The town of Óbidos is getting ready to host the third edition of Óbidos Vila Gaming, from May 7 to 11. This year, the event will place even greater emphasis on education and the training of new generations, once again featuring the Game Dev Sessions, from May 7 to 10, with talks and workshops led by national and international experts in programming, robotics, artificial intelligence, and technological innovation.
With an expanded program and the presence of prominent figures from the international games industry, the Game Dev Sessions are establishing themselves as one of the largest gatherings of creators, studios, and emerging talent in the sector in Portugal.
The 2025 edition highlights three leading figures: Jessica Monteiro from Pixar, Patrice Leymarie from IAMAG, and Christopher Hamilton from the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), who will lead sessions on a wide range of topics including animation, VFX, art direction, character design, and game production. The event will also feature Rui Romano, Ricardo Flores, Diogo Rato, João Sousa, and other national and international guests.
A key moment will also be the participation of APVP – the Portuguese Video Game Producers Association, marking its institutional presence and strengthening the connection between Portuguese professionals and the international game development ecosystem.
The program includes themed sessions in areas such as 2D and 3D Art, Game Design, Animation and Visual Effects (VFX), Development, Product, Research and Technical Demonstration, as well as networking and informal hangouts.
Renowned entities such as PIXAR, SYBO, ZBrush/Maxon, Super Evil Megacorp, Wild Child Animation, FNAC Novos Talentos, Politécnico de Leiria, ETIC, Universidade Lusófona, IAMAG, and others are also taking part.
Alongside the technical and creative programming, the event will promote moments of socializing and informal sharing, with Welcome Coffee sessions, community lunches, Happy Hours, and end-of-day networking sessions at the Prohibition Bar.
A Stronger Investment by Óbidos in Education
For Filipe Daniel, Mayor of Óbidos, this investment aims to inspire and empower the next generation of creators, programmers, and technology enthusiasts. “Our commitment with Óbidos Vila Gaming goes beyond entertainment. The Game Dev Sessions are positioned as one of the central pillars of the event, providing valuable insights into the future of the video game and tech industries, designed to train talent, foster knowledge exchange, and highlight the latest innovations in disruptive technology development,” he explains.
Strategic Vision and Hope for the Future of the Creative Industry in Óbidos
“As Mayor of Óbidos, creating a new agenda for the creative industry represents a strategic commitment to the future, anchored in innovation, talent, and the transformative power of digital culture. The launch of the Óbidos Vila Gaming event symbolizes the first step of an ambitious project that aims to position Óbidos as a hub for creative, technological, and economic opportunities for new generations. Through this initiative, we aim not only to celebrate local identity, but also to open the door to a dynamic ecosystem where young creators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers can grow and project themselves to the world.”
“It is with courage that we build the future, and in Óbidos, we are designing a tomorrow where creativity is the key to a legacy that is inspiring, sustainable, and full of hope for this and future generations,” he adds.
“This is an event that has been gaining relevance in the tech sector, reflecting the growing interest technology is sparking among younger audiences — a trend to which events in Óbidos are paying close attention. More and more, we aim to show that history and technological innovation can go hand in hand, creating synergies that result in unique and engaging experiences for younger generations, but also for families. In this edition, entry will be free, promoting greater equity in access and allowing a broader audience to enjoy the event,” emphasizes Ricardo Duque, Chairman of the Board of Óbidos Criativa, the organizing entity.
The Game Dev Sessions bridge the development of a tech and digital creation community at the Óbidos Technological Park with a large-scale public event like Óbidos Vila Gaming.
“This edition will bring to Óbidos major names from the gaming and digital creation sector, and representatives of some of the most advanced development ecosystems in this economy,” guarantees Miguel Silvestre, Executive Director of the Óbidos Technological Park. “With curation by Tiago Colaço, we will have a bigger and more mature event that will leave its mark on the Portuguese industry in 2025. It’s an ambitious program to put our region on the world creativity map.”
The talk sessions will take place at the Praça da Criatividade, near the town of Óbidos, while the specialized workshops and masterclasses will be held at the Óbidos Technological Park, both offering activities over four days.
The Game Dev Sessions will conclude on May 10 with a closing ceremony, during which new initiatives and strategic collaborations for the sector will be announced.
With this stellar lineup, Óbidos cements itself as a must-attend gathering point for professionals, students, and video game enthusiasts, bringing together some of the most influential voices in the global industry to Portuguese soil.