Wings Interactive, in partnership with the IGF Awards, announces their nominees for the WINGS Award, which will be announced during the IGF Awards ceremony. The WINGS Award focuses on exceptional games created by developers where women and other gender-marginalized developers hold key roles.
The full list of finalists for the WINGS Award include:
Consume Me (Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, Jie En Lee, Violet W-P, Ken “coda” Snyder)
Consume Me is a darkly humorous personal game about creator Jenny Jiao Hsia’s relationship with food, drawing from her past experiences with dieting and disordered eating.
Caravan SandWitch (Plane Toast/Dear Villagers)
Caravan SandWitch is a relaxing sci-fi mystery game set in Provence where players will search for their missing sister.
The Crush House (Nerial / Devolver Digital)
The Crush House is a darkly comic LGBTQ+ simulation adventure where players produce a reality TV show set in the year 1999.
Tavern Talk (Gentle Troll Entertainment / Gentle Troll Entertainment)
Tavern Talk is a cozy visual novel about running a tavern in a Dungeon & Dragon-inspired fantasy world.
Urban Myth Dissolution Center (Hakababunko / SHUEISHA GAMES)
Urban Myth Dissolution Center is an occult mystery adventure game where players solve cases involving cursed relics.
Wings Interactive is a unique fund whose investment decisions are driven exclusively by women and provides up to 500K in funding and business support for developers to self-publish their game projects and also to build sustainable studios.
To attend the IGF Awards (and see who wins the WINGS Award as well) in person, you’ll need a GDC 2025 pass to participate. If interested, explore the available options! To watch the awards ceremony online, visit GDC’s Twitch channel at 6:30PM PST on March 19, 2025 to view the livestream.
March 6, 2025, Berkeley, CA – The DIGY (Dope Indie Games of the Year) Awards today reveals finalists, which include amazing 2024 standouts like UFO 50, Animal Well, Arranger: A Role Puzzling Adventure, Thank Goodness You’re Here, Balatro and many more – as well as the show’s broadcast time of noon Pacific / 3 pm Eastern / 9 pm Central Europe time on Thursday, March 13, 2025 on Twitch, YouTube, IGN, GameSpot and Steam. Organized by a team of seasoned game industry and event production veterans, this new awards show focuses on indies, celebrating the games and the talented people behind the craft of game development for games released between January and December, 2024.
Without further ado, the DIGY Award finalists!
Dope Indie Game of the Year: Will be awarded to the game of the year as selected by the judging panel, along with a game of the year voted by gamers.
LocalThunk’s Belatro has won several awards already and is one of the contenders at the 2025 IGF among other awards (image: Balatro)
Best Early Access: Will be awarded to the game that provided an amazing quality experience through Early Access prior to full release. Eligible for games that entered Early Access January through December 2024 and have not had full release within that time.
Finalists: Enshrouded, Hades II, Liar’s Bar, Manor Lords, Supermarket Simulator
Micro Indie: Will be awarded to the best game that has your wallet in mind, giving you an amazing experience for under $10
Best Soundtrack: Will be awarded to the game with the best soundtrack, which you can put on your Spotify playlist
Finalists: Another Crab’s Treasure, Beat Slayer, Nine Sols, Robobeat, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU
Cultural Impact: Will be awarded to individual or team that shines a light on a culture and community in compelling and meaningful ways
Finalists: Kitsune Tails, Nine Sols, Tavern Talk, Sorry We’re Closed, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU
Most Poppin! Will be awarded to individual or team with breakout marketing that helped build visibility for the game in interesting ways
Finalists: Animal Well, Another Crab’s Treasure, Balatro, Content Warning, Squirrel with a Gun
The DIGYS have also established an Indie Hero category as well as a Hall of Fame for special contributions in this part of the industry.
The show hosts will announce the first Indie Hero and Hall of Fame inductee in the March 13 broadcast.
