Expo Gamers News

Expo Gamers 2026 Successfully Behind Us

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:39:17 GMT

A Boutique Croatian Event Solidifies its Status as Southeast Europe's Leading Gaming Hub

The coastal city of Opatija, Croatia, hosted the third edition of Expo Gamers this weekend, gathering over 2,000 attendees, more than 50 international speakers, and featuring 70 program sessions across a packed two-day schedule. Expo Gamers successfully highlighted the immense creativity, passion, and community driving the Adriatic and regional European market, proving that the heart of the industry lies in its people.

The event welcomed representatives from global and regional powerhouses, including Larian Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Supercell, Housemarque, Opus Artz, XDS Spark, Outfit7, Mad Head Games, Nanobit, and Croteam , bringing immense industry prestige to the Kvarner region. A major highlight of the conference was the panel "The Voice & Music of a Masterpiece – Baldur's Gate 3" , featuring actors Tim Downie (Gale) and BAFTA winning Andrew Wincott (Raphael), alongside the BAFTA winning composer Borislav Slavov .

Beyond the major headlines, the true heart of the event beat within its international Indie Zone , the largest to date. Independent studios from Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria presented their authentic, passionate projects directly to investors, publishers, and enthusiastic players. Organizers Marta Glazar and Valentina Yoe highlighted this area as the weekend's greatest success, noting that seeing long queues of people waiting to test independent games was the ultimate validation for their efforts.

Highlighting the importance of education and social awareness in game development, a special art contest challenged regional high schoolers to design inclusive videogame characters, focusing on neurodivergence or disability without relying on cliché "superpowers." Zagreb-based student Klara Peric took home first place among an incredibly mature and empathetic pool of talent, proving that the future of the regional creative ecosystem is bright.

The bustling event was filled with great vibes, allowed numerous attendees to enjoy esports tournaments, a nostalgic "Balkan-style" Retro Zone featuring lace doilies on CRT monitors, and an outdoor Beer Garden that provided the perfect backdrop for informal collaboration. The speakers and guests were pleasantly surprised and praised the event itself, the organization, the location - the views, warm sea, amazing croatian cuisine and the connections they made along the way.

Following a highly successful 2026 edition, organizers have already confirmed plans to expand the project further next year.

Full Schedule is Live

Tue, 19 May 2026 23:12:11 GMT

EXPO GAMERS 2026 SCHEDULE REVEALED: The Ultimate Gaming Expo and Conference Hosted in Opatija!

On May 29th and 30th , the Sports Hall Marino Cvetković in Opatija will host the third edition of the region's leading gaming expo and gamedev conference, Expo Gamers.

This year’s massive lineup is headlined by the stars of the global blockbuster "Baldur’s Gate 3" – Tim Downie, Andrew Wincott , and composer Borislav Slavov , featuring exclusive panels and fan Meet & Greets.

Alongside industry heavyweights like Larian Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Supercell, Housemarque, Kuuasema, Mad Head Games, Nanobit, and Croteam, attendees can look forward to expert-led workshops, adrenaline-fueled Esports tournaments, a large Indie Zone showcasing new games, and a vibrant expo floor packed with top exhibitors, a retro zone, and a craft beer garden.

Grab your tickets and explore the full schedule!

Secure your spot now:

Speaker lineup is growing

Fri, 01 May 2026 12:38:27 GMT

Announcing more speakers - read more about the amazing lineup for this May in Opatija

Esha Lovric, Angel Accelerator Network

Dr Esha Lovrić (PhD) is an angel investor, sociologist/social scientist and entrepreneur working at the intersection of business, culture, identity and human behaviour. She invests and supports early-stage companies, ideas, and people, with a particular focus on female-led teams and ventures that support social progress and underrepresented groups. She also runs the Angel Accelerator Network, in Croatia where early-stage businesses are screened and supported, and “ready-to-pitch” founders are selected for Pitch Nights to connect with angels and seek early funding. She advises early-stage businesses and actively educates and encourages women to step into angel investing. With years of experience as a serial investor a strong comfort with risk and reward, Esha brings a distinct perspective to entrepreneurship where she integrates investment thinking with scientific and sociological knowledge about social dynamics, identity, culture, and the psychological barriers that shape economic outcomes and leadership confidence.

