From August 3 to 6, the QATestLab crew took a deep dive into the vibrant world of Games Gathering 2023. We were there, boots on the ground, sharing our deep insights on game testing, soaking in all the newest game-changers, and, of course, geeking out over the latest industry trends. Let us tell you how it was.
There were more visitors than the organizers of the event could even imagine, so the area was packed with gamers, developers, game designers, producers, and other creatives all coming together. Every corner of the Games Gathering was bursting with game enthusiasts, which created an electrifying atmosphere of community and like-mindedness. We got to experience a great lineup of game showcases, from big-league AAA studios to passionate indie developers who are always pushing boundaries. And the best part? Attendees were treated to interactive sessions, offering them a golden chance to dive into these games right on the spot and provide candid feedback — something the developers eagerly anticipated.
The participants of the Games Gathering were super creative in showcasing their games — from revealing captivating demos to arranging insightful presentations and installing vibrant stands and photo zones. Obviously, our team couldn’t miss the opportunity to take a picture with talented cosplayers and realistic game characters that came to life only for this wonderful event.
Yet, amidst the excitement and the fun, Games Gathering 2023 would not be so thrilling without its informative lectures and discussions that allowed us to enrich our knowledge about the development of the gaming industry, its current challenges, and innovations. Every day of the event was filled with insightful talks and reports on all things game. Our team especially enjoyed lectures from an independent studio that has been on the market for 20 years and shared their experience on what to avoid in game development, a discussion about the anatomy of a successful game, and, without a doubt, a talk about the pivotal role of testing and high-quality QA in creating a top-notch gaming experience.
However, the topic that was in the limelight of numerous discussions was the role of Artificial Intelligence in game development and how this technology will shape the future of gaming. Its capacity to create responsive, learning, and evolving in-game environments was once again praised at Game Gathering 2023. Real-time game adaptations, AI-driven narratives, and enhanced NPC behaviors were just a few topics setting the stage for a promising future. AI's meteoric rise and its implications on the gaming horizon were undeniably among the conference's most captivating subjects.
Above everything, what stuck with us was the incredible mix of passion, talent, professionalism, and excitement in the air. The event was a blend of intense gaming debates, hearty laughter, shared stories, and some fun side contests with a chance to win various awards. Our Game Program Operations Manager Maksym didn’t miss his chance and became one of the winners of a heartfelt prize from an indie game studio! Everyone was all in, sharing, listening, and celebrating the world of games.
Concluding the event, it was an invaluable experience for QATestLab. We were glad to share our vision on game QA, expand our network with like-minded people and teams, and enrich our perspective on the gaming industry as a whole. Filled with pleasant memories from Games Gathering, we are already pumped for our next adventure — GamesCom 2023 — one of the biggest annual game events in the world.
With bated breath, our team is looking forward to another round of immersive experiences and networking with our treasured community of game enthusiasts from all over the world.
To everyone we met and to those we'll meet next — keep gaming and keep innovating. Let’s keep rocking the gaming world together!