DIGY Awards Production Team and Judges
With decades of industry and indie category expertise, the team organizing the DIGYS brings experience from The MIX (Media Indie Exchange), South by Southwest, DreamHack, Devolver, IGN Plus, Good Shepherd, Saber Interactive, 3D Realms, DICE Summit, Black Voices in Gaming, LucasArts and Telltale Games to the DIGYS.
The DIGY Awards judging panel includes a variety of representatives from the industry and indie community – developers, publishers, channel partners and more.
The DIGY Awards (Dope Indie Game of the Year Awards) focuses on indies, celebrating the games and the talented folks behind the craft of game development.
Thanks to partners and sponsors at Xbox, Wilson Sonsini, The MIX and Loadout Entertainment that have helped to make this first DIGY Awards possible.
Learn more at digyawards.com and @digyawards on X / Twitter.
As with any big event, there are many, many parties surrounding it. We’ve got a solid list below of the key parties focused on gaming and gamers you may want to check out during SXSW. If you are in the city for a longer period of time around other SXSW festivities, literally dozens, if not hundreds, of other parties for everything from environmental activism, to the future of food, to movie screenings, and live music shows happening elsewhere. If you want to know what topics are covered in the SXSW 2025 Game Industry Track and who is speaking, check out the agenda.
If we missed any relevant parties, showcases, or other events associated with SXSW that you know about and want us to share, please let us know! We’ll be updating the list, if new events come to our attention or there are important changes to the events or their status.
XR Experience Jury award winner, The Golden Key, at SXSW 2024 (image by Adam Kissick/SXSW)
Wednesday, March 5:
Event: Games for Change Game Night Time: 4:00PM-5:00PM Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? Yes Location: Hilton Austin, 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701 Link: https://schedule.sxswedu.com/2025/events/PP151828
Description: “Calling all gamers, game lovers, game-based pedagogues, and play-curious people. Join us for a play-based meetup where we will play both analog and digital games with purpose. We will nourish and restore conference energy, learn about opportunities to bring game-based learning to your school or organization, and build community with like-minded educators who are looking to unlock the power of games in their teaching practice. This meetup invites attendees to explore the capacity of games as transformative teaching tools at the intersection of learning and impact.”
Event: The Attention Economy: How to Entertain in 2025 Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? No Location: Hi Sign Brewing, 730 Shady Ln, Austin, TX 78702 Link: https://lu.ma/w59ef8hj
Description: Meet and circulate with entrepreneurs, be one of the first 15 to show up and receive a drink ticket. And the gaming side of this event is SideHustle, the party game for entrepreneurs (think Shark Tank meeting Apples to Apples).
Friday, March 7:
Event: SXSW25 | CreativeNL – Immersive Morning: Friday Time: 8:00AM – 9:30AM Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? Yes Location: East Austin Hotel, 1108 East 6th Street Austin, TX 78702 Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sxsw25-creativenl-immersive-morning-saturday-tickets-1246108216219
Description: Stop by for the breakfast, stay for the insightful talk on XR and health and wellness! “On Friday March 7th we’re welcoming Sarah Ticho, a multi-award-winning artist, strategist, and entrepreneur at the forefront of immersive storytelling and healthcare innovation. As the director of SOUL PAINT, co-produced with Dutch Monobanda, and winner of the SXSW Special Jury Prize, Sarah merges art and technology to create powerful, transformative experiences.
Note: “Right after this session on Friday 7 March – 9:30 – 10:30 AM at the East Austin Hotel, you can join the Makers meet-up and introduction to the CIIIC-program Artistic & Design Research for Immersive Experiences by the Creative Industries Fund NL.”
Saturday, March 8:
Event: SXSW25 | CreativeNL – Immersive Morning: Saturday Time: 8:00AM – 9:30AM Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? Yes Location: East Austin Hotel, 1108 East 6th Street Austin, TX 78702 Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sxsw25-creativenl-immersive-morning-saturday-tickets-1246108216219
Description: Come for the breakfast, stay for the insightful talks on narrative design in games and XR! “In this interactive session, Joshua (Rubin) will share his insights on narrative innovation in games and XR, the challenges of world-building for emerging platforms, and the future of AI-powered storytelling. Bring your questions and join the conversation!”
