We're used to seeing big gaming events shift to all-digital by this point. In fact, it's more surprising to hear of an event that hasn't announced its online version yet. And while gaming is thriving as an industry thanks to the fact that it's mostly digital anyway, there is going to be something missing in whatever replaces E3, TGS, and similar events. There won't be those chance meetings, those moments where an indie dev gets discovered or two creators vibe and discuss what will be the next great game. Brazil's Independent Games (BIG) Festival is hoping to keep that spirit alive with its digital event.
BIG is Latin America's largest independent games festival. During its run, it gets companies like Ubisoft and Marvelous to look at the the indie projects coming out of Brazil. The hope is that these smaller studios will forge business connections that they couldn't on their own. BIG's Digital Event will present these opportunities via an online matchmaking platform.
The Digital Event will take place from June 22-26. Just like a physical convention, those who register for BIG Digital will get to attend panels and lectures centered around how to pitch a game to potential partners and what the business side of things is looking for. That part is free. Those who pay a "nominal fee" of $70 will get to use the Matchmaking Hub to set up one-on-one business meetings.
Those who register early will get access to the “Finding and Pitching the Right Publisher For Your Game” pre-show webinar. This panel will give indie studios valuable insight from industry veterans before BIG even beings, all so they can go in with the highest chance of success.
That said, things aren't going to be too formal. Despite the online matchmaking portal providing a more streamlined service, BIG knows that gaming events can't be all business.
"We are from Brazil, our games are indie, our studios are small, so we are 100% focused on giving the stage to our developers. They are the reason and core of BIG Festival. BIG has established in Latin America this opportunity, where big AAA publishers, investors, partners give full attention to independent production. We are organizing informal online networking opportunities, and there will be less formal chances to meet," says Eliana Russi, Executive Manager of Brazil Games and Content Director for BIG Festival.
When the situation around the world has normalized, BIG still plans to hold a physical event. It currently has BIG 2021 set up for January 27-31 in Sao Paulo. For now, though, it wants to give indie studios a chance to take advantage of the overall success gaming as a whole is having. People are home, bored, and want to game more than ever. If BIG Digital goes well, we might soon be seeing a Brazilian-made indie game on our digital store's front page.
Those looking to register for BIG Digital can follow this link.
Source: BIG