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The Game Industry Conference closed its doors in Poznań after four packed days beside Poznań Game Arena. It delivered deep talks, heavy networking, and a steady stream of hands-on demos a few steps away at the consumer show.
When it happened: October 23 to October 26, 2025
Where: Poznań Congress Center, Poland
Ticket price: 520 EUR
Who attended: developers, indies, publishers, tool makers, marketers, ASO teams, investors, students, and media
Why it matters: GIC runs next to Poznań Game Arena, a public expo that draws more than 79,300 visitors and over 220 exhibitors, creating a full industry week in one city. Poland counts more than 500 studios and about 15,200 people working directly in development, with the wider ecosystem roughly doubling that number.
What stood out
GIC plus PGA is a powerful combo
Professional sessions in the Congress Center during the day, then quick field tests with real players inside PGA. That loop let teams validate builds, collect feedback, and return to meetings with fresh notes.
Focused access to the Polish scene
From boutique indies to AA publishers and service providers, the density of local talent was high. If you are scouting partners in Central and Eastern Europe, this week remains one of the most efficient trips you can make.
Practical sessions over buzzwords
Tracks leaned into production realities, live ops, marketing analytics, store optimization, and tooling. Teams left with checklists they could apply on Monday rather than vague trends.
Hiring and mentorship
Portfolio reviews and recruitment corners were busy. Students and juniors received targeted advice on reels, code samples, and presentation.
Meetups that actually moved the needle
Evening mixers across the city helped convert first chats into follow ups. Many teams reported setting up trials for tools or opening conversations with publishing partners.
If you missed GIC 2025
- Check the official site for post-event updates, slides, and possible video uploads: gic.gd
- Reach out to contacts you wanted to meet and propose a short call in the next two weeks
- Review your pitch deck and one-pager while the feedback from this year circulates online
- Start a list of target partners so you can pre-book meetings earlier for the next edition
Playbook for 2026 planning
Studios
Prepare a five minute playable, a one page pitch, and a clear ask. Book morning meetings, reserve midday for PGA floor checks, and keep one late afternoon free for publisher walk-ups.
Marketing and UA
Collect case studies on creative testing and measurement. Shortlist three tools to trial and set evaluation criteria before you arrive.
Students
Carry your work on a tablet and a cloud link. Ask for specific notes on one piece rather than a general portfolio review.
Travel notes for future attendees
- Fly into Poznań Ławica or arrive by rail at Poznań Główny
- Book a hotel within walking distance of the fairgrounds to save time between talks and mixers
- The venue has strong Wi-Fi, multiple food points, and quick access to the PGA halls
Quick recap card
GIC 2025
Poznań, Poland
Oct 23 to 26
Conference next to Poznań Game Arena
Audience: developers, publishers, tools, marketers, students