Join us for a presentation followed by a thought-provoking discussion on the risks, responsibilities, and future of neurotechnology in an increasingly immersive world.”
Event: SXSW25 | Experiential Happy Hour Time: 5:00PM – 7:00PM Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? No Location: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River Street Park View Ballroom 7th floor Austin, TX 78701 Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sxsw25-experiential-happy-hour-tickets-1254636133449 Description: “Join Dutch and Quebec top creators for an exclusive and fun happy hour, where innovative thinkers come together to connect, share ideas, and enjoy great conversation over drinks. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, geek or just passionate about creativity, this is the perfect opportunity to mingle and spark new collaborations in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere!”
Sunday, March 9:
Event: Canadian Innovation Lounge at SXSW 2025 Time: 11:00AM – 6:00PM (Sunday, March 9 – Tuesday, March 11 daily) Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? No Location: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River Street Park View Ballroom 7th floor Austin, TX 78701 Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/canadian-innovation-lounge-at-sxsw-2025-4099733 Description: “The Canadian Innovation Lounge will showcase projects ranging from XR experiences for both at-home and out-of-home destinations, to VR and AI solutions transforming learning and lifestyle.” Follow the link to the XR, AI and other projects the Canadian Innovation Lounge is spotlighting each day, and register for the program you want to visit and explore.
4th Annual ATX Game Makers Showcase! (image: Donald Harris and ATX Game Makers)
Event: 4th Annual ATX Game Makers Showcase! (Day One) Time: 11:00AM – 7:00PM (also on Monday, March 10) Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? No Location: Valhalla, 710 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701 Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-atx-game-makers-showcase-tickets-1242343004369
Description: “ATX Game Makers is an amazing community focused on creating video games and increasing the diversity in the games industry. This is our annual spring event where we show off and show out! During the event we will have speakers to educate our attendees and offer a space for local studios and indies to show off their games.” From 5-7PM is the event’s happy hour, which is hosted only on day one.
Event: The Attention Economy: How to Entertain in 2025 Time: 12:00PM-1:30PM Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? No Location: Palm Door on Sixth,508 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 Link: https://lu.ma/9jyfkooe
Description: Hosted by UK Advertising, this panel talk brings speakers from Activision Blizzard Media, Dr. Squatch, Small World, and Hasbro together to discuss cutting “through the noise to debate whether brands should create culture or stop chasing trends—and what brand fame really means.” Of course, games and gaming are very likely to be a big part of this discussion, given the speakers participating.
Event: Event Tech Meet Up Time: 2:30PM-3:30PM Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? Yes Location: Hilton Austin, 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701 Link: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP1147689
Description: “Are you passionate about the intersection of technology and events? Whether you’re at the forefront of managing event technologies, actively involved in producing software for event management, or simply intrigued by the innovative world of event tech, this Meet Up is for you.”
Monday, March 10
Event: 4th Annual ATX Game Makers Showcase! (Day Two) Time: 11:00AM – 4:00PM (also on Sunday, March 9) Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? No Location: Valhalla, 710 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701 Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-atx-game-makers-showcase-tickets-1242343004369
Description: “ATX Game Makers is an amazing community focused on creating video games and increasing the diversity in the games industry. This is our annual spring event where we show off and show out! During the event we will have speakers to educate our attendees and offer a space for local studios and indies to show off their games.” From noon -1PM is the event’s business lunch, which is hosted only on day two.
Event: GamesBeat Engage @ SXSW 2025 Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? No Location: Downtown Austin, TX (specific location shared after confirmation) Link: https://venturebeat.com/games/dont-miss-the-first-gamesbeat-engage-event-at-sxsw/
Description: “You won’t want to miss the first GamesBeat Engage happening in Austin on March 11. A new series of invite-only, salon-style gatherings launching during SXSW, these events feature an evening of thought-provoking keynotes and fireside chats from leading game industry voices, followed by dinner and networking opportunities with a curated audience of up to 100 top-tier attendees.”
If you request a formal invite, please bear in mind VentureBeat prefers senior- and executive-level attendees for this event.
