Fringe events at the Dubai GameExpo Summit 2025 you can participate in

• Score funding, prizes (55,000 AED), and media coverage at The Very Big Indie Pitch and PitchPlay.
• Fast-track connections with investors and publishers in Connector SpeedMatch’s rapid-fire meetings.
• Participation is free for all main ticket holders, but a separate application is required.

The Dubai GameExpo Summit 2025 powered by Pocket Gamer Connects, is set to have a significant impact on the games industry.

This gathering will unite a diverse array of developers, publishers, investors, and visionaries from across the globe, fostering an environment ripe for collaboration and innovation.

In addition to the leading conference, attendees can look forward to a series of dynamic fringe events that are designed to enhance the experience.

These curated fringe events will offer invaluable networking opportunities, allow for impactful partnerships, and provide thoughtful feedback for game creators, ensuring that every participant walks away inspired and better equipped to navigate future collaborations.

Here’s a breakdown of the key fringe events to consider applying for during this year’s summit:

The Very Big Indie Pitch

One of the most eagerly awaited fringe events of the conference, The Very Big Indie Pitch, presents an exceptional opportunity for indie developers to showcase their innovative games designed for mobile, PC, or console platforms. This event adopts a dynamic speed-dating format, allowing indie developers to engage directly with a panel of esteemed industry experts.

• How does it work? Each developer is allocated a five-minute slot for their presentation, which includes both the gameplay demonstration and a Q&A session. This structure ensures that participants receive immediate, constructive feedback on their projects. After the event, developers can expect insightful follow-up comments and guidance via email, helping them refine their ideas and approach.
• Why take part? Beyond the invaluable expert critiques, participants stand the chance to win exciting prizes designed to enhance their game's visibility. This includes promotional opportunities that can significantly boost their reach in an increasingly competitive market.

Deadline: Applications will close on Monday, April 21st, 2025. 

This event is ideal for indie studios eager to refine their games and establish vital connections within the industry, equipping them with the tools and insights needed to 'thrive in 2025'.

Connector SpeedMatch

For developers seeking publishing deals or investment opportunities, the Connector SpeedMatch sessions present an organised and efficient format for connecting with potential partners in the industry.

• How does it work? During these sessions, developers are strategically paired one-on-one with experienced publishers and discerning investors. Each meeting is designed to be brief yet focused, providing the perfect setting to spark interest and initiate meaningful conversations about future collaborations. These sessions emphasise quality over quantity, ensuring that participants can make a strong impression in a short amount of time.
• Who should take part? The SpeedMatch sessions are tailored for a diverse range of participants, including independent game developers (spanning mobile, PC, and console platforms), publishers actively seeking to discover and nurture talent, and investors eager to identify and fund the next groundbreaking game projects. Whether you're a developer, publisher or investor, this event offers invaluable networking opportunities.

Deadline: Applications will close on Monday, April 21st, 2025. 

Although the primary aim of Connector SpeedMatch is to introduce rather than finalise deals immediately, it creates an excellent environment for building future partnerships and fostering connections that may lead to significant collaborations later on.

New for 2025: PitchPlay

This year, we’re delighted to debut PitchPlay, produced in partnership with DMCC and part of the Investment Summit,

This event offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to secure substantial investments and exciting prizes totaling 55,000 AED.

• How does it work? Selected pitchers will have four minutes to deliver a compelling presentation showcasing their innovative projects. This will be followed by a five-minute interactive Q&A session, during which a panel of experienced investors will engage with the pitchers, probing deeper into their ideas and business models.
• Why take part? Winners of the competition will receive an exclusive DMCC Gaming Centre Package valued at 30,000 AED, which includes valuable resources to foster their development in the games sector. Additionally, they will benefit from a Steel Media promotional package worth 25,000 AED, designed to amplify their visibility and support their growth.

This competition is ideal for game developers, technology studios, toolmakers, entrepreneurs and service providers who are looking to grow their businesses and navigate the MENA market. Don't miss this opportunity to pitch your vision and connect with industry leaders.

Why Attend These Events? 

With opportunities ranging from feedback, networking, to funding and promotion, these fringe events are essential for anyone serious about breaking into or expanding within the MENA region.

In addition to these sessions, all delegates are granted access to the MeetToMatch platform, a tool that facilitates the scheduling of additional meetings with other attendees. This feature is free for all participants and opens up even more avenues for networking and collaboration.

Registration for The Very Big Indie Pitch, Connector SpeedMatch and PitchPlay is now open, with deadlines approaching soon. 

If you haven't yet booked your ticket and applied for these fringe events, now is the time.