Attendees could explore various esports zones featuring games like Fortnite, Marvel Rivals, League of Legends, and Valorant. Additionally, there was a unique opportunity to test airsoft replicas or rifles with Trinity Airsoft in their enclosed space. Beyond video games, the event included anime attractions and a rich selection of board and tabletop games. Visitors could also purchase gear, from peripherals to computers and various accessories.

The indie zone once again showcased its diversity, presenting both familiar titles and promising new ones. Games Croatia shone with The Dunkers (by the artistic organization PET RUSA) and Bura: The Way the Wind Blows (by Tiny Meow Studio). Our attention was particularly drawn to Sime is Back 18+ (available for free on Steam), as well as Buckle Up! and the local FPS game SHROT, which was also playable.

Panels covered a range of topics, from the impact of tourism on the gaming industry and web3 technology in video games to explaining the concept of “cozy” games and their rising popularity. International guests shared their experiences and work practices. Additionally, quizzes, raffles, and giveaways were held throughout the event.

While this year’s Expo Gameri was somewhat smaller compared to last year’s event in Rijeka, where too much content was packed into a limited space with a growing number of visitors, it’s safe to say that Opatija proved to be an ideal location. Now, it’s just a matter of attracting some bigger players.

The post We visited this year's Expo Gameri in Opatija first appeared on IndieGames.

The festival will be divided into several zones catering to all types of visitors—from hardcore gamers and professionals to casual players, collectors, parents, and children. The Gaming Zone features top-tier equipment and titles, supported by the main sponsor Računala.hr, which, with brands like UVI, XPG, Phillips, Adata, and Trust, provides the latest configurations for PC and console gaming. A unique experience is offered by Unreal89 VR Arcade, where visitors can step into virtual reality on a running treadmill, while the local company ORQA showcases FPV goggles and drone simulators that are already conquering global markets.

What's expecting you?

The Croatian indie scene is represented by Games Croatia and PISMO Inkubator, which bring together local game developers and young talents. Visitors will have the chance to try their games and learn more about development in the industry. Between gaming and entertainment, the CD Media stand is a must-visit, offering an interactive experience with the game Just Dance on Nintendo Switch consoles.

The festival wouldn’t be complete without a rich offering of pop culture and retro content. The iconic Peek&Poke Museum takes visitors back to the golden age of gaming with retro computers and consoles, while stores like Other Side Poland, Big 3 Anime Shop, and Chichi’s Emporium offer anime collectibles, sought-after figurines, and cards featuring popular characters. Puna Kolica, House of Games, SLG Grading Company, and Rockmark round out the experience with comics, music, books, and gaming souvenirs. Visitors can also refresh with products from brands like Kviki, Spezi, and Orangina.

Fans of competitive gaming can test their skills in the esports zones. In collaboration with River City Games and the 3. zmaj association, tournaments will be held in popular titles: League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Tekken 8, FC25, and an exclusive tournament in Marvel Rivals. Outside of tournament schedules, all games will be available for free play.

Both days of the festival feature a rich program across two stages. Visitors can attend panels, presentations, and discussions covering current industry topics—from cozy gaming and web3 technology to employment and education in the gaming sector. There will be no shortage of entertaining and educational content, including a gaming quiz, cosplay competition, prize games, workshops, and raffles.

This year’s spectacle is guaranteed by honorary guests whose names resonate across the global gaming scene:

• Rami Ismail – An indie legend and co-founder of Vlambeer, Rami Ismail is behind hits like Nuclear Throne and Ridiculous Fishing, as well as the tool dopresskit.com. His advice and lectures are transforming the gaming world, and he’s renowned as a global mentor to indie teams!
• Johanna Pirker – Dr. Johanna Pirker (TUG, MIT) is a scientist, VR researcher, and streamer known as JoeyPrink. A Forbes “30 Under 30” honoree, she began her career at EA and now captivates the gaming scene with lectures, education, and VR projects!
• Molly Heady-Carroll – An Irish 2D artist and animator, she creates fantastical creatures for Netflix, Universal, and BBC. Co-founder of Arcane Circus and creator of the Zenibeasts project, her Kaiju Cutie animated hit captivates YouTube audiences worldwide!
• Sebastien Croteau is the king of monstrous vocals! His voice can be heard in Genshin Impact, Helldivers 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, and over 40 other games. A master of throat singing and founder of The Monster Factory INC, he specializes in the wildest sounds in gaming!
• Aliki Katriou, a Greek metal vocalist and voice actress, specializes in monster voices for games and films. A vocal beast from Eight Lives Down and Desolate Plains, trained in vocal rehabilitation and massage, she brings true sonic magic!

Croteau and Katriou are attending as representatives of The Monster Factory Inc, one of the world’s leading teams for vocal character design in games and films, and they will share their expertise through lectures and workshops.

The main partners of the festival are Računala.hr, providing technological infrastructure and prize funds, and Telemach, delivering high-speed connectivity and the Telemach Chill Zone—a relaxing oasis for socializing and gaming matches with popular influencer Pino Pingvin. For those involved in game production or development, an exclusive “B2B Gameri” conference for game dev and business will be held, including a dinner at Hotel Ambasador.

Another major highlight of this year’s Expo Gameri festival is its connection with the Slowmotion Festival & Conference, which brings together film, music, video games, and digital technology into a unique platform for exchanging ideas and inspiration. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase a combined festival ticket for both events at a promotional price, granting access to all content over three days—concerts, the conference, and the Expo Gameri program. The promotional price is 38 € until May 15, and 49 € thereafter.

Expo Gameri 2025 will be the central gathering point for the regional gaming community—a festival where the world of video games, cutting-edge technology, and the creative industry converge. It is held with the support of the City of Opatija, the Opatija Tourist Board, the Croatian Tourist Board, the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, and other sponsors and partners.

“Don’t miss the event of the year for all video game enthusiasts!” urge the festival organizers from the Rivira marketing agency and the “3. zmaj” association from Rijeka, inviting everyone to secure their tickets via the official website www.expogameri.eu, where special benefits for groups, schools, and associations are also available. See you in Opatija!

The post Everything is set for a gaming spectacle in Opatija: Expo Gameri 2025 brings together the industry’s best! first appeared on IndieGames.