Damjan Mravunac, Composer and Sound Designer, Croteam

Damjan Mravunac is a veteran game composer and sound designer with almost three decades of experience, known for his stylistic range and distinctive musical voice. From the hard-hitting riffs of the legendary "Serious Sam" to the introspective, atmospheric soundscapes of the award-winning "The Talos Principle" series, his work helps define the identity of each game world. Working largely as a one-man band, he is composing, editing, and shaping sound to create immersive experiences for millions of players worldwide.

Arun HonneGowda, External Development Director, Supercell

Arun HonneGowda is a seasoned leader in the video game industry with over 25 years of experience specialising in external development, production, and studio management. Currently serving as the External Development Director at Supercell and an Advisory Committee Member for the External Development Summit (XDS).
Throughout his career, Arun has held lead roles at major organisations including SEGA Europe, Jagex, and Sony Computer Entertainment. His unique expertise stems from working on both the service and developer sides of the industry, having successfully managed large-scale animation studios and multi-platform outsource operations.

Anamarija Jengic Bujan, Attorney at Law

A postgraduate specialist in intellectual property law and certified mediator, she is an experienced attorney focused on protecting and enforcing copyrights, trademarks, and industrial designs. As an author of professional publications and a frequent conference speaker, she actively contributes to developing and practically understanding IP law. With a previous long-standing passion for video games from an early age, she brings a creator-friendly perspective to safeguarding innovation and creative work.

Christopher Hamilton, IGDA Global, Aiba

Christopher Hamilton is a video game industry professional specializing in production, developer and publisher relations, and business development. He has worked at companies like Rovio, Genvid Technologies, GameHouse, and Nevosoft, contributing to projects across PC, mobile, web, and emerging interactive platforms. Christopher is deeply involved in the global games community holding leadership roles within the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), IGDA Finland, We <3 Games, and the Finnish Game Jam.
Based in Helsinki, Christopher works in partnerships at Aiba, where he focuses on building safer player communities through AI-powered chat moderation. He is an active mentor and game award judge, and supports developers in finding their voice and building meaningful player experiences. In 2025, he received the IGDA Finland Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jacqueline Clarke, Director of Co-Development & Outsourcing

Jacqueline Clarke is a games industry veteran and former diplomat specialising in external development, co-development, and global production strategy. She’s worked hands-on at studio level and in senior leadership roles across both suppliers and first-party developers. With over a decade of experience across AAA and independent titles she has shaped development partnerships and operating models for some of the industry’s most ambitious projects. Known for building and aligning high-performing international teams, she enables studios to scale effectively while maintaining creative and technical excellence.
Her expertise lies in bringing clarity to complex production environments, aligning creative intent with commercial and operational realities, and leading through periods of transformation. Jacqueline is a recognised voice on leadership, global collaboration, and the strategic role of external partners in delivering modern game development at scale.

No More Price Increases

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 22:22:40 GMT

Our Commitment to Transparency:

No More Price Increases for Expo Gamers 2026

As we navigate complex world affairs and their ripple effects on our industry, we have made a strategic decision to stand by our community.

We recognize that budgeting is a challenge for studios of all sizes right now. Therefore, to ensure that the gateway to the Adriatic market remains accessible, supportive, and transparent:

Expo Gamers is freezing its 2026 pricing.

We are committing to keeping our current ticket prices for Business and VIP passes until the end of the event. There will be no more price increases for the Business and VIP pass. The Indie Dev ticket which is available to accepted showcasing studios also remains at 145€.

We believe in supporting the Mediterranean and wider global gaming ecosystem by providing predictable value. Join us in Opatija with confidence, knowing you are getting the best possible rate.

