world — make him an ideal champion for the international titles exhibiting at BitSummit PUNCH this year.

BitSummit has always aimed to connect outstanding indie games from Japan and around the world with the developers, publishers, media, and players. Yoshida’s participation in judging the International Award reflects exactly that spirit — bringing greater visibility to the diverse range of international titles coming to Kyoto, and signaling to the global indie community that BitSummit is a place where great work gets recognized.

“BitSummit has always been about building bridges — between Japanese indie developers and the world, and between the industry and the players who love these games. Having Shuhei Yoshida join us to judge and present the International Award is a perfect reflection of that mission. His passion for indie games and the incredible depth of his experience make him exactly the right person to champion the international titles coming to Kyoto this year.”

— John Davis, BitSummit Director and Game Curation Lead

Final Nominations Revealed for Nordic Game Awards 2026, With Assassin’s Actor Magnus Bruun to Host

Paul Philleo
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Final Nominations Revealed for Nordic Game Awards 2026, With Assassin’s Actor Magnus Bruun to Host

The Nordic Game Awards 2026 (NGA 26) have officially revealed their final nominations for the annual celebration recognizing the best games produced within the Nordic region. This year’s event is set to highlight the continued growth and creative output of game developers across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The awards ceremony is a foundational component of the larger annual Nordic Game (NG26) conference.

The anticipation for the ceremony has been further heightened by the announcement of its host: Danish actor Magnus Bruun. Bruun, widely recognized for his memorable roles in the Assassin’s franchise, will lead the evening’s festivities. His presence brings a spotlight to the synergistic relationship between high-quality game development and acting talent, underlining the awards’ prestige. The decision to feature a figure with strong ties to the industry emphasizes the communal spirit of the event, which is designed to recognize peer achievements within the Nordic community.
As for the final list of the nominations featured in the Nordic Game Awards 2026 (NGA 26), they showcase a diverse array of outstanding game development from across the five Nordic nations.

Nordic Game of the Year contenders include high-profile titles like Battlefield 6 (Sweden), Dune: Awakening (Norway), and ARC Raiders (Sweden). Split Fiction (Sweden) and My Winter Car (Finland) round out the top category.Games developed by Hazelight Studios (Split Fiction) and Embark Studios (ARC Raiders) are heavily featured across multiple technical and design categories. Split Fiction and ARC Raiders, along with Dune: Awakening and Battlefield 6, are all nominated for Best Technology and Best Audio. Split Fiction and ARC Raiders also compete in Best Game Design, alongside Europa Universalis V (Sweden), Sledders (Finland), and Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor (Denmark).

The awards also recognize aesthetic achievements in Best Art, with nominations for Dune: Awakening, Wreckfest 2 (Finland), and LEGO Voyagers (Denmark). Emerging studios are highlighted in the Best Debut category, featuring titles such as RV There Yet? (Sweden) and Discounty (Denmark). For family-friendly appeal, the Best Fun for Everyone category includes games like LEGO Voyagers and Pictionary Game Night (Finland). The awards are set to recognize outstanding creativity, technical achievement, and innovation.

To see the full list of NGA 26 nominees, visit the official link to see them all.

The Nordic Game Awards, which celebrates the best games from the Nordic region, will be held during the NG26 conference on Thursday, May 28, at 19:00 CEST in the Main Theatre at the Slagthuset venue. The parent event, Nordic Game 2026, has been the premier home meeting place for the Nordic games industry since 2004 and is recognized as among the largest spring games industry events in Europe.

PIGCON 2026 Schedule Released, Set for May 30th and 31st in Portland

Paul Philleo
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PIGCON 2026 Schedule Released, Set for May 30th and 31st in Portland
The Portland Indie Game Squad (PIGSquad) has officially released the full schedule for PIGCON 2026. PIGCON, which stands for the Portland Indie Game Convention, is presented by PIGSquad as a weekend event for game developers of all kinds. Its primary mission is to provide a forum for attendees to learn, share their projects, and connect with peers within the independent game development community. PIGCON is a foundational gathering that supports both hobbyists and professionals in advancing their skills and networking.

The main convention is scheduled for the weekend of May 30-31, 2026. This year’s convention will be hosted at the Norse Hall in Portland, OR. The freshly published Show Schedule includes an updated list of guests and the full presentation calendar. Organizers state that tickets are selling quickly, and they encourage interested potential attendees to review the talks and secure their registration soon. Further details are expected shortly, as PIGSquad confirms that a complete games list and expanded activities will be added to the schedule in the near future. The team is hashing out the content to help lock in a more comprehensive event experience.

Attendees also have an opportunity to connect before the main event at the final pre-PIGCON Art/Code Night. This casual gathering is planned for Friday, May 15th, from 6pm to 10pm. The venue for the Art/Code Night is The Hostel Cafe, located at 1810 NW Glisan St in Portland. The session is intended as a chance for developers to relax, chat, network, and bring their current projects, regardless if it’s a game, a coding project, or a sketch book. This gathering provides a low-key prelude to the full convention, offering a relaxed setting to meet other members of the PIGSquad community.

Keep tabs on PIGCON by keeping up with Events for Gamers news and social channels or by checking the PIGCON page on the PIGSquad site.
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