GAME DEV SESSIONS HISTORY & PAST EVENTS
Game Dev Sessions is a curated industry conference created to connect professionals shaping the future of game development.
Our mission is to elevate the conversation around craft, production, art direction, technology, and sustainable creative leadership in games. We bring together experienced developers, studio leaders, and emerging talent in a focused environment designed for high-value knowledge exchange, meaningful networking, and long-term industry growth.
Game Dev Sessions is strategically curated and directed by Tiago Colaço, Creative Director with extensive experience in Art for Videogames and live game production. The event’s programming, vision, and standards are defined to ensure depth, relevance, and practical insight for industry professionals.
The event is supported by Obitec – Parque Tecnológico de Óbidos, within the Óbidos Vila Gaming initiative, reinforcing its connection to innovation, technology, and the development of a sustainable game development ecosystem.
This edition will also be live-streamed on YouTube, expanding access to selected talks and enabling broader participation beyond the physical venue.
FIRST EDITION 2023:
GAME DEV TALKS
The first edition took place in 2023 under the name Game Dev Talks, gathering approximately 120 attendees and establishing the foundation for what would become Game Dev Sessions.
From the outset, the focus was clear: create a space where experienced professionals could share practical knowledge, production insights, and real-world challenges from the game industry. The program combined focused talks with structured networking, fostering direct exchange between speakers and participants.
The success of this inaugural edition validated the demand for a curated, industry-oriented event in Portugal, setting the stage for its evolution in scale, structure, and ambition..
SECOND EDITION 2024:
EXPANDING AND EVOLVING
In 2024, Game Dev Sessions expanded to approximately 200 attendees, marking a significant step in scale and program depth.
The event evolved beyond talks to include hands-on workshops and live demonstrations, creating a more applied learning environment. The program addressed emerging topics such as AI integration in game pipelines, VR production challenges, and cross-platform development strategies, reflecting the shifting realities of modern game production.
This edition consolidated the event’s positioning as a curated industry platform, combining practical knowledge, technical depth, and direct access to experienced professionals.
THIRD EDITION 2025:
CONTINUING THE LEGACY
Game Dev Sessions 2025 represents the most structured and comprehensive edition to date. Taking place at Óbidos Vila Gaming, the event expands both its program scope and production scale.
The 2025 program integrates talks, panels, applied workshops, and curated networking sessions, with focused tracks covering 2D Art, Game Design, Animation, VFX, Community Strategy, and Production. The content is designed to address real production challenges and evolving industry standards, combining craft depth with practical application.
Running from May 7–10, 2025, this edition reinforces the event’s commitment to building a sustainable and professionally oriented platform for game development in Portugal, while progressively strengthening its international outlook.