Introducing the Spring Special: 30% OFF Business & VIP Passes

Starting April 1st, we are launching an exclusive, 10 days of Spring Discount for all professional attendees. We are offering a significant 30% discount on Business and VIP tickets. Whether you are looking to scale your studio, connect with global investors, or network with our AAA guest lineup, now is the perfect opportunity to secure your professional pass at an exceptional rate.

Discount Code: SPRING30

Valid Until: April 10th

Baldur's Gate 3 cast joins Expo Gamers

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:38:35 GMT

Baldur’s Gate 3 Stars Tim Downie and Andrew Wincott
Join Expo Gamers 2026

We are thrilled to announce that two iconic voices from Larian Studios ’ global phenomenon, Baldur’s Gate 3 , are coming to Opatija this May.

Tim Downie

Actor, Writer & Podcaster Best known to the gaming world as the wizard Gale of Waterdeep, Tim is an accomplished actor and writer whose work spans film, television, and games. His film credits include the award-winning The King’s Speech, Paddington , and Les Misérables , as well as Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose alongside Simon Pegg. On television, he has appeared in Outlander , Good Omens, and most recently, Netflix’s Geek Girl . He will next be seen in the HBO series Half Man . Outside of acting, Tim co-writes and co-hosts the global hit podcast FolkLands , reaching listeners in over 120 countries.

Andrew Wincott

BAFTA-Winning Actor The voice behind the legendary Raphael , Andrew’s masterful performance in Baldur’s Gate 3 earned him a BAFTA for Performer in a Supporting Role. A veteran with over 30 years of experience, Andrew voiced five different characters in the game, including Haarlep and the Kuo-Toa tribe. He is a frequent collaborator in the Warhammer 40k universe, notably the Night Lords trilogy and Space Marine 2 . His extensive credits include The Witcher, Dying Light 2, and Divinity: Original Sin , alongside three decades of elite audio drama work on programs like The Archers and Doctor Who.

Meet & Greet: Open Both Event Days

Fans will have the exclusive opportunity to meet Tim and Andrew in person at our dedicated Meet & Greet Area . Available on both event days, and to all ticket types, the zone will offer:

Autographs & Memorabilia: Get your favorite items signed.
Selfies & Professional Photos: Capture a high-quality memory with the stars.
Voice Recordings: Request a custom greeting or an iconic line recorded just for you.

Get your tickets before it's too late: the ticket prices are going to full price on May 11.

Speakers Lineup Expanded

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:21:41 GMT

We are pleased to announce the latest addition of industry experts to the Expo Gamers 2026 lineup.

This selection of speakers reinforces our commitment to delivering high-level professional content across game publishing, design leadership, AAA production, and visual IP development.

Featured Speakers

Juha Huhtakallio

CEO, Edugametion | Discovery at PlayStack

Juha is the architect of premier online game design education, leveraging a 22-year career and 90+ published titles. As General Manager at Playstack, he leads game discovery and publishing services. A veteran of Housemarque and Digital Chocolate with 30+ industry awards, Juha sits on the NeoGames board and remains a driving force in bridging the gap between game education and global commercial success.

Topics: #GamePublishing #Discovery #GameEducation #BusinessDevelopment

Marijana Sarolic Robic

Vice President, CroStartup

A leading legal expert in the Adriatic tech ecosystem specializing in startups, investment, and regulatory frameworks. Marijana is a co-founder of CroAI and Vice President of CroStartup. An EMBA graduate and advocate for AI Ethics and Data Science regulation, she also serves as President of PWN Zagreb and on the Supervisory Board of MBA Croatia.

Topics: #StartupInvestment #AIEthics #LegalFrameworks #RegulatoryAffairs

Risto Holmström

Design Director & Studio Lead, Kuuasema

An industry veteran with three decades of experience across 10+ studios, Risto specializes in the intersection of game design, leadership, and business strategy. With over 20 titles released, his expertise ranges from hypercasual to MMORPG productions. At Kuuasema, he focuses on F2P economy, monetization, and creative direction.

