5 Indie Game Events That Will Shape 2020

This year will be marked by a dozen of indie game events, but only a couple will make a big impact on the independent gaming community. We bring you 5 most important, which will take place in Europe, North America, and Australia.

3 PAX Events

Since it's humble beginnings in 2004, PAX has risen as one of the more prominent indie game events. For uninitiated, expect a 3-day festival that encompasses various aspects of gaming culture, such as tabletop games, arcade, and video games. PAX will also invite expert developers and publishers to walk us through their latest gaming projects and even answer audience questions in a Q&A session.

We expect to find out more juicy details about Cyberpunk: 2077, a sci-fi RPG with tremendous potential. Furthermore, Bethesda might drop some information about Elder Scrolls 6 or Starfield. But, aside from these big titles, you can also expect a lot of refreshing independent titles.

PAX EAST will take place in Boston, while PAX WEST and AUS will be in Seattle and Melbourne respectively

Date: 27th February – 1st March (PAX EAST)

August or September (PAX WEST)

October (PAX AUS)

SXSW GAMING

You might have heard about SXSW in relation to the world of music and film, but it's also a big gaming expo. The event will be filled with promising indie titles, and the best one will be awarded by Gamer's Voice Award. There's also a Discovery Stage, where you can follow engaging talks given by some of the most prominent gaming figures. Aside from the newest video games, at SXSW GAMING you will also encounter classic arcade titles that may have marked your childhood. Nostalgia ensues.

(LinkedIn)

Date: 13-22 March 

Location: Austin

Game Development Conference

… also known as GDC, has been active since the beginning of the '80s. It doesn't discriminate anyone, so you will be able to find out more about both bigger and smaller gaming companies. GDC is best suited for developers who want to improve on their craft and make meaningful connections. This year, GDC will be opened by Hideo Kojima, who will talk about his design philosophy regarding Death Stranding. If you are interested to dig in a bit deeper, you can find the whole schedule here.

GDC will also offer engaging game design workshops (TurboSquid)

Location: San Francisco

Date: 16th – 20th March

EGX Rezzed

To us, EGX Rezzed sounds like an indie paradise (Eurogamer)

At EGX Rezzed, gamers will find Europe's largest collection of newest indie titles for both, PC and consoles. Here, you will also be able to meet the creators and listen to developers talk about the challenges involved in making engaging indie games. All in a super-friendly setting filled with creative cosplays and fun at every corner.

Location: London

Date: 26th March

IndieCade

IndieCade is certainly among the best indie game events around. This festival offers a little bit of something for everyone: business networking, conferences, tournaments, workshops, and, of course, the coolest and newest indie games around. The event will be hosted on October 16-24, 2020, you can learn more here.

IndieCade is currently at its 14th iteration, and it has come a long way (GameCenter)

Location: Santa Monica

Date: 16th – 24th October