Spanning December 10–11, the Global Games Show Abu Dhabi 2025, produced by VAP Group and co-hosted by Abu Dhabi Gaming, concluded successfully on a high note. The event has become a major landmark across gaming, Web3, esports, AI, immersive technologies, and interactive entertainment.
By bringing together 5,000+ attendees, 100+ global speakers, and 100+ companies, the event attracted game developers, publishers, Web3 innovators, esports leaders, investors, content creators, and policymakers for two days of discussions on how gaming is evolving into a global multi-billion-dollar convergence of technology, culture, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital ownership.
Abu Dhabi continues to emerge as a leading destination for gamers and game companies, driven by its focus on the entertainment industry and sustained investment through Abu Dhabi Gaming. The Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau partnered with the Global Games Show to foster collaboration between international game companies, developers, creators, and investors shaping the future of gaming.
A Global Gathering of the Gaming and Interactive Entertainment Ecosystem
The Global Games Show Abu Dhabi attracted a diverse international audience, including representatives from game studios, publishers, Web3 gaming platforms, esports organizations, investors, technology providers, and regional gaming communities.
The event highlighted the industry’s shift from traditional gaming models toward player-centric economies, decentralized platforms, mobile-first ecosystems, immersive persistent virtual worlds, and community-driven growth—underscoring gaming’s role as both a cultural force and an economic engine.
Thought Leadership Driving the Next Era of Gaming
Industry leaders shared insights on how emerging technologies and evolving business models are redefining gaming by combining creative innovation with scalable profitability through keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and featured presentations.
Key themes explored included:
- Future of Web3 gaming and decentralized economies
- Expansion of blockchain and digital asset ownership within games
- AI-driven game development, analytics, and player engagement
- Expansion and monetization of esports
- Infrastructure, scalability, and interoperability in game development
- Community-driven game development and creator ecosystems
- Regulation, sustainability, and the future of the gaming industry
- Convergence of gaming and immersive worlds
Headline speakers included:
- Shawn Layden, Managing Partner, The Odysseus Partnership; former Chairman of PlayStation
- Jasper Hu, Principal Solutions Architect, PingCAP
- Sébastien Borget, Co-Founder, The Sandbox
- Mohammed Yaseen, Founder, Esports & Gaming Association UAE
- Yat Siu, Co-Founder & Chairman, Animoca Brands
- Cathy Hackl, Tech & Gaming Executive; CEO, Future Dynamics
- Daniel Wang, Co-Founder & CEO, Aethir
- Marcos Muller-Habig, Sector Enablement Director, Abu Dhabi Gaming
- Tess Hau, Founder, Tess Ventures
- Michail Katkoff, Founder, Deconstructor of Fun
Esports, Web3 Gaming, and Innovation at the Core
Powered by Times of Games, the Global Games Show highlighted next-generation interactivity and decentralized gaming models, exploring new approaches to player ownership, monetization, and community engagement.
Esports leaders and gaming entrepreneurs discussed the continued professionalization of mobile esports, particularly across MENA, Asia, and LATAM, alongside evolving tournament structures and revenue models.