Topics: #GameDesign #F2PEconomy #Monetization #LeadershipStrategy

Uros Banjesevic

Chief Creative Officer, Mad Head Games (Saber Interactive)

A pioneer of regional development and Game Director on Mad Head Games' first unannounced AAA project based on a major global franchise. With two decades of experience, Uroš led the studio’s transition into core AAA gaming, including titles like Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival. He is also a co-founder of the Serbia Games Association (SGA).

Topics: #AAADevelopment #CreativeDirection #RegionalEcosystems #GameDesign

Chee Wong

Co-founder & Creative Director, Opus Artz

Chee leads a London-based visual design agency specializing in concept design and IP development. His collaborative portfolio includes nearly 20 years of expertise on titles such as Diablo IV, Ghost of Tsushima, God of War Ragnarök, Hitman, Mafia 3, and FC.

Topics: #VisualDesign #IPDevelopment #ConceptArt #ProductionPipelines

Niko Mäkelä

External Development Director, Housemarque

After contributing to Supercell’s Clash of Clans and Hay Day, Niko shifted to console development, leading to the AAA title Returnal for PS5. A veteran in art direction and management, he has managed External Development full-time since 2018 for all Housemarque titles.

Topics: #ExternalDevelopment #OutsourcingManagement #AAAProduction #ArtDirection

Registration Information

Join these experts in Opatija this May for two days of high-level networking and professional development.

EARLY BIRD TICKETS: Available at preferential rates until March 1st, 2026.

More Speakers: From AAA to Venture Capital

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 23:32:19 GMT

We are thrilled to announce our latest addition of global experts joining the lineup for Expo Gamers 2026.

This group brings great experience and knowledge to the tracks of Expo, spanning legendary art, cinematic sound, external development, and the future of game investment.

The Creative Visionaries

Iga Oliwiak

An internationally acclaimed artist from Poland with over a decade of experience. Her work has shaped iconic worlds like Magic: The Gathering, The Wagadu Chronicles, and the Oscar-nominated Loving Vincent.

Nikola Jeremić

CEO of Waveform Studio and the sonic architect behind some of the biggest titles in gaming, including Cyberpunk 2077, Destiny 2, and the Warhammer 40K franchise.

Strategic & Business Leaders

Sam Carlisle

Co-founder of XDS Spark and former Director of External Partners at Xbox Game Studios. With 20 years of experience, Sam is a global authority on external development and strategic partnerships.

Nazih Fares

Vice Chair of the IGDA Global Board and founder of Cabinet du Savoir Ludique. A BAFTA member with 90+ titles under his belt, Nazih is a leading voice in localization, culturalization, and inclusive development.

Investment & Education

Mikael Hietala

Representing Feelsgood Capital Partners, Mikael focuses on social impact VC and scaling "Culture & Creativity" companies that drive positive change in the gaming sector.

Nick Sweetman

Founder of Game Art Co. and a premier educator who has trained over 28,000 learners worldwide. Nick bridges the gap between talent and industry, working with giants like Fingersoft and Critical Force.

This lineup isn’t just about big names and impressive resumes, it’s about bringing the right people to one event in Opatija to share what they’ve learned. Whether you’re a solo indie dev or leading a major studio, these are the conversations that help us all level up together.

We’re building something special this May, and we’d love for you to be part of the story.

Early Bird tickets are available until March 1st. Secure your spot before March 1st.

Women in Games to Join Expo Gamers 2026

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:05:29 GMT

We are incredibly proud to announce a landmark partnership for this year’s Expo Gamers: a special delegation from Women in Games will be joining us in Opatija!

As we continue to grow the gaming ecosystem in Southeast Europe, fostering a fair, equitable, and inclusive industry remains at the heart of our mission. Partnering with a globally recognized non-profit like Women in Games , an organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and community action, is a major step forward for our regional industry.