Thursday, March 13:
Event: Austin DeoVR Networking Meet-Up Time: 5:00PM-8:00PM Cost: Free Tickets available: Yes
SXSW badge required? No Location: TBA Link: https://lu.ma/pezruicj
Description: Hosted by UK Advertising, this panel talk brings speakers from Activision Blizzard Media, Dr. Squatch, Small World, and Hasbro together to discuss cutting “through the noise to debate whether brands should create culture or stop chasing trends—and what brand fame really means.” Of course, games and gaming are very likely to be a big part of this discussion, given the speakers participating.
Stay tuned for updates to the SXSW 2025 party list as we become aware of the changes!
On Friday, March 7, GoFundMe will host a panel at SXSW 2025 about women’s innovation and leadership in philanthropy.
The event, titled “Women are Changing the Game of Giving,” will explore how women and girls – from prominent philanthropists like MacKenzie Scott and Melinda French Gates to community leaders and advocates – are shaping the future of giving. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of the progress that has been made toward gender equity in philanthropy and what can be done about the gaps that remain.
The panel will feature an exciting lineup of speakers – including Margaret Richardson, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at GoFundMe; Angelique Albert, CEO of Native Forward Scholars Fund; and Sarah Haacke Byrd, CEO of Women Moving Millions.
GoFundMe is also hosting a happy hour, “GoFundMe Happy Hour: Innovating for Good,” on Saturday, March 8 at 3-6pm CT. More information can be found here.
SXSW 2025 is right around the corner, and if you’re in the gaming industry—or just fascinated by where interactive entertainment is headed—this is an event you don’t want to miss. One of the things I love about SXSW is that it takes place in Austin, Texas, which is a great host city (I may be biased as I have lived there). The downtown area is compact and walkable, making it easy to hop between sessions, networking events, and all the great food spots Austin is known for. Whether you’re grabbing tacos between panels or catching live music after a long day of talks, the city adds so much to the experience.
Difference with singular Conferences and Conventions
The key difference with a festival like SXSW is its multi-layered experience—it’s not just a conference, a convention, or a public event, but a mix of all three. At SXSW, you have the Game Industry Track as part of the conference, where industry professionals attend panels, keynotes, and networking sessions. There’s also a convention hall with exhibitors showcasing new tech, games, and creative projects.
But beyond that, SXSW spills out into the city with publicly accessible events, like gaming tournaments, music performances, film screenings, and brand activations that engage both attendees and the general public.
In contrast, a standalone conference like D.I.C.E. Summit is a much more focused, somewhat industry-exclusive event, emphasizing high-level discussions, networking, and intimate talks among gaming executives and thought leaders. A fantastic event to go to as well if you are a game developer on an agenda to accomplish something great with others in the industry. Meanwhile, a convention like PAX is more consumer-facing, with a strong emphasis on fan experiences, hands-on game demos, and community engagement rather than deep industry discussions.
SXSW sits uniquely between these formats—offering professional development and networking while also embracing a larger cultural festival atmosphere. It’s a place where you can attend a serious business panel in the morning and then find yourself at a pop-up gaming event or a live concert in the evening.
Game Industry Track
I’ve been keeping an eye on the Game Industry Track, happening March 9–11, and the lineup looks fantastic. From deep dives into storytelling and music in games to fast-paced Ignite Talks featuring industry innovators, there’s a ton to take in.
One session I’m particularly excited about is “Supercharging Fandom in Gaming with Music and Storytelling.” It’s all about how narrative and music can create deeper emotional connections with players, and it features an impressive panel: Timothy Salmon (VP at CatFace/Aphmau), Ben Mattes (Creative Officer at Rovio), Linda Stenmark (Musician/Producer at Loving Caliber), and Oscar Höglund (CEO of Epidemic Sound). If you’re into world-building and player engagement, this one’s a must.
Another highlight is the “Ignite Talks: Game Industry” session, a recurring talk at previous shows, where multiple speakers each get five minutes to share bold ideas and insights. These quick-hitting talks are usually packed with fresh perspectives, and they always leave me thinking about the industry in new ways.
