Update, May 29, 2025: The organisers of Gamescom Latam reached out to GamesIndustry.biz with a statement in response to mismanagement allegations from over 250 Brazilian developers.
It acknowledged the issues raised, and specified that "participation is entirely voluntary and subject to prior acceptance of the terms and conditions, which are transparently disclosed and clarified before any commitment is made."
The organisers highlighted two initiatives – the BIG Festival Project and the Brazil Panorama area specifically.
"At Brazil Panorama, there are optional paid services available for those who wish to enhance their participation. This year, however, clearer guidelines were implemented regarding the occupation of demo stations, in order to avoid them being empty as seen in the last edition of the event, aiming to optimise visitor experience.
"Again, it is important to emphasise that all such guidelines are communicated in advance, enabling participants to make informed decisions aligned with their resources and availability."
It clarified that both initiatives "are offered free of charge to selected games". These included "donation of floor space, free provision of structure and furniture (in the case of BIG Festival, also computers and TVs), support from event staff, access credentials, business area access, and financial assistance for participants outside São Paulo state."
The organisers also corrected "a factual inaccuracy regarding public funding" stated in the open letter.
"The financial support provided by the City of São Paulo to the event was R$1 million, as previously disclosed. The figure of R$22 million mentioned in the correspondence refers to the total projected production budget for Gamescom Latam 2025 as of January this year.
"This amount encompasses expenses related to production, content creation, marketing, venue rental, staffing, accreditation, and other operational activities."
The statement concluded: "The Gamescom Latam team is always attentive to feedback from the community and remains open to dialogue with those interested in working towards the development of the gaming industry in Brazil and Latin America – a mission that has always been, and continues to be, our core priority."
Original story, May 27, 2025 Over 250 Brazilian developers have slammed support at the recent Gamescom Latam conference, raising concerns over the "treatment that Brazilian developers received at the event."
In an open letter (translated into English here - thanks, GameDeveloper), exhibitors in the Panorama Brasil section say they were particularly poorly treated, including being expected to be at their booths for 12 hours a day, "with penalties for leaving the booth," which the signatories deem "completely unfeasible."
"Events around the world promote and support independent developers from their own countries," the letter, signed by Game Devs Unidos, said. "Helping small developers, who are often showcasing their first game, is the first step toward building a healthy industry from the ground up.
"In Brazil, several events already fulfill this role. Even events abroad recognize and support Brazilian developers through incentives. However, it is felt that Gamescom still has much to improve in this regard."
Complaints include "exorbitantly priced" booths, high fees for TV rentals, lack of staff to assist developers, charging for power strip rentals, lack of support for food and transportation, absence of chairs and resting areas, all of which is called "inadequate for the current standard of national and international events that position themselves as promoters of the local industry."
"This harms precisely those who most need the support, such as the exhibitors in the Panorama Brasil section," the complainants insisted. "This situation becomes even more pronounced when compared to the treatment given to some of the international guests, whose travel and accommodation are often covered, along with other incentives."
Improvements suggested by attendees include: transportation assistance for developers exhibiting in the Panorama Brasil section, the BIG Festival, and for speakers, including those from São Paulo; meal vouchers for all developers in the Panorama Brasil section, BIG Festival participants, and speakers; a rest area for developers, similar to the one accessible to the press; screens for game exhibitions available at no additional cost; power strips available at no additional cost, free lockers, increased security to prevent thefts, and staff to assist Panorama Brasil developers with the public, particularly to cover booths when they need to step away for bathroom breaks or meals.
The letter includes examples of comparable developer events in other countries that do offer stipends, subsistence and travel costs, and more.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Gamescom Latam for comment and will update when we receive a response.
Gamescom Latam broke its own records for attendance this year, as the event welcomed more than 130,000 visitors to São Paulo from April 30 to May 4.