Welcoming Global Leadership

We are especially honored to welcome Dr. Marie-Claire Isaaman , CEO and Co-Director of Women in Games, who will be joining the speakers lineup. Marie-Claire’s tireless leadership in advancing gender diversity has left a lasting impact on the global stage, and we are thrilled to have her share her insights on the Adriatic coast.

We are also looking forward to announcing a wonderful lineup of Women in Games Ambassadors who will be joining our program, very soon. These inspiring women are champions of change within the industry, and we can’t wait to introduce them and share the unique expertise they will bring to our stages in Opatija.

Strengthening the Community

Expo Gamers has always been about more than just business; it’s about the people who make this industry thrive. By hosting the Women in Games delegation, we aim to champion representation across the Adriatic-Balkan gaming market, host meaningful discussions on representation, leadership, talent and create a space for networking that is diverse, safe, and inspiring.

Exclusive Offer for Women in Games Members

To celebrate this partnership and support the WIG community, Expo Gamers is offering a 25% discount on Business and VIP tier tickets - exclusively for Women in Games members! Please find the promo code listed in the Women in Games Discord Server, and be sure to use it at checkout at our ticketing platform.

Join us in Opatija for an unforgettable weekend where high-level industry insights meet warm Croatian hospitality. Whether you’re joining the discussions on our program tracks, or connecting by the seaside, your voice is a vital part of the conversation.

First speakers confirmed

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 13:38:20 GMT

First Speakers Confirmed for Expo Gamers 2026

We are incredibly excited to share the first wave of speakers joining us this year in Opatija. Our team is honored to host these global experts as they share their insights across our three dedicated program tracks.

Vlad Rannik, CEO, CM Games

A mobile gaming pioneer and Hall of Famer who has led titles with over 400 million downloads and $100M in revenue.

Dr. Marie-Claire Isaaman, CEO & Co-Director Women in Games

A global leader and award-winning consultant dedicated to building a fairer and more inclusive games ecosystem.

Stanislav Stanković, Senior Game Design Director, EA

An industry veteran with 14 years of experience at Rovio, Supercell, and EA, specializing in massive free-to-play titles like SimCity BuildIt.

Julie La’Bassiere, Chief Strategy Officer, DDA

A veteran branding strategist with 25 years in entertainment, contributed to the historic Best Picture Oscar win for CODA.

Borislav Slavov, Composer and Music Director, Larian Studios

The award-winning musical mind behind the iconic soundtracks of Baldur’s Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin 2.

Ben Reichstein, CEO & Recording Artist, Field & Foley

A specialized sound designer and podcast host focused on the art of immersive field recording and game audio.

Early Bird Tickets: Available Until March 1st

Join our growing community at the best possible price. Secure your tickets early to lock in the special rate.

Tickets are live!

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:22:55 GMT

Expo Gamers 2026 Early Bird Tickets Are LIVE!

The wait is finally over!

We are thrilled to announce that ticket sales for Expo Gamers 2026 are officially open!

Get ready to join leading industry players, investors, and creators this May on the stunning Adriatic coast in Opatija. Following the incredible energy of our last event, the 2026 edition is set to be our most dynamic yet, perfectly blending serious business opportunities with unforgettable Croatian hospitality by the sea.

Secure Your Spot at the Best Price.

For those ready to commit to growing their network and business, we’re offering exclusive Early Bird pricing. This is your chance to lock in your attendance for the premier Southeast European gaming summit at the lowest rate possible.

Early Bird tickets are available for a limited time only. This offer ends sharply on March 1st.

Don't let this opportunity slip away. Grab your ticket today, save money, and start planning your ultimate business trip to Opatija - Croatia.

Are you Indie developer, Vendor or Game Studio, and want to participate?

Check out the options in "PARTICIPATE" page. Special offer and Early Bird also applies for Indie Devs. Register in time and get approved for a super-discounted Indie Dev tickets with all the benefits!

