Pocket Gamer Connects San Francisco 2025 - the ultimate indie developer experience awaits
- Maximize all our exclusive opportunities to showcase your studio this March 17–18
Pocket Gamer Connects San Francisco 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable opportunity for indie developers. At the heart of the conference lies The Big Indie Zone, an exclusive expo area dedicated to showcasing indie developers and their games. This bespoke zone is a vibrant hub for networking, collaboration, and discovery, supported by the good folk at Jam City!
The Big Indie Zone is a space to exhibit your game and a launchpad for opportunities. Those who take advantage of a spot in this area have the chance to:
- Network with publishers actively seeking fresh talent
- Connect with investors on the lookout for their next big project
- Engage with service providers eager to demonstrate how their tools can support your game
- Collaborate and exchange ideas with fellow developers
Studios exhibiting in The Big Indie Zone will automatically qualify for the Audience Choice Award, proudly supported by Jam City. With over 750 game industry professionals in attendance, developers will have two full days to impress attendees with their innovative games. The audience will ultimately decide which indie game stands out from the crowd, and will be announced live on stage during the event, offering the winning studio unparalleled exposure and recognition.
With limited showcase tables available, studios are encouraged to book now to secure their place in this indie-focused hotspot.
Fringe events that make a difference
Pocket Gamer Connects San Francisco 2025 goes beyond the expo floor with various standout opportunities. These are the Very Big Indie Pitch, Publisher SpeedMatch and Investor Connector fringe events.
In this fast-paced, speed-dating-style competition, developers will present their games to a panel of expert judges, receiving real-time feedback during the event and additional insights afterward. Finalists will not only gain fame but also walk away with a promotional package worth thousands of dollars. The winner will take home the coveted Very Big Indie Pitch bat and enjoy exposure that has proven to be a game-changer for past participants.
San Francisco holds a special place in the history of the Very Big Indie Pitch, as it is the city where this iconic competition first began in 2013. Over the years, the Very Big Indie Pitch has grown into a global phenomenon, but its roots in San Francisco remain a testament to the city's enduring legacy. In 2025 the competition will be returning featuring Mobile, PC and Console.
Developers must submit their games by midnight on March 3. Early submissions are highly recommended, as spots fill up quickly!
But this is not all! The Publisher SpeedMatch offers developers a unique opportunity to meet with leading publishers in a speed-dating-style format, making it ideal for forging new connections and exploring potential publishing deals. Meanwhile, the Investor Connector provides selected applicants with the chance to pitch their projects to established investors and venture capitalists who are actively searching for the next big breakthrough in games. Both fringe events are designed to help indie developers take their projects to the next level by connecting them with key industry players.
These events are free for all registered ticket holders, however, a seperate application is needed to secure your place. For more details, visit Pocket Gamer Connects San Francisco.
Tailored especially for indie talent
Pocket Gamer Connects has always been committed to supporting indie talent, and this year is no exception. Indie studios can attend the conference at a heavily discounted rate of just $170 (early bird pricing). This ticket grants access to two days of content, including business-boosting case studies, fringe events tailored to indie needs, and unparalleled networking opportunities with key decision-makers in the global games industry. This also includes 5 days of MeetToMatch, covering the entire GDC week!
Pocket Gamer Connects is running an exclusive competition for indie developers. A limited number of free tickets and 2 big indie zone expo tables are up for grabs. This is another way the event aims to make attendance accessible to as many indie studios as possible. While developers are encouraged to book their expo tables early (they will sell out!), those feeling lucky can enter the competition by simply filling out a few details online. Winners will be notified directly.
Whether you’re showcasing in The Big Indie Zone, pitching in the Very Big Indie Pitch, or networking with publishers and investors, this event is your chance to shine.
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