10 Gaming Events You Should Know About in 2026

Every year, gaming events shape the conversation around where the industry is headed. New games get revealed, developers share behind-the-scenes stories, esports moments are born, and fans finally get hands-on with the titles they’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re a developer, content creator, esports fan, or just someone who loves games, these events matter. Here are 10 major gaming events in 2026 you should absolutely have on your radar. 

10. D.I.C.E. Summit

D.I.C.E. Summit is smaller, quieter, and far more intimate than most gaming events, and that’s exactly where its strength lies. From February 10 to 12, 2026, in Las Vegas, industry leaders will come together to openly talk about creativity, artistic expression, and the long-term future of games. The D.I.C.E. Awards, held during the summit, recognize outstanding creative achievements across the industry. For anyone who considers games as an art form, this February gathering carries real weight.

9. Brasil Game Show

Brasil Game Show has grown into the biggest gaming event in Latin America, and it keeps getting stronger every year. What makes BGS special is its focus on both global publishers and local developers. Big studios use it to reach a passionate and fast-growing market, while indie game teams get a rare chance to stand in the spotlight.

The show usually features playable demos, esports tournaments, cosplay contests, and appearances from industry figures. For many fans across South America, BGS is often the only opportunity to try major games before release. In 2026, the show will take place from October 9 to 13 in São Paulo, Brazil.

8. Global Gaming Expo

Global Gaming Expo isn’t about console exclusives or indie darlings. It’s about the business side of gaming. This event focuses on casino gaming, iGaming, sports betting, and emerging technologies that drive the commercial gaming sector. For developers and publishers working in gambling-adjacent spaces, Global Gaming Expo is one of the most important networking events of the year. It’s where deals happen, trends are defined, and future platforms are discussed. If you care about the money and tech behind gaming, this one matters. The event is set for September 28 to October 1, Las Vegas, USA

7. Tokyo Game Show

Tokyo Game Show is the heart of Japanese gaming culture. While it welcomes international developers, its biggest strength is showcasing titles from Japan, including RPGs, mobile games, and experimental projects you won’t see anywhere else. TGS often gives the first look at upcoming games from major Japanese publishers, along with deep dives into new hardware and tech. The event blends business meetings during the week with a massive public show over the weekend. For fans of JRPGs, anime-inspired games, and unique design philosophies, TGS is essential. It’s scheduled for September 17-21, 2026.

6. PAX West

PAX West set to take place from September 4-7 in Seattle, USA. It’s less about big corporate announcements and more about community, creativity, and hands-on experiences. The expo floor is packed with indie games, tabletop experiences, and playable builds. Panels range from serious development talks to lighthearted discussions with creators and streamers. In 2026, PAX West will continue to be one of the best events for discovering games before they blow up.

5. PAX East

PAX East brings the same community-first spirit as PAX West, but with a distinct East Coast energy. Taking place from March 26 to 29 in Boston, it’s one of the most accessible gaming events for fans. For developers, PAX East doubles as a valuable testing ground. Players aren’t shy about sharing feedback, and good word travels fast on the show floor. In 2026, those four days in late March will once again make PAX East one of the best places to discover upcoming games early and connect directly with the people making them.

4. Summer Game Fest

Summer Game Fest has become the modern replacement for the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, it’s a tightly produced global showcase built around announcements, trailers, and world premieres, all packed into a single high-energy event. Unlike traditional expos, Summer Game Fest is designed for livestream audiences. Developers carefully time their reveals to dominate social media the moment they drop. On June 5 in Los Angeles, the 2026 show is expected to deliver major AAA announcements, standout indie reveals, and possible new hardware teases.

3. Gamescom

Undoubtedly, Gamescom is the largest gaming event in the world by attendance, and it absolutely feels that way. The scale is massive, with huge booths, long demo lines, and nonstop announcements happening across the show floor. What makes Gamescom unique is how it balances business and public access. Developers handle meetings behind closed doors while fans explore enormous halls packed with playable games. The opening night showcase has also grown into a major stage for world premieres and big reveals. In 2026, Gamescom will run from August 26 to 30 in Cologne, Germany.

2. Game Developers Conference Festival of Gaming

GDC is where games are made, explained, and truly understood. As the largest professional gathering in the industry, it brings together developers from across the world to focus on development, technology, design, and the business of making games. Running from March 9 to 13 in San Francisco, the Festival of Gaming adds a more public-facing layer to GDC. Attendees can now play upcoming titles while also attending deep technical talks and postmortems. In 2026, the Game Developers Conference will remain essential for anyone serious about making games.

1. The Game Awards

Every December, The Game Awards takes over Los Angeles for the biggest single night in gaming. The 2025 edition came with its own surprises, from an indie game taking home the Game of the Year award to unexpected world premieres that kept fans buzzing. Major studios save their biggest announcements specifically for this moment. World premieres, surprise trailers, and emotional acceptance speeches all share the spotlight as millions tune in from around the world. In 2026, when the show returns to Los Angeles later in December, we can’t wait to see what surprises the industry has in store.