Not Just Gaming
SXSW isn’t just about gaming. One of the best things about this event is how it blends different creative fields—tech, music, film, and beyond. I always come away with unexpected insights from panels outside my core focus, whether it’s about AI’s role in content creation, the future of interactive storytelling, or how gaming influences other media.
One great example of gaming’s influence on other media is The Last of Us. Originally a critically acclaimed video game, its deep storytelling, rich characters, and cinematic presentation made it a perfect candidate for adaptation. When HBO turned it into a TV series, it didn’t just follow the typical “game-to-screen” formula—it elevated the storytelling by staying true to the emotional depth of the game while making adjustments that worked for television. The success of the show demonstrated how gaming narratives can drive compelling stories across different mediums, proving that interactive storytelling is just as powerful—if not more so—than traditional film and TV.
Planning Your Attendance
If you’re considering attending SXSW, now’s the time to get your plans together as the event is just a few days away. Whether you’re an indie dev, a content creator, or just someone who loves games and wants to see where the industry is headed, SXSW 2025 is the place to be (well, GDC in San Francisco and many other fine events as well for the month, all conveniently listed in our calendar :)). My Top 10 Game Industry Event Attendance Tips:
Did you register for the event? Have your receipt/confirmation accessible upon entering the event.
Bring business cards and keep the design simple and to-the-point. I highly suggest you keep the back blank and white so it can be easily written on.
Note in advance which panels/talks/parties to attend (and plan for walking time to them). For SXSW and many other events, the gathering may be down the street in a hotel or other venue!
Promote your attendance to your network about 2-3 weeks in advance of the event.
Events are always a great place to network and get to know others in your industry! Just don’t go to them expecting a guaranteed job or business offer.
#1 success priority: Be likeable. Don’t go in with a hard agenda and ego, listen more than talk, and you’ll come out with friends.
Day-before: Note the weather outlook and make one more call-out to your network.
Day-of: Attending events is expensive! Always have a bit of cash on-hand. Also, bring an extra battery brick for your phone… you’ll need it.
Speaking of cash, tip those waiters at all the free after-parties you will be at. They thank you in advance.
Upon arrival, purchase at a local store plenty of snacks if you can. The on-site food and drinks are horrendously expensive, it’s almost a crime against humanity.
Bonus tip: Take notes of everything! Well, not everything, but do note who you met so you can add them to LinkedIn and network again in the future. Write a journal of what was interesting, challenging, and what you would do differently the next year.
“The world needs moonshots now more than ever. We want to inspire others to join us in a mission to create radical new technologies to help solve some of the world’s biggest problems.” – Astro Teller, The Moonshot Podcast host
Feb 27, 2025 (New York, NY) – The Moonshot Podcast, a ten-part podcast series hosted by Google X Captain of Moonshots, Astro Teller, is set to launch from SXSW 2025 with a celebratory morning launch event and live panel on March 10, 2025. The event will include prototypes of some of the most celebrated innovations from Google X, interview clips of the creators lauded for the innovations, and very special panelist guests joining Astro Teller live on stage, to be announced soon.
The podcast chronicles the untold stories of innovation – both highs and lows – from 15 years inside Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory. In conversation with thinkers and creators behind X, the Moonshot Factory’s most audacious projects including self driving cars, wearables, robots, computer systems that code themselves, Internet balloons, laser internet, wildfire prediction, and so much more, Astro explores huge problems, radical solutions and breakthrough technologies that have the potential to reshape our world.
Said Astro Teller, “This year we’re celebrating 15 years of moonshot taking. We saw this as a great opportunity to go back and talk to those who helped shape key moonshots over X’s history–particularly people who invented new technologies that have transformed industries or created new ones. Through our conversations, we hear their reflections on the process of experimentation, the evolution of technology, and what the future holds for critical spaces like transportation, connectivity, computing, and sustainability.”
