And the best event in the world is...
Game Conference Guide Insights - June 2025
You have heard it somewhere. I am sure of it. It came either as a statement in a conversation, or in the form of a question. We all attended the best event in the world, and based on that experience we are going to benchmark others.
However you look at it, and whatever metric you will use to measure the size, number of indies, exhibitors, halls, prize pool, signed contracts, price of a ticket, number of tiny beers, meetings taken, connections created, business cards collected, how full the swag bag is, you will compare your previous experience with the new one. We measure success differently and solely based on the goals. What changes is, with whom we are experiencing the event. And who is around us.
We are constantly seeing posts and very enthusiastic reports from business trips, events, conferences or studio visits (ironically I just made one on my LinkedIn). And if you ever thought, was I missing something? How would the experience be for me? Would it change my perspective, if I was there? You are not alone.
This is why we travel to events, for the next high, seeking the next best thing. And if you are going there because of this, you are attending them wrongly.
Could your next best event be devcom happening in less than 6 weeks? You never know if you never go. Read the partners message below, and check their website. The organizers are nicest people in the universe and they really do care about the community.
PARTNER OF THE MONTH
Europe’s Biggest Game Developer Event – devcom developer conference 2025
If you’re heading to cologne this August, kick off your week with #ddc2025.
This is where the conversations happen, and the industry meets. Developers, publishers, creatives, biz folks, and decision-makers all come together for three days of learning, sharing, and connecting right ahead of gamescom.
It’s everything you’re looking for in a conference:
World-class talks, panels, and workshops from the people making the games we play.
Honest insights, real lessons, and practical advice about what’s working in the industry right now.
Networking that feels natural — from coffee breaks to sunset mixers, VIP receptions, and those legendary parties you do not want to hear about secondhand.
A buzzing expo floor, the devcom Indie Showcase, keynote stages, and partner booths.
The perfect way to line up your gamescom meetings, talk industry with peers, and kick off the week with the right energy.
If you’ve been to devcom before, you already know what's coming. If not — this is your sign to change that.
⚠️ As a heads-up: ticket prices increase after July 31.
👉 All info, program & passes: https://www.devcom.global/ddc-2025
I have returned from two different events last month. These two couldn't be further apart in terms of the format, target audience and size.
One was inaugural, a vehicle to bring the community together. Very important for the locals and the vision they are trying to materialize. That means it was the best in its own category. And for some attendees it was their first event, meaning it was the best one they have experienced so far. And it was the first in the country, meaning it was the best regionally. You see where I am getting at?
The second event was a small think-tank summit with hi-profile attendees interacting in a secluded area. Personally, it was the best one so far, outcompeting every single one I have attended in the past few years. There was no business discussed, no meetings, and preparations for it were minimal. And the quality of conversations? Beyond measure.
You see, I found myself in a very strange place this year, where the combination of unforeseen circumstances (both professional and private) would put any rollercoaster to shame. And with the industry being continuously challenged, I have started loosing faith in it. I have been here before. It took time for me to realize it and the remedy was a new trajectory in my career. The process is painful during which you question everything, even your achievements. Not a good place to be in and I am not out of it. I am working on it.
And while I was looking back, I was looking at the events as well. Which one was helpful at that given time, where I was shining, which were the most important in my career, at which I was barely sleeping, which I organized and so on. Each had an impact, opening the horizons a bit, teaching a valuable lesson, allowing me to meet incredible talented people I call friends nowadays, and going to places I would only dream of.
You see, the best events are defined by people.
Those that:
you meet,
hang with,
have a deep conversation with,
you will do business with,
you share an embarrassing moment with,
you discover ways to collaborate over the proverbial last drink with,
you help to navigate a tricky challenge,
you introduce to others and create a relationship they can benefit from,
you bring together to solve tough problems,
you decompress in a park with a donut in hand after a marathon of meetings and without the word you just stare to the distance.
Which are the best ones? And where can you find them?
There are at least 300 events happening each year, plus tons of smaller meet-ups and drink-ups supported either by the local community or trade groups. You have plenty to choose from and Game Conference Guide is here to back you up.
I am sure your event calendar is already fully booked by now (at least for this year). Does your line-up include the best event? Will the next edition top the previous experience? You never know. And that is the gift and curse of going to events. There are still 140 events scheduled to happen this year, with October and November being the busiests, with 42 and 36 event respectively.
You can bet on one thing: you will always meet new people and be surrounded by them. And they can elevate any event to new heights.
You just have to choose wisely.
My next event will be devcom in August.
See you all in Cologne and lets make it the best one.
Game Conference Guide covers more than 1450 events in the database including archived 2020 – 2024 season. Massive thanks to everyone who is using the website every day and recommending it to colleagues and peers.
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☀️July’s games industry Showcases
Upload VR Summer Showcase
July 11 @ 10AM PT / 1PM ET / 7PM CESTTennoCon
July 18 - 19, On-site + StreamJuly 22, time of broadcast TBA
State of Play - Ghost of Yotei
Time and date of broadcast TBA
Get all details, dates, times & direct links to broadcast here.
🏆New Deadlines on the horizon
Deadline: July 14, On-site Showcase, entry: free
GWB Game Awards
Deadline: July 15, Awards, entry: freeDeadline: July 17, Awards, entry: free
indiePlay China indie Game Awards
Deadline: July 18, Awards, entry: freeDeadlines: July 18, Showcase, entry: $600
Deadline: July 18, Showcase, entry: $600
Deadline: July 20, Awards + Showcase, entry: free
Deadline: July 23, On-site Showcase, entry: free
TIGA Awards
Deadline: July 25, Awards, entry: freePitch Competition @ gamescom asia | Thailand Game Show
Deadline: August 15, Pitching, entry: freeSteam Next Fest: October
Deadline: 25 Aug, Steam Event, entry: free
Get all deadlines here.
[Game Conference Guide is helping you find your next games industry events & showcase.]
Thank you for reading and supporting Game Conference Guide. Consider sharing it with your peers, colleagues, and community.
Pavol Buday, curator @ GCG