Thesocialtalks’ Post

Did you know that gaming has ranked as the most lucrative digital entertainment sector for the past decade in the UK? The UK has long been a powerhouse in the gaming world, boasting the largest gaming market in Europe by annual revenue. With over 55% of our population engaging in gaming, these events are not just entertainment - they're a vital part of our cultural and economic landscape. Yet last night we received confirmation that another key event in the UK gaming calendar has been cancelled. These cancellations represent more than just missed opportunities for gamers to connect but also for creativity, networking, community building, and showcasing the incredible talent we have here in the UK. This one in particular has been vital for independent developers, leaving them with few options to showcase their work locally. As someone who has built so many fond memories since my very first gaming event in 2012, I truly hope this is just a temporary setback and not indicative of the future of in-person events in the UK. (Source: Statistic - Video game market in the United Kingdom) https://lnkd.in/d_MHbFxv

https://lnkd.in/eB6-mV9c This saddened me. It is an industry worth about £5b a year to the UK economy, but it continues to see mass redundancies. I remember sitting up to take notice last year when EPIC (developers of Fortnight) said it was spending more than it earned. Sometimes our perceptions belie the true situation. If you peer through the door, you see it's a global malaise: EA - creators of (amongst many other titles) FIFA - cut jobs last year as did several of its rivals. One probable reason I'll float, is that these games were hammered by gamers during the pandemic and the law of diminishing marginal returns then 'did its thing'. Of course, it was ever thus: popularity is transient, and a new generation of VR configured titles has now emerged. This made me think of the employees. Games development must be subject to rapid change and insecurity. All of this means a realisation that workers need to protect their rights. Astonishingly, a newly formed Game Workers Division of the IWGB union saw its membership grow by 50% - as it dealt with issues as diverse as working conditions, excess working hours and sexism and of course employment insecurity. The UK (particularly the North) remains an incredible place to create and scale a games business and it is good to see the government offering some long due support, but the structure of the supply side is rapidly changing and the industry will need to address it. #dcms #ukgov #lawtech #sportstech #economy #innovation #management #economics #HumanResources #technology #creativity #venture capital #private capital #gaming #gamedev #unity #indiegames#ipd

Liquid Lens William-Evan Wenger, Research & Data strategist With participation from over 4,100 professionals, the London Games Festival is more than just a celebration; it's a cornerstone for the gaming community. 41 countries, 900 companies, and £30 million in deals, highlights the economic potential of gaming events and the power of international collaboration in gaming. The success also emphasizes the importance of in-person events in a digital age. London became the epicenter of the gaming world, hosting 37 events and fostering countless business connections. The 2024 London Games Festival also featured underrepresented professionals in the Ensemble exhibition and underscored the cultural potency of games. The return of the London Games Festival in 2025, reflects a strong consumer demand and interest for live events, which is highly relevant as we are coming up on yet another E3 Season in a Post-E3 World. That's our take. What's your yours? .. #liquidlens #GamingTrends #GamingFestivals #globalgaming

Reliving the PAX West 2024 Experience at the Seattle Convention Center with XSeed Games! PAX West is a vibrant celebration of gaming culture, and Catalyst was thrilled to design a custom booth for XSeed, Marvelous and Rune Factory’s assorted game titles. Our mission was to inspire and engage gaming enthusiasts and future industry leaders. We showcased immersive gaming kiosks for several new games, creating an experience that WOWed attendees. One standout feature was our LED activation, inviting guests to dance alongside the game’s MCs (main characters). This interactive element created unforgettable moments and drew in crowds, making the booth a highlight of the convention! HIGHLIGHTS: 01. Interactive Gaming Zones: Each themed kiosk featured the latest titles, designed to transport players into unique worlds. Attendees had the chance to preview exciting new games, enhancing their overall experience. 02. LED Activation Dance Sequences: A large LED screen brought game elements to life, allowing attendees to mimic attack and dance moves. Participants solved puzzles while exploring the booth, fostering interaction and camaraderie among players. 03. Larger-than-Life Graphics: Our dynamic visuals captured attention, encouraging attendees to engage with XSeed’s activities. This not only boosted participation but also left a lasting impression on brand recognition. ----------- PAX West 2024 was an incredible opportunity to connect with the gaming community, and we’re proud to have contributed to such a memorable experience! Jennifer Kundert Chelsea Marvin Alexis Divine Lynn Xing #PAXWest #XSeed #Marvelous #gamingindustry #RuneFactory #catalystexhibits #Octave #tradeshowexhibits #production #management #networking #research #onsite #thecreativebuild #exhibitdesign #execution #exhibitpartnership #exhibitdesign #designisinthedetails

