Last weekend, Opatija once again became the center of the regional gaming industry, digital culture, and contemporary entertainment. The third edition of Expo Gamers gathered over 2,000 visitors, more than 50 international speakers, exhibitors, and guests, offering over 70 program points in two days of conferences, workshops, panels, gaming tournaments, and fair content.
The global gaming industry today is an economic giant that generates over 200 billion dollars annually, surpassing both the film and music industries combined. Despite this astronomical capital, gaming often remains outside the focus of traditional media, misunderstood beyond its circles. Nevertheless, Expo Gamers has proven for the third consecutive year in Opatija that this is an industry that brings together exceptionally creative people who are present in it out of pure, unwavering love. Opatija was not just a backdrop for economic discussions but a living proof that behind all those billions lies something far more valuable: great passion and community.
The greatest uniqueness and value of Expo Gamers lies in its relaxed and accessible format. A wide audience and young creatives who wish to enter the video game industry, or those who are just taking their first steps, had the opportunity to learn from top experts in a completely informal environment.
Panels and workshops featured close discussions on topics that are important to the audience. Laughter echoed through the hall as industry legends shared entertaining anecdotes and incredible situations many of them found themselves in while creating their own path in the gaming world.
Special interest was drawn by the honorary guests – acting stars Tim Downie and Andrew Wincott (known for their roles as Gale and Raphael in the global megahit Baldur's Gate 3) and the multiple award-winning composer Borislav Slavov. Their joint panel “The Voice & Music of a Masterpiece – Baldur's Gate 3” turned out to be one of the highlights of this year's program. The Meet & Greet zone attracted numerous fans who took photos with the stars and received autographs. Some fans brought a plethora of gifts for the guests, including the English translation of "Stories from Long Ago" by Ivana Brlić Mažuranić.
Where giants meet pure passion
That Kvarner has become an unavoidable point on the European gaming map was confirmed by the names in the hall. Representatives of global and regional heavyweights such as Larian Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Supercell, Outfit7, Housemarque, Mad Head Games, Nanobit, Croteam, and many others brought global prestige to Opatija while perfectly fitting into the local, friendly spirit.
Through two days of an intensive program, this year's Expo Gamers sent a clear message: although the gaming industry is financially more powerful than ever, its true strength lies in the people, community, and inexhaustible creativity of those who gathered in Opatija last weekend.
Through dynamic keynote speeches, relaxed fireside chats, and practical workshops, hot topics of today were discussed: from the impact of artificial intelligence, creating complex musical narratives, to game design, investments, and strategies for global studio growth. It was a unique space where professionals and students exchanged ideas without any distance, creating contacts that will surely shape the future of the regional scene.
However, the true heart of this year's edition beat in the international Indie zone – the largest and most successful so far. Independent studios from Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria presented their authentic, passionate projects to investors, publishers, and visitors. The zone was filled all weekend with interested players, and the excited comments from the audience and direct conversations with the creators created a special atmosphere.
It was this moment that the organizers of Expo Gamers, Marta Glažar and Valentina Mišković Yoe, highlighted as the greatest success of the weekend:
“We are extremely pleased with the audience turnout and the reactions we received from all sides. We are especially happy that the Indie zone achieved exactly what we wanted: to give space to independent creators to showcase their work to a wide audience. Seeing lines of people patiently waiting to try their games was perhaps the greatest recognition for all the effort we put in,” the organizers proudly stated.
Inclusive design of youth as a window to a brighter future of gaming
Saturday's program also brought a special moment to the stage: the award ceremony for young talents, which showcased the incredible maturity of new generations. The theme of the art competition held prior to Expo Gamers was anything but simple – inclusive character design for video games. The goal of this competition was to break stereotypes and design heroes that we rarely see in digital media: characters with disabilities whose challenges are not magically erased by “superpowers,” protagonists who bring a completely new perspective to gameplay through autism and neurodivergence. The expert jury faced a tough task as a multitude of incredibly mature, empathetic, and technically flawless original digital works arrived.
The first prize was awarded to Klara Perić (School of Applied Arts and Design, Zagreb), second place went to Vita Valenčić (School of Applied Arts in Rijeka), while third place was awarded to Vita Stojić (also from Zagreb's ŠPUD).
Along with the top 3 winners, the jury awarded seven more outstanding authors (Mihael Bukša, Lana Fućkar, Mia Kolar, Nola Širić, Leda Belašković, Filip Naimkadić, and Erin Lukač) for their exceptional quality and deep understanding of the theme. These young talents received their valuable awards and participated with undisguised enthusiasm in the creative program of workshops and lectures, full of praise for the initiative of the project and the entire Expo Gamers. Looking at their works and passion, one thing is certain: the future of the regional gaming industry is indeed bright.
From esports tension to relaxation in the Beer Garden
The audience had the opportunity to compete in as many as 6 tournaments in games Valorant, League of Legends, EA Sports FC26, Tekken 8, Fortnite and Trackmania, while the truly realistic, nostalgic "Balkan" Retro zone with old televisions and chipboard tablets drew special attention and smiles, and modern driving simulators and virtual reality simulators were also available at the fair.
Visitors could also relax in the outdoor Beer Garden of the always popular Brewtiga, with local craft beers, beer "slushie" ice cream, and in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere chat about their experiences.
More than a game: a platform for the future
This year's edition, organized by the marketing agency Rivira and the 3rd Dragon Association from Rijeka, once again highlighted an important truth: gaming has long surpassed mere entertainment. It is now the most modern blend of high technology, art, entrepreneurship, and education.
After another successful edition, the organizers do not hide their optimism and are already announcing the continuation of the project's development.
The program was held with the support of numerous domestic and foreign sponsors, partners, institutions, and sponsors who recognized the importance of Expo Gamers this year as well.