The podcast will explore important questions like How do we achieve the clean, green energy dream? and Can technology give our planet a second chance? while diving into the history of exciting projects like Waymo, Brain, Everyday Robots and Google Glass.
The Moonshot Podcast embodies optimism, realism, inspiration and resilience in the face of the world’s most pressing social and environmental threats. This is an unprecedented opportunity to take an unfiltered look into X, the Moonshot Factory, and the people working to solve some of the world’s hardest problems. Radical innovation is never straightforward, but it holds keys to unlocking human progress, and this series will show listeners how.
ABOUT GOOGLE X, THE MOONSHOT FACTORY:
In 2010, Google parent company Alphabet formed a new division called X to work on moonshots: far-out, sci-fi sounding technologies that could one day make the world a radically better place. It was something of a moonshot unto itself. Today, X is a diverse group of inventors and entrepreneurs who build and launch technologies that aim to improve the lives of billions. X ‘graduates’ have become new Alphabet companies (Waymo, Wing), others have found homes inside Google (Brain), and others still have become independent companies outside of Alphabet (Dandelion, Malta). The goal remains the same: 10x impact on the world’s most intractable problems, not just 10% improvement. X approaches projects that have the aspiration and riskiness of research with the speed and ambition of a startup.
ABOUT ASTRO TELLER:
As Google X’s Captain of Moonshots, Astro is responsible for steering X’s projects through the bumps and scrapes they meet along the road to reality. Prior to X, Astro founded and grew five companies, including BodyMedia, which developed wearable body-monitoring devices. Before moving to the business world, Astro was an engineer and researcher for Phoenix Laser Technologies, Stanford’s Center for Integrated Systems, and taught a Computer Science class at Stanford University. He holds a B.S. in computer science and an M.S. in symbolic and heuristic computation, both from Stanford, and a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence from Carnegie Mellon, where he was a recipient of the Hertz fellowship. Through his work as a scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur, Astro holds many U.S. and international patents, related to hardware and software technology. He’s the successful author of three published books and an international speaker on technology and innovation.
DALLAS, Texas – February 27, 2025 –GlobalStep, powering the future of video games through end-to-end creative and technical solutions, is bringing together some of the game industry’s top leaders for an exclusive panel discussion at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 in San Francisco. Titled “The Future of Gaming: The Next 1,000 Days,” the panel will examine the forces shaping the games industry, including the impact of AI, evolving production models, and investment trends that will define studio success in the years ahead.
The session will be moderated by Tim Fields, GlobalStep board member and former CEO of Kabam, and features industry leaders: Jason Chapman (Managing Partner, Konvoy Ventures), Ryan Filsinger (CEO, Iron Fox Games), Leah Hoyer (CEO & Head of Creative, Level Headed Games), Jeff Pobst (CEO & Founder, Hidden Path Entertainment), and Luke Takeuchi (Executive Producer, Night Garden Studio).
Panel Details:
Title: The Future of Gaming: The Next 1,000 Days
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
Location: Room 3020, West Hall, Moscone Center
According to a recent industry report by Epyllion CEO and games industry expert Matthew Ball, the video games industry has shrunk by 13% in real terms since 2021, VC funding has dropped 8x from its peak, and major gaming stocks have underperformed the broader market by up to 140%. As competition intensifies and new players stagnate, studios must adapt to new technologies and business models to survive in this evolving landscape.
“The video games industry is at an inflection point, where economic pressures, technological disruption, and shifting player behaviors are redefining the rules of success,” said Gagan Ahluwalia, Founder and CEO of GlobalStep. “Matthew Ball’s latest industry report suggests that gaming’s decade-long growth surge is over. Studios can no longer rely on traditional playbooks, and they must rethink how they build, monetize, and scale games to remain viable in this new reality. We feel this is the right time to assemble some of the greatest and brightest minds in the games industry to talk about the best way to cope with these changes. This panel is not just a conversation—it’s a step toward actionable strategies that will enable studios to thrive in the future.”
