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From major digital showcases to in-person game conventions, the second half of the year is packed with opportunities to connect, discover, and promote what’s next in games. Whether you’re a developer prepping for a launch, a publisher scouting titles, or a fan watching for reveals, these upcoming gaming events matter. They’re not just about hype, but about visibility, momentum, and meaningful reach.
Here’s a curated list of key game industry events happening in Q3 2025, from July through the end of September, and why they’re worth having on your radar.
Q3 2025 Gaming Events
Q3 is stacked with gaming events, and these are the ones turning heads. From global expos to can’t-miss industry meetups, here are 12 events worth circling on your calendar.
Steam Summer Sale 2025
June 26 to July 10
A cornerstone of the Steam calendar, the Steam Summer Sale is the platform’s biggest promotional window. It spans two weeks of discounts, massive traffic surges, and front-page visibility for thousands of games.
For developers, it’s more than just a price cut. The Summer Sale is a chance to turn wishlists into purchases, revive interest in older titles, or launch an update with momentum. Teams that plan ahead with visuals, messaging, and platform alignment often see benefits well beyond July.
Steam Themed Events
July through September 2025
Steam’s genre-focused fests have become reliable discovery drivers. Each month brings something different, and the themed event lineup continues to offer focused visibility for niche titles.
Coming up in Q3 2025:
- Automation Fest: July 14 to July 21
- Racing Fest: July 28 to August 4
- 4X Fest: August 11 to August 18
- Third Person Shooter (TPS) Fest: August 25 to September 1
- Political Sim Fest: September 8 to September 15
These Steam events may be more compact than the Summer Sale, but they deliver sharper alignment with player interest. If your game fits one of these tags, it’s an excellent opportunity to surface in front of an already-engaged audience.
Develop: Brighton 2025
July 8 to 10 — Brighton, UK
Set against the English seaside, Develop: Brighton offers one of the most developer-friendly atmospheres on the calendar. Equal parts conference and creative retreat, it’s known for its collaborative energy and practical insight.
If you’re looking to meet other devs, pitch new work, or just recharge your creative battery, Develop: Brighton is a smart stop. This year’s program brings expanded focus to narrative design, studio culture, and emerging tools.
Want to know what’s on the agenda? Check out the full 2025 conference program.
BitSummit Drift
July 18 to 20 — Kyoto, Japan
Few indie festivals carry the regional weight of BitSummit. Hosted in Kyoto, it celebrates Japan’s independent game scene while drawing global attention from press, publishers, and platform reps.
This year’s showcase is set to feature more international participants than ever, while still spotlighting Japan’s vibrant indie scene. With 2025 bringing even more global showcases and industry crossover, this edition is shaping up to be one of its most ambitious yet.
GCX 2025
July 25 to 26 — Orlando, FL
GCX isn’t your average convention. What began as a Destiny fan meetup has grown into a full-scale gaming charity event, with streamers, fans, and developers gathering to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For studios looking to reach content creators or support a good cause, GCX is the perfect match. There’s strong community energy, built-in goodwill, and plenty of opportunities to get your game in front of an enthusiastic, livestream-savvy audience.
Want a glimpse of what the event feels like? Watch Day 1 of GCX 2024 or explore more highlights on their YouTube channel.
Gen Con 2025
July 31 to August 3, 2025 — Indianapolis, IN
As the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America, Gen Con brings together tens of thousands of fans, creators, and publishers for four packed days of gameplay, community, and discovery. The event covers everything from new board games and RPGs to card games, LARPs, and accessories, with demos, tournaments, and exclusive launches happening throughout the show.
For developers and publishers, it’s a high-visibility opportunity to connect directly with players, test new titles, and build buzz within the tabletop community.
Devcom 2025
August 17 to 19 — Cologne, Germany
Held in the days leading up to gamescom, Devcom delivers deep industry insight in a quieter, B2B-centric setting. Think of it as the calm before the convention storm: strategy talks, publishing panels, and behind-the-scenes networking.
It’s ideal for teams fine-tuning their business pitches or scouting publishing partners before the expo floor opens. Sustainability and cross-border publishing will be at the heart of this year’s sessions.
gamescom 2025
August 20 to 24 — Cologne, Germany & Online
No other gaming event compares to gamescom in scale or scope. It’s where the global industry gathers for reveals, press coverage, player engagement, and B2B development all at once.
Whether you’re showcasing on the show floor or launching a trailer on Opening Night Live, the platform and press presence here are unmatched. For 2025, organizers are doubling down on hands-on demos and expanding hybrid engagement for remote attendees.
PAX West 2025
August 29 to September 1 — Seattle, WA
A pillar of the North American convention scene, PAX West thrives on its community-first approach. It’s packed with demos, panels, cosplay, tabletop, and gaming culture of all kinds.
For developers, this is the perfect setting to put your game in players’ hands. From live builds to dev panels, it’s a direct connection to enthusiastic, curious fans. And with programs like PAX Rising, smaller studios can gain real traction.
D.I.C.E. Europe 2025
September 15 to 17 — Edinburgh, Scotland
If your focus is growth, strategy, or innovation, D.I.C.E. Europe is where high-level conversations happen. This invite-driven event draws studio leadership, investors, and visionaries shaping the industry’s future.
The 2025 edition will explore how AI is influencing studio pipelines, funding models, and long-term operations. For decision-makers, it’s one of the few places where those discussions happen face-to-face.
IndieGameBusiness Sessions: September Edition
September 17 to 18 — Online
Hosted by IndieGameBusiness, this online B2B event focuses on matchmaking and education for indie developers and publishers. Its fully remote format offers access to talks, meetings, and pitch sessions without the cost or logistics of travel.
Expect sessions on publishing, investment, and platform relations, and plenty of direct connection with business development teams across the industry.
Tokyo Game Show 2025
September 25 to 28 — Chiba, Japan & Online
Tokyo Game Show (TGS) is a marquee moment in the Asian gaming calendar and a gateway to one of the most engaged regional audiences. With two days of business meetings followed by two days of public access, the format balances networking and fan outreach.
From AAA reveals to indie spotlights, TGS continues to bridge the global and local in exciting ways. The hybrid format is expected to grow again this year, making participation easier for international teams.
Not Just Game Events, Opportunities to Build Your Audience
Each of these Q3 2025 game events represents more than just a date on the calendar. They’re touchpoints that shape how games are discovered, remembered, and loved. Whether you're showing a demo at PAX, dropping a trailer during TGS, or planning a timed discount for the Steam Sale, the goal is the same: to connect with the right audience at the right time.
But making the most of these upcoming gaming events takes more than presence. It takes planning.
If you're thinking ahead about a reveal, launch, or community beat, take a moment to explore our case studies to see how UberStrategist can help you succeed. And if it feels like the right time to connect, get in touch with our team and let’s talk about how we can support your next big moment.
