An open letter criticizes Gamescom Latam for its handling of Brazilian developers

Update, May 29, 2025: Organizers of Gamescom Latam issued a statement to GamesIndustry.biz, addressing grievances from over 250 Brazilian developers about supposed event mismanagement.

The organizers acknowledged the concerns, clarifying that "participation is completely voluntary and contingent upon agreeing to the conditions, which are explicitly presented beforehand."

They underscored the BIG Festival Project and the Brazil Panorama area.

"For Brazil Panorama participants, we offer optional paid services to enhance participation. This year, new guidelines were implemented to ensure demo stations are occupied, aiming to enhance visitor engagement.

"Participants are fully informed of these guidelines ahead of time, aiding them in making choices that fit their needs and availability."

The statement emphasized that these initiatives "are provided at no cost for chosen games." Offerings include "allocated exhibit space, essential furnishings (for BIG Festival, also equipment like computers and TVs), event staff support, access credentials, and financial aid for those from outside São Paulo state."

The organizers corrected "a misstatement regarding funding" mentioned in the open letter.

They clarified that support from São Paulo's municipality amounted to R$1 million, as disclosed earlier. The R$22 million discussed in the letter pertains to the total anticipated budget for Gamescom Latam 2025 outlined at the start of this year, covering production, content, marketing, location rental, staffing, accreditation, and related costs.

The communication concluded by affirming: "The Gamescom Latam team remains committed to community feedback and is open to dialog with those eager to advance the gaming sector in Brazil and Latin America – a mission at the heart of our operations."

Original story, May 27, 2025: Over 250 Brazilian developers voiced objections to the support they received during Gamescom Latam, expressing disappointment with the "manner in which Brazilian developers were treated."

In a public letter (translated into English courtesy of GameDeveloper), those participating in Panorama Brasil revealed that they were required to remain at their booths for 12 hours, "with penalties for absence," a situation deemed "impractical" by signers.

"Globally, events champion independent developers, offering support," the letter from Game Devs Unidos conveyed. "Assisting small developers, especially those debuting their games, is crucial for cultivating a robust industry.

"In Brazil, some events fulfill this role, and international events show support as well. However, improvement is needed at Gamescom."

Grievances include "high booth expenses," costly TV rentals, insufficient staff support, charges for power strips, no food or transport assistance, and lack of chairs or rest areas, which are seen as "substandard for events promoting local industry."

"This particularly affects those needing help most, like the Panorama Brasil participants," they emphasized, especially compared to the treatment of some international guests who often have travel and accommodation funded.

Proposed improvements: transportation support for Panorama Brasil section participants, the BIG Festival, and speakers, meal vouchers for these groups, a rest area akin to the press room, freely available screens for showcasing games, complimentary power strips, free locker access, enhanced security, and public assistance staff for Panorama Brasil developers to allow breaks.

The letter cites examples of similar events in other nations that provide stipends and cover living and travel expenses.

GamesIndustry.biz has contacted Gamescom Latam for further comment and will provide updates as they come in.

Attendance records were broken as Gamescom Latam attracted over 130,000 visitors to São Paulo from April 30 to May 4.