The discussion will focus on three critical areas driving the future of gaming:
Positioning Studios for Long-Term Success: How game studios must evolve to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
Harnessing AI in Game Development and Player Experience: Understanding AI’s transformative potential in game production, live operations, and audience engagement.
Building Enduring Value in a Shifting Investment Landscape: What makes studios attractive to investors in today’s environment, and how to drive long-term growth.
GDC attendees can also connect with GlobalStep’s leadership team in its hospitality suite at The Marriott Marquis to explore tailored solutions that help studios optimize their game development, live operations, and overall business strategy in today’s market.
To make the event even more exciting, panel attendees will have a chance to win exclusive prizes from GlobalStep’s customers including Microsoft, Meta, Sony and Netflix, celebrating the spirit of innovation and excellence in the games industry. Prizes include:
Microsoft Xbox Series X
Sony PlayStation 5
Meta Quest 3
Netflix Subscriptions: Three one-year subscription gift cards
Dubai Meets Austin through 2050 Track Sponsorship, Pop-Up Museum, Panels, The Original Dubai Chocolate and Cultural Events on March 7-11, 2025
AUSTIN, TEXAS (FEB. 25, 2025)—Dubai’s Museum of the Future (MOTF), the flagship project by Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), announces their groundbreaking participation at SXSW®. The five-day immersive experience, which will take place from March 7 to 11, is centered around collectively imagining, inspiring, and designing the future. The extensive programming includes 20 curated experiences and will take place at Dubai’s official SXSW headquarters, the Museum of the Future House, located at Third Street and Congress Avenue in Austin, TX. It will offer SXSW attendees a window into the world-class city of Dubai.
The Museum of the Future, a seven-story cultural landmark in Dubai that opened in 2022, along with the Dubai Future Foundation, aims to spotlight the United Arab Emirates’ emergence as a global technology and innovation hub. The foundation is a sponsor of SXSW’s 2050 conference programming track, and will lead discussions on lunar colonization, sustainable food production, and artificial intelligence. Attendees can expect workshops, outdoor activations, networking opportunities, and a mix of Middle Eastern narratives exploring humanity, nature, and future technologies—from space-proofing cuisine to innovative food systems emerging from desert landscapes.
The Dubai-based Museum of the Future empowers people to shape humanity’s next chapter by journeying to the year 2071 and showcases a vision of progress that can inspire cities worldwide. The Museum of the Future House will offer SXSW attendees a glimpse into Dubai’s dynamic evolution, highlighting its rapid rise as a global hub for innovation, talent, and investment.
The pop-up museum exterior features eye-catching Arabic calligraphy, while inside, guests will explore a multi-sensory immersive experience inspired by space, humanity and the natural world. An outdoor space will highlight Emirati culture, with culinary experiences including tastings of the viral TikTok sensation, the original Dubai chocolate bars from FIX Dessert Chocolatier and traditional chai demonstrations by Project Chaiwala.
Internationally renowned Digital Visual Artist Refik Anadol (@refikandol) has created an immersive artwork called “Earth Dreams,” exploring the three elements of the Earth: air, land, and water. The AI-powered installation turns real environmental data into dynamic, ever-changing visuals. Using cutting-edge machine learning, the artwork reimagines real-life elements in a way that gives them color, immersing attendees in a mesmerizing, dreamlike exploration of nature’s hidden patterns. The exhibit is also on display at the Museum of the Future in Dubai and was first launched during the Dubai Future Forum, the flagship event of the Dubai Future Foundation and the largest gathering of futurists. This isn’t just a showcase – it’s an invitation to reimagine what’s possible.
“SXSW has always been a place where big ideas come to life,” said Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Museum of the Future. “We are bringing a bit of Dubai’s perspective and flavors to Austin, where we hope to spark new conversations about how technology and culture can create positive change. We will bridge ideas from both East and West to reimagine what tomorrow could look like.”
Engaging discussions will spotlight diverse voices and perspectives different from the ones that usually dominate conversations about the future, from Arab filmmakers and award-winning writers to astronauts, navigating topics like artificial intelligence’s evolving role in society. The food panel track takes a deeper look at the future of food, where visionary leaders converge to reimagine food systems, using technology to create sustainable, culturally-connected solutions that could transform how we nourish the global community. Expect to hear from brands like Solar Foods, for example, who pioneer sustainability using solar energy to produce food. These events will prioritize those with a SXSW badge to access.
