The gaming industry has a rich calendar filled with diverse events that engage enthusiasts, developers, and gamers alike throughout the year. From specialized conferences like the Game Developers Conference (GDC) to expansive conventions such as Gamescom and PAX, there is no shortage of opportunities to connect with the latest trends and innovations in gaming.
As we approach 2025, an array of events is already lined up. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive schedule detailing these gatherings, making it easier for you to plan your participation.
Updated on April 11, 2025 by Paul Woodward: April has proven to be a pivotal month packed with significant revelations. The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has taken center stage, generating excitement mixed with debates over its pricing, particularly the increased game cost of $80. Although the release of the Switch 2 is still on the horizon, numerous updates regarding its features and titles will continue to surface. Additionally, Astro Bot secured multiple accolades at the BAFTA Game Awards 2025, winning titles such as Best Animation and Best Game Design.
Stay tuned for any newly announced events as we further delve into 2025’s gaming calendar.
January 2025 Events
January kicks off the year with several noteworthy events. Among them is the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which took place from January 5 to January 10, followed by the 14th Annual New York Game Awards on January 21.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14th Annual New York Game Awards | January 21, 8 PM – 11 PM EST | SVA Theatre, New York City | Yes | – |
| Taipei Game Showcase 2025 | January 23-26 | Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Taiwan | Yes, but some areas are restricted. | 350,000 |
February 2025 Events
February features fewer events this month, highlighted by the D.I.C.E. Summit 2025, a pivotal gathering for game developers. Included within this event is the D.I.C.E. Awards ceremony. Toward the end of the month, the Steam Next Fest allows players to experience upcoming game demos.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D.I.C.E. Summit 2025 | February 11–13 | Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada | No, but the award ceremony will be streamed. | 600 to 800, not public access. |
| gamescom LAN 2025 | February 21-23 | Cologne, Germany | Yes. | 1,000 to 3,000 expected attendees. |
| Steam Next Fest | February 24 – March 3 | Online | Yes. | N/A |
March 2025 Events
March continues to cater primarily to professional game developers, with the Game Developers Conference (GDC) at the forefront. Although most presentations are tailored for industry insiders, recordings of panels and workshops are typically shared on platforms such as YouTube, serving as valuable resources for anyone interested in game design.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GDC | March 17-21 | Moscone Center, San Francisco, California | No. | 28,000 |
April 2025 Events
April features significant events including the BAFTA Game Awards and the second annual Gamescom LATAM. Additionally, Nintendo fans can look forward to a dedicated Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2, along with opportunities for hands-on sessions at various Nintendo-hosted events later in the month.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 | April 2 | Online Event | Streaming event only. | Not applicable. |
| BAFTA Game Awards | April 8 | Queen Elizabeth Hall, London | No, it will be streamed. | Not applicable. |
| Gamescom LATAM | April 30-May 5 | São Paulo, Brazil | Yes. | Expected attendance: 150,000. |
May 2025 Events
In addition to Gamescom LATAM, May brings the eagerly awaited PAX East, which has shifted to this month as opposed to March. The full schedule for PAX East has yet to be released, so fans are encouraged to monitor the official website for updates. Additionally, EVO Japan will take place, catering to fighting game enthusiasts, while TwitchCon will wrap up the month in Rotterdam.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAX East | May 8-11 | Boston Convention Center, Boston, Massachusetts | Yes. | 100,000+ |
| EVO Japan | May 9-11 | Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan | Yes. Register to watch or to participate. | Thousands expected. |
| TwitchCon Rotterdam | May 31–June 1 | Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands | Yes. | 11,000+ |
June 2025 Events
June marks the peak of summer events, featuring numerous high-profile exhibitions. With E3’s traditional format evolving into a series of streamed presentations, Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest is set to unveil a plethora of upcoming titles. Following that, Microsoft will provide insights into forthcoming Xbox titles during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8th.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Game Fest | June 6, 5-7 PM ET | YouTube Theater, Los Angeles, California | Yes, it will be a streamed event. | Over one million viewers for 2024’s event. |
| Xbox Games Showcase | June 8, 10 AM PT (1 PM EST) | Online event | Yes, available via YouTube and Twitch. | N/A |
July 2025 Events
July features the illustrious San Diego Comic-Con, a staple for fans of all genres, including gaming. Originally focused on comics, this event now hosts a wealth of panels discussing video games and various related media.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennocon 2025 | July 18-19 | Canada Life Palace, London, Ontario | Yes, but in-person tickets are sold out. | 3,000 |
| San Diego Comic-Con | July 24-27 | San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California | Yes. | 130,000+ |
August 2025 Events
August will see two major gaming events: Gamescom and PAX West. Gamescom serves as an excellent venue for players to experience upcoming releases firsthand, while PAX West offers a lively atmosphere with panels, concerts, and tournaments.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quakecon 2025 | August 7-10 | Grapevine, Texas | Yes. | 3,000+ |
| Gamescom | August 20–24 | Cologne Fair, Cologne, Germany | Yes. | 350,000+ |
| PAX West | August 29–September 1 | Seattle Convention Center, Seattle, Washington | Yes. | 120,000+ |
September 2025 Events
The transition into fall brings a lull in events, though the Tokyo Game Show is set to fill the void, featuring thrilling new game announcements and updates.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Game Show | September 27-28 | Makuhari Messe, Tokyo, Japan | Yes. | 300,000+ |
October 2025 Events
October promises an array of engaging events, ranging from competitive tournaments to entertaining conventions that cater to a wide audience globally.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Comic Con | October 9-12 | Javits Center, New York City, New York | Yes. | 200,000+ |
| EVO France | October 10-12 | Nice, France | Yes. | Thousands of participants anticipated. |
| TwitchCon San Diego | October 17-19 | San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California | Yes, tickets forthcoming. | 20,000+ |
| Gamescom Asia | October 30-November 2 | Suntech Singapore Convention & Exhibition Center, Singapore | Yes. | 40,000+ |
November 2025 Events
November is a haven for board, tabletop, and card game enthusiasts with PAX Unplugged scheduled to take place at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAX Unplugged | November 21-23 | Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Yes. | 30,000+ |
December 2025 Events
While December typically sees fewer events, it concludes the year with the anticipated Game Awards. This event is known for announcing the prestigious Game of the Year award and presenting numerous exciting reveals that keep players engaged as the new year approaches.
| Event Name | Date | Location | Open to the Public? | Estimated Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Game Awards | December 11 | Peacock Theater, Los Angeles, California | Yes, but public tickets are limited. | Streamed, with millions of viewers expected across platforms like YouTube and Twitch. |