Gamers in the ‘real’ world

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This week we’re quoting Leon Winkler (Senior Director of International Events at Ubisoft )

What Winkler said: 

“In the future, I believe that in-person events will continue to be a cornerstone of the gaming industry. As much as we embrace digital innovation, the need for human connection remains strong.” 

He’s a leader in gaming industry events 

Having spent nearly two decades working with Ubisoft (the video games publisher behind games including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and many more), upcoming LEAP 2025 speaker Leon Winkler has been involved in significant change – not just within his company, but in the gaming industry itself. 

We wanted to find out why events are an increasingly important element of international success for a major gaming firm. And Leon was the perfect person to ask. 

What were your objectives when you started focusing on events?

“When I shifted my focus to events, my main objective was to transform traditional product presentations into entertaining showcases that people actually want to watch. The idea was to make our events less about catering to media and business folks in the room and more about engaging the millions of fans watching online.

“We recognised that our audience wasn’t just interested in seeing trailers or hearing about features; they wanted to be entertained, to feel a connection to the games and the people who make them. So, we started designing events that felt more like a celebration of gaming culture. 

“We incorporated elements like live gameplay demonstrations, behind-the-scenes looks, and interactive segments where the audience could participate, whether they were attending in person or tuning in from home.”

What impact has your events program had on the company and the gaming community around it? 

“This approach has had a tremendous impact. Not only have our events, like Ubisoft Forward, become must-watch moments for gamers worldwide, but they’ve also helped to build a stronger community around our brand. By focusing on entertainment and audience engagement, we’ve been able to reach a broader audience and create experiences that resonate long after the event is over.

“In doing so, we’ve contributed to setting a new standard for industry events, showing that product showcases can be both informative and entertaining.”

How important do you think gaming events will be for the future of the industry? 

“For the gaming community, in-person events are absolutely key. In an age where so much of our communication is digital and where we excel in digital storytelling, there's something incredibly valuable and impactful about creating shared experiences where people can connect face-to-face. These events allow players, developers, and fans to come together in a way that digital interactions simply can’t replicate.

“While online interactions are fleeting and often forgotten, an in-person experience can be cherished for a lifetime. The energy, the connections made, the memories created – these are the things that stay with people long after the event is over. 

“Whether it's the thrill of seeing a new game announcement live, meeting your favorite developers, or simply sharing the excitement with fellow fans, these moments are what build lasting loyalty and a sense of community.

“In the future, I believe that in-person events will continue to be a cornerstone of the gaming industry. As much as we embrace digital innovation, the need for human connection remains strong. These events provide a unique opportunity to foster that connection, creating a deeper, more meaningful bond between the gaming community and the brands they love.” 

What are you three favorite games of all time - and why? 

“Grand Theft Auto series – the GTA series has always been a favorite of mine because of its dynamic, open-world environment and the engaging stories it tells. The attention to detail in creating a setting that feels both expansive and believable is incredible. 

“I love losing myself in the world of GTA, where every corner of the city has its own story to tell, and the narrative pulls you in with its complexity and grit.

“Assassin's Creed 1 – this game holds a special place in my heart. I vividly remember climbing my first tower and seeing the vastness of the world that Ubisoft created. The scale of the game was unlike anything I had experienced before, and that moment of reaching the top and taking in the view was awe-inspiring. 

“It was a game that set new standards for what open-world games could be, and it’s a memory that has stuck with me ever since.

“Fallout 3 – I used to have a bit of a bias against RPGs – I’m not entirely sure why, but they just didn’t appeal to me. However, that all changed when I started playing Fallout 3. The game’s world grabbed me and didn’t let go. The depth of the story, the freedom to explore, and the post-apocalyptic setting all combined to create an experience that was utterly immersive. 

“Fallout 3 converted me into a fan of RPGs and showed me the power of a well-crafted, open-ended game world.”

What are you most looking forward to at LEAP 2025?

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to connect with industry peers and thought leaders at LEAP 2025. The conference is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology, and I’m looking forward to being part of those conversations, particularly around the future of gaming and how we can continue to evolve and grow as an industry.

“I’m also eager to share my insights and experiences, especially around the intersection of gaming events, diversity and mainstream culture. There’s a lot we can learn from each other, and I’m hoping to both contribute to and gain from the collective knowledge at the event.

“Lastly, I’m looking forward to the inspiration that comes from being in such a dynamic environment. LEAP has a way of igniting new ideas and sparking creativity, and I’m excited to see what new possibilities and collaborations emerge from the event.”

Connect with Leon Winkler on LinkedIn – and at LEAP 2025

Find Leon on LinkedIn, and join us at LEAP 2025 to learn from him in-person. We can’t wait to see you there. 

Have an idea for a topic you'd like us to cover? We're eager to hear it! Drop us a message at hello@onegiantleap.com and share your thoughts.

Catch you next week,

Richard McKeon

Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Tahaluf

Mark your calendars for 📅 9-12 February 2025.

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