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As we move into 2024, all indie game developers and gamers must keep up with this year’s upcoming game events.
These events are more than just fun gatherings; they’re key opportunities that can greatly influence the indie game scene.
Indie game events allow developers to meet and connect with other professionals, show off their games, and learn from experienced industry leaders.
So, let’s look at the top indie game events of 2024 and see how they are leading the way in the gaming world!
Overview of Indie Game Events
Every year, various game events capture the attention of indie game developers worldwide.
These video game events are especially important as they benefit indie game developers.
Firstly, these events offer a unique playground for developers to meet and connect with other professionals in the industry.
These opportunities are valuable as building relationships with important people in the game industry can open many doors for developers in the future, such as collaboration or partnerships.
Secondly, as these gaming events bring lots of people, there is no better place than these to showcase dedicated games and increase the visibility as much as possible.
Obviously, the more people know your game, the higher the chance it reaches potential players and investors.
Thirdly, events often feature panels, workshops, and talks from experienced industry leaders, which means there are many things to learn from.
Game developers should learn from their stories about overcoming challenges and gaining success. From there, developers can broaden their perspectives and improve their own projects and strategies.
That said, since gaming events come with various benefits, developers must be updated about upcoming gaming events to make the most of them.
Major Indie Game Events in 2024
The gaming events 2024 will be exciting and fun, bringing developers and fans together.
Let’s check out some of the top upcoming gaming events!
1. GDC 2024 (Game Developers Conference)
- Location: Moscone Center in San Francisco
- Dates: March 18 to March 22
This is a hotspot for game creators worldwide, with various workshops, networking, and awards.
Key Highlights
- Workshops: Attend interactive sessions such as the Fair Play Workshop and Production Essentials Workshop, offering practical skills and critical thinking exercises.
- Indie Showcases: Check out the latest indie games at GDC Play, where emerging developers display their innovative projects.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage in one-on-one meetings, speed networking sessions, and join the Expo Hall Happy Hour on March 20 to connect with fellow attendees.
- Awards: Celebrate the industry’s best at the IGF and GDCA ceremonies on March 20, honoring outstanding achievements in game development.
If you’re passionate about making games, this is an ideal destination!
2. PAX 2024 (Penny Arcade Expo)
PAX 2024 brings gamers together for indie showcases, panels, and tournaments. It’s where gaming culture thrives!
Locations and Dates
| Events | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| PAX East | Boston, Massachusetts | March 21-24, 2024 |
| PAX West | Seattle, Washington | August 30 – September 2, 2024 |
| PAX Aus | Melbourne, Victoria | October 11-13, 2024 |
| PAX Unplugged | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | December 6-8, 2024 |
Key Highlights
- Indie Game Showcases: Dive into a huge expo hall filled with indie games and demos.
- Exciting Panels: Learn from indie developers as they share insights on game design and more.
- Networking Opportunities: Meet and connect with fellow developers, publishers, and gamers.
- Omegathon Tournament: Join in or watch this fun gaming tournament for a chance to win prizes.
3. IndieCade 2024
IndieCade 2024 celebrates indie games in all shapes and sizes.
It showcases various games, including tabletop, VR, AR, escape rooms, mobile, and traditional digital games.
Key Highlights
- Game Showcases: Explore various games from different genres and platforms, including WIP and completed projects.
- Awards: Recognize outstanding indie games with prestigious awards, celebrating creativity and innovation.
- Talks and Panels: Learn from industry experts and game creators through engaging talks and discussions on game development and design.
- Membership Benefits: IndieCade memberships offer perks like submission discounts and jury feedback, enhancing developers’ experience.
If you’re an indie developer, this is an ideal place to connect, show off your work, and get inspired.
4. Gamescom 2024
- Location: Koelnmesse GmbH, 1, Messeplatz, 50679, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
- Dates: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 to Monday, August 26, 2024
At Gamescom, indie game developers have dedicated space to showcase their creations. They can connect with players, publishers, and collaborators to gain valuable exposure.
This area also offers networking opportunities and workshops tailored for indie developers, making it a lively and creative part of the event.
In some cases, if you cannot attend this gaming event, don’t worry! You can still easily access it via live streams on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and the event’s official website.
5. EGX 2024 (Eurogamer Expo)
- Location: London
- Dates: October 25 to October 27
EGX 2024 is every gamer’s paradise! From trying out the latest games to meeting gaming celebrities, it is a must-visit event for gaming enthusiasts of all ages!
It will be held alongside MCM Comic Con this year, so you can enjoy both events with one ticket.
You can expect a mix of new and classic games, developer talks, and pop culture fun.
The Indie Games Zone at EGX is where indie developers shine. You can play various unique indie games and meet the creators behind them.
Also, workshops and panels are designed just for indie developers and fans. It’s a perfect spot to discover new games and connect with the indie game community.
Virtual Indie Game Events
Virtual indie game events are online gatherings where indie game creators show off their games, interact with players by chatting, and connect with others in the gaming community.
