E4G: Considering the strong presence of European indie studios with Courage.Events showcases, what unique challenges or opportunities have you seen with creating engagement and partnership with developers from Europe, given the current geopolitical strains and logistical issues with hosting in the United States?
MD: In previous years we worked closely with national and regional delegations. Organizations like Belgian Games, Swiss Games, Brazilian Games and others would bring curated groups of studios. They would book four or five tables together, which created a strong presence and a sense of community within the showcase.
That model worked very well. It lowered the threshold for individual studios because they travelled as part of a group. It also gave us financial stability, since delegation partners committed early and secured multiple spots at once. We had strong groups from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and Brazil. It created energy and diversity on the floor.
This year, however, the situation is different. The current geopolitical climate and the rising costs of international travel have made it much harder for European studios to justify coming to the United States. Public funding is tighter, and organizations are more cautious. As a result, fewer delegations are committing early.
That forces us to think creatively. We may need to adapt our financial model, look for alternative partnerships, or rebalance between international and local studios. The core goal remains the same: to create meaningful cross-border connections. But the way we achieve that may need to evolve with the circumstances.
E4G: At GDC Festival of Gaming, which is your next major event stop, tell us what should we expect from the Courage XL and the Games [4Diversity] Showcase. What qualities do you feel would make them “must attend” events for folks in San Francisco this year?
MD: This year we placed a very strong focus on quality. For Courage XL, we selected 35 showcase teams out of nearly 70 applications. That means roughly half of the applicants were accepted. The standard is high, and the selection is deliberate. You can expect strong, polished indie titles in a relaxed and informal environment.
Courage XL is energetic but still personal. The VIP hour creates space for meaningful conversations before the crowd arrives. After that, the room fills up, but the atmosphere remains open and approachable. It is not overwhelming. It is curated. Hence the timeslots to enter the venue. That balance makes it valuable.
The Games [4Diversity] Showcase is even more intimate. We selected 10 teams from about 30 applications. It is a smaller event, fully volunteer driven, and intentionally focused on connection. We ask a modest 10 dollar entrance fee, which includes a welcome drink (between 20:00 and 21:00). After that, guests can support the venue directly. We are transparent about that. The ticket income goes straight toward covering the venue buyout.
We are fortunate to work with a venue owner who believes in the importance of diversity and inclusive creative spaces. That support allows us to keep the event affordable while maintaining a high quality setting.
If last year is any indication, both events will feel warm, welcoming, and strongly connected. Courage XL brings scale and energy. Games [4Diversity] brings intimacy and depth. Together, they offer two different but complementary experiences during GDC week.
E4G: Looking ahead, what’s the longer-term vision for Courage.Events? Are there any new formats, locations, or developer support initiatives you’re currently looking into or planning to introduce?
MD: The long term vision is simple: bring Courage to more parts of the world while keeping its core spirit intact.
We have been in conversations about potential editions in Bangkok, ideally just before the major regional game event there. We have also had ongoing discussions in Brazil about organizing something in São Paulo. There were early talks with partners in India as well. These are not confirmed yet, but the ambition has always been to expand Courage beyond Europe and the United States and connect indie communities across continents.
Beyond physical expansion, we are also thinking about stronger digital integration. One idea that keeps coming back is a coordinated Steam sale connected to the showcase. Imagine attending Courage and seeing those same games featured online at the same time. That would extend the impact beyond the room and give developers a measurable commercial boost. We have not finalized how to execute this yet, but the concept is compelling.
Ultimately, the goal is growth with purpose. More locations, stronger international bridges, and better support mechanisms for developers. But always without losing the intimate, indie first character that defines Courage.
E4G: Finally, what advice would you give to a first-time indie developer looking to amplify their presence and networking opportunities at a live event like what Courage.Events offers?
MD: Reach out. Say hello. Show your game. That is what it is about.
Do not fixate on the biggest publisher in the room or the most important looking person. Instead, focus on who you genuinely want to work with. A good partnership is not just a financial transaction. It is a relationship. You will be working together for months or even years. That matters.
Of course business is part of it. Deals, funding, visibility. But if you can connect in an informal, human way first, the professional conversation becomes much easier. Authentic conversations lead to stronger collaborations.
So stay close to yourself. Be clear about what your game is and what you need. The right people will respond to that.
Thanks very much to Menno Deen for sharing so many interesting and thought-provoking insights into the mechanics behind Courage.Events, indie gaming and much more!
