Quest for Success: Thriving at Events

In exciting universe of game development, the colossal gatherings as the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and Gamescom stand as towering milestones on the industry's calendar. There are many more amazing events to keep in mind, including DICE, Develop Brighton, PG Connects, WN, but GDC and Gamescom are longer and evidently more expensive to attend. These events are crucial for partnerships but are not just meetings; they're where the heart of gaming beats the loudest, where indie projects (are supposed to) find their wings, and where the seeds of future blockbuster titles are sown. But as the digital age unfurls its vast expanse before us, and the echoes of a global pandemic still linger in the air, a question bubbles up from the depths of online forums and coffee-fuelled developer meetups: Are these behemoth events still the secret sauce to success in the gaming world? And do indie developers still afford to attend them? And maybe a more sensitive question: in the light of so many layoffs in the industry, should the companies be spending so much in a week?

Please keep in mind my goal and role here is not to criticise or throw shade on anyone but open the forum for a healthy discussion and hopefully we can, collectively, find suitable solutions for our beloved industry.

The Pulse of the Industry

During GDC 2023, over 28,000 developers, ranging from eager newcomers to seasoned industry stalwarts, converged in a spectacle of creativity and innovation, even though still somehow impacted by the previous years’ physical hiatus. GDC isn't just another conference; it's a lifeline for countless games teetering on the brink of obscurity. It's where "who you know" transforms into "who knows you," opening doors that seemed impenetrable. This is especially true if you want to meet the largest and the best of the games industry in person. This might be your one opportunity every year. Yet, for all its glory, GDC's steep entry fee casts a long shadow, raising questions about accessibility and inclusivity. Not to mention the fact that hotels in the area triple their fees knowingly during this week and international air travel fares are also steep.

Let’s journey next to Cologne for Gamescom 2023, where you were greeted by a tidal wave of gaming enthusiasm. With over 320,000 visitors, business and gamers, Gamescom feels as if a small city decided to throw the ultimate gaming bash. This colossal turnout underscored a truth that digital platforms can't replicate: the insatiable appetite for the tangible, electrifying atmosphere of live events.

Gamescom is a testament to the power of physical presence, where gaming titans and fledgling startups alike can captivate an audience as diverse as the gaming universe itself. It is clearly a more affordable option for indie developers and it provides a clear marketing/growth opportunity as well, however attracting attention on the sea of noise and excitement the largest companies in the world are bustling is not an easy feature.

The FOMO Factor and the Layoff Cloud

We all faced it at some point. Some of us are facing it right now. FOMO – the fear of missing out – lurks in the shadows, a constant companion to many in the game development arena. It whispers of missed opportunities and doors closing for those not present at events. Seeing the announcements on LinkedIn brings shivers down our spine. This fear is magnified by the industry's current climate of uncertainty, where job security feels more like a game of chance and investments are scarcer. For many, these events are not just about showcasing their latest project; they're a beacon of hope, offering a chance to network, to find new opportunities and partnerships and perhaps to sidestep the looming spectre of layoffs. But the question remains: can the people who needs it the most afford it?

Questing for Inclusivity: The (Dreamt) Future of Gaming Events

We can’t foresee the future. Nevertheless, as we peer into the crystal ball of gaming's future, an exciting vision emerges, at least in my head. Picture gaming events inspired by the eclectic vibrancy of music festivals like Coachella and Wacken or the innovation showcase of SXSW, all wrapped up in a gaming extravaganza. These are events that transcend the traditional, where indie game arcades sit alongside XR experiences that whisk you away to fantastical realms, where technology and creativity mix together, and live performances of game soundtracks stir the soul. We have seen bits and pieces of this vision in different events, but never the full madness. And with the high cost of attending in person, I would like to be guaranteed an unforgettable happening.

The pivot to digital platforms during the pandemic unveiled the untapped potential of virtual events, reaching a global audience without the barriers of travel and accommodation costs. Although many hated the virtual setting, I personally loved the fact that developers in the most distant sites on the planet could converge and share ideas, with no restrictions other than the internet connection. Hybrid models could well be the next evolution, blending the irreplaceable buzz of in-person interactions with the wide-reaching embrace of digital access. This approach could democratize access to these pivotal events, ensuring that no matter where you are or what your budget is, you are part of the game.

I know many events are somehow exploring this option, but I would like to have a more dynamic version of it. Why not: Live broadcast the talks AND the parties. Allow digital ticket holders to play the games, watch the trailers, get digital goodies. Create an app that allow attendees, digital and on site, to talk to each other and share insights, X-style.

Is your company highly lucrative? Why not support indie developers to showcase the games that you curate? This way, you are not only portraying your company as a patron, but also saving money in business development, as you can see the reaction of the audience to the games first hand. And everybody wants to work for a good company, so you also save money in recruitment.

These are just some ideas that come to mind, and they might not all be good. My point is just the following: why are we stuck on doing the same year in and year out, while the industry changes?

Game On: The Next Level

As the gaming industry continues to morph and adapt, sometimes for good, sometimes not so much, the role of major development events is also shifting. These gatherings must evolve to remain relevant, to continue being the crucibles of creativity and collaboration they've always been. By embracing change and striving for inclusivity, they can ensure that the heart of gaming beats stronger and more inclusively than ever.

As the financial benefits are key for a lot of companies, if not all, let’s remember that innovating and being more inclusive, if planned and supported properly, will increase the number of attendees and tickets sold, as well as provide more interesting settings for the larger companies to showcase their products and their brand. In plain English: more money comes in if you dare being creative.

Imagine a future where large games conferences not only showcase the latest in gaming innovation but also serve as platforms for discussions on sustainability, diversity, and mental health in the industry; where developers from all walks of life share their stories, their struggles, and their successes, fostering a community that's as supportive as it is competitive.

Consider the potential of events that not only celebrate the achievements of the past year but also look forward, offering workshops on emerging technologies and design philosophies. Places where the next generation of developers finds their inspiration, where veterans share their wisdom, and where the boundary between indie and AAA blurs in the shared pursuit of pushing gaming to new heights.

Event organisers: if you are doing these, wonderful. If you are not: what is stopping you?

The Final Boss: Accessibility and Affordability

For all these dreams to become reality, we must confront the final boss: making these events accessible and affordable. The high cost of attendance, both in terms of tickets and travel, remains a formidable barrier for many. This is certainly true when so many lost their livelihoods in a short period of time. Scholarships, virtual access options, and sliding scale pricing are just the beginning. We need innovative solutions that ensure these vital gatherings are open to all who dream of making their mark on the gaming world.

The Game Continues

We love events, at least most of us, as they are threads that bind the community together. As we behold the future, and see their evolution, we understand that their core mission remains the same: to be the nexus of creativity, innovation, and collaboration in gaming. By embracing change, striving for inclusivity, and exploring new formats, they can continue to offer invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and showcasing the boundless potential of video games for a vaster audience of developers. The game is far from over; in fact, a new level is just beginning. Game on, developers. The future is bright, even though sometimes scary, and it's one where everyone has a chance to play.