These events often happen on digital platforms where developers can live stream their games, chat with attendees, and join discussions in virtual rooms.
Thus, these types of events offer various advantages:
- Cost-Efficiency: Developers save money on travel and accommodation expenses since they’re online.
- Accessibility: Anyone with an internet connection can participate in these events, so this breaks down geographical barriers.
- Global Reach: Developers can showcase their games to a worldwide audience and expand their reach to potential players.
- Engagement: Interactive features like live chat and virtual booths enhance engagement and networking opportunities.
Here are some key virtual indie game events to look forward to in 2024.
1. Indie Games Expo 2024
- Date: October 26, 2024
- What It Offers: This online expo features games, demos, and activities from developers worldwide. Attendees can explore games across multiple platforms and engage in various discussions.
2. Future Games Show 2024
- Dates: June 8, 2024 (Summer) and August 22, 2024 (Gamescom)
- What It Offers: Organized by GamesRadar, this digital showcase presents the most exciting upcoming games. The event features world premieres, trailers, and gameplay from major franchises and indie developers.
3. Game Devs of Color Expo 2024
- Dates: September 18-21, 2024
- What It Offers: This virtual event highlights the work of game developers of color. It features game showcases, interviews, and a Steam sale with discounts and demos.
4. Roguelike Celebration 2024
- Dates: October 19-20, 2024
- What It Offers: This online celebration focuses on roguelike games with live talks, short presentations, and creative performances.
Preparing for Indie Game Events
These indie game events are a great opportunity to showcase your work, connect with others in the same industry, and learn from them.
Or, if you’re an indie game lover, there’s no better chance to immerse yourself in the latest games and trends.
Here is how to make the most of them.
Before The Event
Preparing for an indie game event starts with registration and planning.
Here are some tips on how to get started.
Registration and Planning
To ensure a smooth experience, you should start by registering for the event early.
Each event has registration deadlines, so keep an eye on them and secure your spot promptly.
Also, if the event is offline, make sure you arrange where you’ll stay during the event early on to avoid any last-minute problems.
Finally, looking at the event schedule, planning which sessions and activities you want to attend is best.
Networking Preparation
As these are huge opportunities to connect with others, always prepare yourself with professional business cards with your name, contact information, and prominent games.
Plus, to showcase yourself more professionally to potential collaborators, don’t forget to prepare elevator pitches.
Start by preparing a concise and engaging introduction about yourself and your games. Make sure you practice delivering it confidently and articulately.
They also look at your online profile to know more about your background and experience, so update your LinkedIn profile or other professional networking platforms with your latest work, achievements, and interests in the gaming industry.
During The Event
Now that you’re there, it’s time to network and showcase your game.
Here’s what to do while you’re at the event.
Effective Networking
A friendly attitude is key when starting a conversation with other attendees. You can initiate conversations with others by asking about their interest or projects.
Once they’re sharing their ideas, listen attentionally and show your genuine interest.
Remember to keep the conversation going with follow-up questions and also share your experiences when relevant.
Showcasing Your Game
To effectively present and demo your game, set up an eye-catching booth or virtual space that draws people in.
Also, you have to ensure your game runs smoothly and is easy to play to avoid unexpected situations.
Once everything is set up completely, you can highlight your game’s best features and be ready to explain each aspect of the game, especially what makes it so unique.
During the demo, don’t forget to be friendly and approachable, as no one wants to interact with someone who seems uninterested.
Further, engage with the players, guide them through the game if needed, and be open to their feedback.
After The Event
After the event wraps up, don’t forget to follow up with new connections and take some time to reflect on what you’ve learned.
Follow-Up
As the event has ended, the real work just starts. You should contact the people you met during the events when you have time.
You can send a quick email or message to thank related people for their time and mention something specific from your conversation to jog their memory.
Also, connect with them on social media or networking platforms to keep the relationship going and see their updates.
Evaluating Your Experience
Take some time to evaluate your experience at the event. You should reflect on what went well and what could have been improved.
Also, consider the feedback you received about your game and consider how to use it to make enhancements.
At the same time, review the ideas and insights you gained from professionals and see how you can apply them to your future projects.
Maximizing Your Event Experience
To make the most of your event experience, you can use platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Discord to connect with others.
In these places, you can totally share your thoughts, meet new people, and join conversations to make the most of the event buzz.
Moreover, dive into forums, groups, and meetups after the event. Chat with people who share your interests and build connections.
You should watch recorded sessions, read online articles, and join workshops to learn more. It’s a great way to expand your knowledge and skills.
Conclusion
Attending the biggest gaming conventions and mobile gaming events brings us countless benefits, from networking opportunities to learning experiences.
By actively participating in these events, you not only expand your knowledge and connections but also contribute to your career growth in the vast gaming industry.
So, don’t miss out on the chance to participate in these gaming events in 2024. They await you with a world of exciting opportunities!