About people, not just games: our impressions of Games Gathering in Lviv
On April 6th and 7th, the Games Gathering conference took place in Lviv — an event that once again brought together the game development community from all over Ukraine and guests from abroad under one roof. These were two days of live communication, new connections, inspiring lectures, networking, and pleasant meetings with old friends. We decided to share the team’s personal impressions — no embellishments or unnecessary formality. Just what truly stood out.
“It was especially pleasant to see how many new people are just beginning their journey in this field. So much energy, drive, and bright eyes. As an HR, I love observing how, at such events, people who have already completed dozens of projects interact with those who are still dreaming of their first game. And of course, it’s no less pleasant to meet familiar faces — colleagues with whom we’ve worked on projects, met at conferences, or simply connected in the community. A huge bonus for me was the presence of not only entertainment booths but also booths showcasing military and volunteer initiatives. This added depth and even more respect for our community,” — Vira, HR Manager.
“Being in the heart of the Ukrainian gamedev community offline is always inspiring. This unique energy, live communication, the exchange of ideas, and mutual support can’t compare to any online format. This time, it felt like there was a lack of lectures on HR and recruitment topics — although there were a lot of specialists in these areas among the participants, and the demand for such knowledge is certainly there. A special thank you to the organizers for the charitable initiatives. It was nice to see how many people participated. And, of course, it was admirable to see foreign speakers who were not afraid to come to Ukraine right now. This is true support, which is incredibly valuable to Ukrainians,” — Maria, Recruiter.
“For me, this conference was a breath of fresh air. When people who are just as passionate about games gather around you — it’s very energizing. And meeting with colleagues offline, having a great time outside of lectures and talks — this makes any event more special. I can’t help but mention the lecture by Jama Jurabaev. He talked about trends in design and illustration — very deep, but at the same time simple and inspiring. For me, he became not only an example of a professional in his field but also a charismatic speaker. After his talk, I had many new ideas and the desire to experiment even more,” — Anya, Promo Team Lead.
Games Gathering in Lviv once again proved that the Ukrainian game development industry is not only about cool projects but also about a real community. And we are happy to be part of it!