Our game team attended another incredible event — Games Gathering 2024 in Kyiv. The conference brought together gaming enthusiasts from all over Ukraine and guests from abroad in a dynamic showcase of indie innovation, cutting-edge VR demos, AI-driven design, and vibrant community networking. Now, after unpacking our bags and collecting the souvenirs, we're thrilled to take you on a tour through our journey!
QATestLab was proudly represented by a stellar delegation of our experienced game experts:
- Maksym Grynchuk, Game Program Operation Manager;
- Pavlina Svarychevska, Product Growth Advisor;
- Iryna Yasko, Game Project Manager.
The indie games scene truly stole the show. Maksym Grynchuk shared his thoughts: "The indie developers at Games Gathering left a lasting impression with their creativity. I played four incredible mobile demos that were almost completely developed games. Additionally, I must mention that the VR sample were just as captivating. It's amazing to see how these developers push boundaries and experiment with innovative ideas while maintaining high-quality execution. I am eager to see what remarkable games these talented creators will perform in the end."
For many attendees, Games Gathering was their first opportunity to experience Virtual Reality — just as it was for Pavlina Svarychevska: "It was my first time trying VR, and though it was challenging for my mind processes since you have to stand still while the brain considers it like moving, the adventure was unforgettable. I've played a cosmic sci-fi game by ByOwls with VR headset. Presenting the demo at the offline event was a great idea, in my opinion, as the game developers could hear real-time feedback from the target audience to enhance their player experience and boost the gameplay. Some players who tried VR for the first time there immediately ordered their own VR sets. I think the game devs should strike a collaboration deal with headset manufacturers"
Artificial intelligence was another hot topic throughout the event. Lectures on AI in game design explored its transformative impact on character creation and gameplay mechanics. One standout project demonstrated fully AI-generated characters, redefining the limits of game design by moving beyond traditional methods.
The event offered a range of niche and general lectures, providing something for everyone in the gaming industry. Topics spanned from the technical complications of game mechanics to broader discussions about trends in game marketing, the role of artificial intelligence, and the future of immersive storytelling.
We have met many founders and C-level executives from across the industry who shared insights on their specific challenges in game development. Networking opportunities empowered meaningful connections among game designers, developers, and publishers, making Games Gathering a hub for collaboration.
Attendees enjoyed engaging contests, including quizzes with lovely prizes such as exclusive branded merchandise. One exceptional offering came from Red Viburnum, which introduced unique color-changing mugs. When filled with hot water, these dark mugs transformed into white ones with a red viburnum design, creating a visually stunning and memorable keepsake. Additionally, another studio, InText presented cute merch packages with cat ears instead of ordinary boxes, adding a playful touch to the gifting experience.
"The merch this year was both creative and practical - I absolutely love my hoodie!" cheered Iryna Yasko, who was wearing it at our work meetings afterward.
Gaming culture came to life with cosplayers embodying iconic characters from popular titles like Baldur's Gate and World of Warcraft with their detailed costumes and impressive character similarities. These passionate individuals gathered crowds for photo sessions and inspiring discussions about character design and storytelling. The cosplayers' presence added a layer of immersion to the event, making it unforgettable for fans and creators alike.
Games Gathering was more than just an event - it was a platform for indie developers to present their products to investors and publishers, a space to exchange ideas, an opportunity for networking and a chance to experience the future of gaming firsthand.
As the curtains of a year close with Games Gathering, the excitement for what's to come continues to build - excited to see where we'll be next? Stay tuned to join us on our next adventure!