Should You Go to a Game Conference? Here’s What No One Tells You

Game expos can be career-changing… or just a blur of lanyards, lukewarm coffee, and forgetting who you promised to email.

So how do you know if it’s worth going?

Whether you’re an indie dev, studio founder, researcher, or someone dreaming of getting into games, here’s what we’ve learned after attending expos like Games for Change (New York), Develop:Brighton (UK), ISAGA (Stuttgart), and Immersive Tech Week (Rotterdam).

1. Go for the Ideas, Not Just the Answers

Expos are full of talks, panels, and workshops. Some will blow your mind. Some will restate things you’ve already heard. But if you go in with curiosity, you’ll almost always come away with something unexpected.

At Develop:Brighton, we’ve been wowed by clever game marketing (hello Long Drive North) and accessibility talks that gave us new ideas on how to connect with players.At Games for Change, we saw that the divide between serious and commercial games is blurring more and more. Games made deliberately for change and impact display beautiful graphics and solid game design. Many commercial games carry messages and evoke empathy in the same zones - intended by their makers but not marketed as such.  .

Go if: you want fresh ideas, new ways of thinking, or to fall back in love with making games.

2. It’s Not Just Who You Know, It’s Who You Talk To

Some expos are high-energy and industry-focused, giving the opportunity to meet and greet with that game design idol, or interesting attendees via conference speed-dating apps. Others, like ISAGA, have a friendly, academic family feel, perfect for meaningful conversations and unexpected collaborations.

You don’t need to be famous or fancy. Be curious, ask questions, and say hi to people standing near the snacks and the coffee. That’s often where the magic starts.

Go if: you want connection and community.

3. Go Learn About Funding (There's a Lot to Learn!)

Game expos are fantastic opportunities to delve into the world of funding. While you might not secure funding on the spot, you'll gain invaluable insights into how others have succeeded. It's a great environment for:

• Learning diverse funding strategies

• Observing compelling pitch decks and impressive prototypes

• Connecting with individuals who can offer future assistance and guidance

Remember to reciprocate by sharing your own insights, knowledge, and experience. Building relationships is key, and the immediate gains are secondary to the long-term connections you'll forge.

Go if: you're eager to learn what funders are looking for, and expand your professional network! Also - have you seen Pitchify? 

4. You Don’t Need to Have a Game to “Be Legit”

You can get just as much value by showing up and listening. Grab a notebook. Be open. Talk about your project… even if it’s just an idea.

Expos like Immersive Tech Week are great for spotting trends in AR, VR, and AI without pressure to pitch or sell. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of where your project fits.

Go if: you’re exploring, learning, or testing the waters.

5. Expect to Be Tired. And That’s Okay

You won’t attend every talk. You will drink too much coffee. You might need to sneak away for a rest between sessions.

That’s normal. The best moments sometimes happen during walks between venues, or in line that forms around the mysterious rotating door.

Go if: you’re happy to pace yourself and enjoy the in-between moments.

So… Should You Go?

If you’re curious, go. Want to learn from new voices? Make industry contacts? Recharge creatively? Expos are great for all of that - even if you don’t have a finished game. And if you're just trying to figure out where games or tech are heading, there’s no better place to get a glimpse of what’s next.

Games for Change (New York) https://www.gamesforchange.org/festival

Develop:Brighton (UK) https://www.developconference.com

ISAGA Conference (Stuttgart) https://www.isaga2025.com

(General info about ISAGA: https://www.isaga.org)

Immersive Tech Week (Rotterdam) https://www.immersivetechweek.co