Finally, the long-awaited end of May arrives in Opatija, which is reserved for all lovers of video games, technology, and the creative industry! And not just for enthusiasts – but also for those who could become one! From May 29 to 31, Opatija – the queen of the Adriatic – becomes the center of digital culture with the second edition of the Expo Gameri festival, held in parallel with the SlowMotion Festival – in a perfect blend of gaming, film, music, and new media.
In the Marino Cvetković hall, visitors of all ages can expect as much as 2,000 square meters of content, two stages, over 30 panels, lectures and workshops, exhibitors from the region and the world, tournaments, cosplay, influencers, and content for the whole family!
This year's Expo Gameri festival continues to push the boundaries of experience and content: alongside attractive gaming zones and a B2B conference, visitors can look forward to numerous tournaments in games like Fortnite, FC25, Tekken 8, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike 2 – with an impressive prize pool worth 4,000 euros!
The cosplay competition further elevates the atmosphere, and a special jury from the region – LonelyWolfJ from Slovenia, Vida Simić and Damjan Silbaški from Serbia – brings professional evaluation and an unforgettable show. Additionally, lucky audience members will have the chance to win gaming computers, lightsabers, airsoft equipment, and many other prizes through raffles and numerous giveaway games.
The youngest visitors will enjoy a specially designed Kids zone with creative workshops for making Minecraft characters, drawing pixel art, and coloring books, while older fans will have the opportunity to meet well-known faces from the gaming scene: Real Miss Kira will comment on the LoL tournament finals, Gallasandalla will challenge visitors in Fortnite, and Pino Pingvino will ensure a fun atmosphere in the FC25 Telemach chill zone.
A special bonus for all participants is free shuttle transportation from Preluk to Opatija and back – no worries about parking, just fun and togetherness!
And here’s what the spectacular days in Opatija bring us:
FRIDAY, MAY 30 – INSPIRATION, PANELS, AND COZY GAMING
Friday is reserved for panel discussions, keynote lectures, education, and inspiration. The program opens with the panel “Level Up: Gaming in the Focus of Tourism, Culture, and Development,” which gathers sponsors and partners of the festival to discuss the potential of gaming as a new cultural and tourist product.
Following this will be the panel “Cozy gaming: Games for the Soul,” where Igor Belan (HCL.hr) and Urška Leskovar (Outfit7) will talk about the rise in popularity of relaxing games, farming simulators, and life simulators.
The panel “Career path: 2D, 3D or Animator – Where to start?” provides guidelines for young people who want to enter the world of game art, featuring guests from Gamepires studio and honorary guest Molly Heady Carroll, while the evening will be warmed up by the panel “Deromanticizing Game Dev,” where honorary guest Rami Ismail discusses the challenges, stress, and reality of the gamedev world with representatives from Mad Head Games.
SATURDAY, MAY 31 – PRACTICE, GAMES, AND STARS OF THE SCENE
Saturday brings a series of content for all levels of knowledge and interest:
“Great Start for a Career – Game Jam” and “From Player to Producer – How to Start Making Video Games” – two panels aimed at those just entering the industry.
“Keeping Your Game Alive After Release” gathers Raw Fury and Johanna Pirker who share strategies for maintaining a game's success after launch, while the special creative highlight of Saturday consists of a workshop and keynote lecture led by Sebastien Croteau and Aliki Katriou: “It’s Alive! Find the Monster in You!” and “Creature Vocalizations: The Art of Creating Audio Nightmares with a Human Voice” – about the art of creating terrifying and unforgettable sounds with the voice.
A special prequel day or nulti day for this extended weekend has been prepared for professionals on Thursday, May 29, when the B2B GAMERI: EXCLUSIVE CONFERENCE will take place. This event is intended for professionals and anyone looking to step more seriously into the video game industry. Through masterclass workshops, lectures, and Q&A sessions, participants will have the opportunity for concrete learning and networking. The list of speakers includes reputable names: Rami Ismail, Johanna Pirker, Molly Heady Carroll, Dejan Radić, and Benjamin Noah Maričak from HAVC, who will present current incentives for video game development in Croatia. Topics include funding, video game development, international collaborations, and building a creative career in gaming. The number of places is limited, and the ticket includes access to the weekend program of the festival.
Detailed schedule and tickets are available at: www.expogameri.com
Don't miss the chance to be part of the extended weekend in Opatija and be part of the digital story that is written only once a year.