Notable speakers include Canadian Astronaut Shawna Pandya; Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati Astronaut; Author and Urban scholar-practitioner Geci Karuri-Sebina; and Film Producer Gianluca Chakra, among many others.
For more information about how these visiting organizations bring Dubai to Austin through expert panels, art, and cultural programming during SXSW, please visit museumofthefuturesxsw.com. To discover more about their commitment to Dubai’s future, please visit dubaifuture.ae. Follow along on Instagram for live updates at @museumofthefuture and @dubaifuture. The event hashtag is #MuseumOfTheFutureSXSW.
The programming schedule is as follows and is subject to change:
Friday, March 7 – Monday, March 10 2050 Track sponsored by Dubai Future Foundation Location: Austin Marriott Downtown – 304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
About: Dive into what the world could look like by the year 2050. Sponsored by DFF, the 2050 track focuses on long-term, big-picture thinking emphasizing scientific discovery. The programming features topics ranging from quantum computing and space exploration to robotics and foresight best practices. The Dubai Future Foundation works to make Dubai one of the world’s foremost future cities. By working closely with public and private sector partners, the organization builds a cohesive innovation ecosystem that includes accelerator programs, incubators, labs, regulatory sandboxes, and knowledge platforms – all to challenge the status quo and design a future-ready city powered by future leaders and disruptors.
Friday, March 7 – Tuesday, March 11 Museum of the Future House Location: 3rd/Congress Parking – 3rd/Congress, Austin, TX 78701
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. || Open to the public, badge priority line
About: To reimagine the future, people must be open to new possibilities. Join MOTF on a journey to 2071. Pioneer new worlds and ways of living and return to shape today’s world for the better. Experience the future of space travel and living, climate change and ecology, health, wellness, and spirituality. Learn how technologies such as synthetic biology and artificial intelligence can combat climate change.
*The capacity is limited to 250 people at a time.
Speakers at MOTF House include astronauts Shawna Pandya and Hazza Al Mansour, visual artist Refik Anadol, award-winning novelist Hisham Matar, author and urban scholar-practitioner Geci Karuri-Sebina, and film director Gianluca Chakra.
Friday, March 7: Creator and Media Preview 12 p.m. || Private Event – Invite Only
Digital creators and top international techies are invited to this mixer event to capture a first look at The Museum of the Future activation. This will be a special sneak peek that will catapult creators into the future.
Hello March Madness Followers! This month is chock-full of festivals, conferences, and more. As we continue to warm up to the spring time, the event season ramps along with a wider variety of events. We’ve put together yet another great list of events you can attend for the month, led by superstars like GDC, SXSW, NVIDIA GTC, and PG Connects.
Check out the complete March event list below, but first…
SPECIAL OFFERS
We have 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:
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!
March 2025 had two more events listed than last year. Notice something else for this month? There are only a few online or hybrid events. We’ve officially migrated right back to ‘normal’ mode for the event industry.
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!
NEW BETA VIEW
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.
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, 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, 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 officialGDC 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.
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.
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.
As Google X’s Captain of Moonshots, Astro is responsible for steering X’s projects through the bumps and scrapes they meet along the road to reality. Prior to X, Astro founded and grew five companies, including BodyMedia, which developed wearable body-monitoring devices. Before moving to the business world, Astro was an engineer and researcher for Phoenix Laser Technologies, Stanford’s Center for Integrated Systems, and taught a Computer Science class at Stanford University. He holds a B.S. in computer science and an M.S. in symbolic and heuristic computation, both from Stanford, and a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence from Carnegie Mellon, where he was a recipient of the Hertz fellowship. Through his work as a scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur, Astro holds many U.S. and international patents, related to hardware and software technology. He’s the successful author of three published books and an international speaker on technology and innovation.
