gamedev xr mEETUP tHÜRINGEN
Reactivation
A Triumphant Revival: GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen Returns!
The GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen has officially made its comeback!
On June 26, 2024, nearly 50 enthusiastic game developers, XR enthusiasts, and industry supporters gathered at the Digital Innovation Hub of JENA Digital to celebrate the reactivation of a community that had been dormant since 2019. The evening was filled with excitement, networking, and a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of game development and XR in Thüringen.
The First Steps and Initial Support
After the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the temporary halt of the original GameDev Meetup Thüringen, the local game development community was left without a unifying platform. However, inspired by similar meetups in other regions and driven by the desire to reignite the creative spark in Thüringen, Joel from PlayInsight Studios took the initiative to bring the meetup back to life. With support from key partners like Domenique Dölz of JENA Digital and Friedrich Lüder of Games & XR Mitteldeutschland, the vision for a revitalized GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen began to take shape.
The event was announced with a clear mission: to build a supportive community for game developers and XR enthusiasts in Thüringen, fostering a space for networking, learning, and collaboration. The invitation to the inaugural event emphasized the importance of mutual support and the excitement of discovering new technologies together.
A Night to Remember: The Meetup Event
As the doors opened on June 26, the anticipation was palpable. The turnout exceeded expectations, with nearly 50 attendees packing the venue—so much so that additional seating had to be quickly arranged.
The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from PlayInsisght Studios, JENA Digital and Games & XR Mitteldeutschland who shared their excitement about the meetup’s revival and their vision for the future. Markus Bonk from R42 then took the stage to deliver an input, sharing his ideas for the execution of meetups.
One of the highlights of the event was the four demo stations set up around the location, where we, young studios and independent developers (including Stepheight and GooseGirlGames) showcased their latest games and XR projects. Attendees eagerly tested out these creations, providing feedback and exchanging ideas. It was a true celebration of creativity and innovation, with the community coming together to support and learn from one another.
The presence of Mr. Schweitzer, a representative from the Thüringer Staatskanzlei, added an official stamp of approval to the proceedings, highlighting the growing recognition of the game development and XR industries within Thuringia.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the GameDev & XR Meetup
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Meetup
The success of the first reactivated meetup was undeniable. The event not only met but exceeded expectations, leaving everyone buzzing with ideas and anticipation for what’s to come. To keep the momentum going, the next GameDev & XR Meetup Thüringen has already been announced. It will take place on August 29, 2024, at the Spawnpoint Institute in Erfurt, promising another evening of networking, learning, and community building.
The revival of this meetup marks the beginning of a new chapter for Thüringen’s creative industries, one that promises to foster innovation, collaboration, and a thriving network of talent.
We’re excited to see where this journey will take us and look forward to the continued growth of this vibrant community. Stay tuned for more updates and join us at the next meetup in Erfurt!
Until then, happy developing!