🎮 Our NetSuite customers in the gaming industry love the London Games Festival which is back between 9 and 25 April with a range of public and B2B events. 🏠 Game Changer Open House is a free showcase of key companies in the festival’s 2023 Game Changer programme cohort – plus an open networking space for LGF delegates looking for a place to meet at the halfway point of LGF. A great way to make new contacts and meet ambitious new games businesses. Also, underrepresented games business founders can apply for the next Game Changer cohort, link in the comments. 💰 The Games Finance Market is a two-day event connecting publishers, investors, studios and platforms from across the globe. 90+ games studios have access to an event where 40+ investors, funders and publishers will hear pitches and take meetings. 🌍 And expect a packed afternoon focusing on key issues facing the UK games business, including talks on skills, diversity, sustainability and more at the Games Impact Summit. #gaming #londongamesfestival #gamingindustry #gamingfunding #gamesindustry #gamesfunding

Returning companies, more exhibitors, greater internationality and additional areas at gamescom 2024 Interest in gamescom 2024 is high, with organisers reporting ten per cent more exhibitors than at the same point in 2023. 2K, Blizzard Entertainment and Electronic Arts (EA) will return, while The Pokémon Company will make its gamescom debut. This year also sees the introduction of the cards & boards area with Hasbro, Konami Digital Entertainment, Pegasus Spiele, Ravensburger and Ulisses Spiele, as well as the Social Stage. The event becomes increasingly international. "After the strong growth last year, we are heading for new records at this year's gamescom with even more exhibitors and even more international participation," says Tim Endres, Director of gamescom. "One thing is already clear: gamescom 2024 will once again be the games festival of superlatives. What is particularly striking is that gamescom is becoming even more international," says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – Verband der deutschen Games-Branche e.V., co-organiser of gamescom. https://lnkd.in/extRMu9d

📣Celebrating 5 Years of Innovation with CEO David Mann 📣 iGaming Express joined our CEO, David Mann, as he reflects on our five-year journey, evolving regulations, and the future of modern slot games. 💡 Named one of the top 100 most influential people in the industry, David shares insights on our growth from a two-person start-up to a team of over 40! Highlighting our certifications in the UK and Ontario and the strategic acquisition of ELYSIUM Studios as our major milestones.🏆 David emphasises the importance of Elysium Studios in the SGA market and its potential impact in the UK and Ontario. He also discusses how partnerships with industry giants set us apart and help engage players worldwide. 🌎 With our diverse range of offerings—SwinttPremium, SwinttSelect, and Elysium Studios—we aim to cater to all kinds of players. In a highly competitive and regulated market, staying ahead of the game is crucial!🚀 Read more: https://lnkd.in/g7QF-U3h 💻 #iGaming #Swintt #LetsDoThis #Interview #Slots

🎮 Exciting Times Ahead at Gamescom 2024! 🎮 We’re thrilled to be attending Gamescom tomorrow, where the gaming industry converges to celebrate innovation, creativity, and community. As the gaming landscape evolves, so do the challenges faced by publishers and developers. That's why our focus this year is on empowering publishers to centrally manage their game key distribution and combat the growing threat of the grey market. In today’s fast-paced digital world, ensuring that your games reach the right players through legitimate channels is crucial—not only for protecting your revenue but also for maintaining the integrity of your brand and community. At Gamescom, we'll be showcasing how our solutions help publishers: 🔑 Efficiently distribute game keys through a centralized platform. 🛡️ Protect their games from unauthorized reselling and grey market activities. 📈 Maximize their revenue while safeguarding the player experience. Whether you're a publisher looking to streamline your distribution or a developer passionate about protecting your IP, we’re here to help. Let’s connect at Gamescom and explore how we can work together to build a more secure and transparent gaming ecosystem. If you're attending, let's make sure we catch up! Drop me a message or swing by our booth A016 Hall 3.2. Exciting collaborations await! 🚀 #Gamescom2024 #GameDistribution #GreyMarketProtection #GameKeys #GamingIndustry

Today marks the start of #gamescomasia2024, the region's premier gaming event. From October 17-20, Singapore will be transformed into a global hub for gaming enthusiasts, developers, publishers, and industry professionals. This year, the event will bring together attendees from all over the world, showcasing the truly international nature of gamescom asia. gamescom asia isn't just about showcasing games, it's about fostering collaboration and celebrating the international gaming community. The event attracts exhibitors, speakers, and attendees from countries like Japan, South Korea, the US, Europe, and beyond, making it a melting pot of creative minds and innovative technologies. Can't make it in person? Tune in live! If you can't be there in person, don't worry - you won't miss out on the action, as gamescom asia will be streaming the most exciting highlights live on Twitch and YouTube. What makes gamescom asia truly special is its ability to connect a global audience. Whether you're a game developer, publisher, or fan, this is your chance to network, discover new trends, and celebrate the global gaming culture. The event is poised to spark new collaborations and shine a spotlight on innovation from every corner of the globe. Koelnmesse GmbH game - German Games Industry Association #gamescom #GlobalGaming #gamescomasia #GamingIndustry

Apparently I can add "scheduling Tetris master" to my LinkedIn skills. Thanks to Rege Behe at CDC Gaming Reports for talking with me about my approach to Global Gaming Expo, which will be here before we all know it!