MeetToMatch partners up with Expo Gamers 2026

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:25:27 GMT

Expo Gamers are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with MeetToMatch , the leading matchmaking platform in the global gaming industry.

This landmark collaboration marks a significant moment: it is the first time a structured, world-class deal-making platform has been integrated into an event in Croatia and the wider Southeast European region.

"We have enjoyed thoroughly meeting Mr. Fedor van Herpen and presenting our vision for the event. This partnership immediately elevates the business potential of Expo Gamers 2026, guaranteeing our 3,000+ attendees access to the most efficient and structured deal flow available."
Valentina Yoe, Organizer

Expo Gamers 2026 at a Glance

The region’s essential B2B2C hub for gaming professionals.
May 29–30, 2026.
Location: the stunning coastal city of Opatija, Croatia.
Impact: MeetToMatch is the most used event and deal-making platform in the world, linking our event directly to a network of over 25,000 games professionals.

The MeetToMatch platform will be integrated to everyone with Indie, Business and VIP access tickets, and the platform will be launched leading up to the event.

Tickets coming live very soon!

MCV/DEVELOP announces Expo Gamers

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:22:50 GMT

So excited to be featured at MCV/DEVELOP!

The first official announcement of Expo Gamers is published at MCV/DEVELOP: the leading UK business-to-business media outlet for the entire video game industry, focusing on the commercial, development, and retail sectors.

See the full article here:

https://mcvuk.com/business-news/from-the-industry-expo-gamers-2026-the-adriatics-breakout-event-returns-to-opatija-driving-regional-gaming-growth/

Announcing Expo Gamers 2026!

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 21:26:08 GMT

Expo Gamers officially announces the return of its highly anticipated third edition at the end of May 2026 . The event is set to accelerate meaningful business, creative, and investment connections across Southeast Europe, solidifying its position as the region's must-attend industry gathering.

What began as a popular consumer festival has rapidly matured into a top-tier business event. Expo Gamers 2026 is set to welcome leading industry players, investors, and professionals across its dedicated tracks, expo hall, and focused networking events, recognizing the serious business energy now present in the regional scene.

“Our small team is truly passionate about bringing people together and growing this community,” state organizers Valentina and Marta. “We are so excited to welcome you back to Opatija, Croatia, the undiscovered pearl and a lovely seaside town. Our goal is to blend crucial professional conversations with passionate talks, while ensuring everyone experiences the renowned warm Croatian hospitality. We look forward to seeing you here!”

�� Proven Success: Highlights from Expo Gamers 2025

The 2025 edition confirmed the event’s rapid ascent, successfully blending B2B quality with festival vibrancy and setting the stage for the 2026 summit:

Attendance & Scope: The festival successfully gathered around 3,000 visitors over the extended weekend, offering a rich educational and entertainment program.

Industry Presence: The event featured 27 different exhibitors and was executed through strong project partnerships with key organizations like the Croatian Game Developers Association (CGDA), the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC), and the PISMO Incubator.

Globally Recognized Guests: Expo Gamers 2025 stood out with five guests of global renown, including indie legend Rami Ismail, Forbes' "30 Under 30" scientist Dr. Johanna Pirker, and the voice masters behind The Monster Factory, Sébastien Croteau and Aliki Katriou (known for Baldur’s Gate 3 and Helldivers 2).

National & International Impact: The event enriched the cultural content of the city, with nearly 40% of visitors traveling from outside the county or from neighboring countries, establishing Opatija as a new international hub for game industry dialogue.

The success of the 2025 event has confirmed that Expo Gamers is delivering high-quality execution, valuable B2B2C content, and strong ties between the industry, educational institutions, and the community.

Join in 2026!

Expo Gamers 2026 will take place from May 29-30 in Opatija, Croatia.

For registration, speaker applications, sponsorship inquiries, and more information, please visit ExpoGamers.com → "PARTICIPATE" , and make sure to follow Expo Gamers on social for all updates!