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DEF

DEF unveils exciting events

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has announced the exciting line-up for the annual Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2023 (DEF). DEF will take place from 21-25 June at the Dubai Expo Centre’s South Pavilions, Expo City Dubai.

DEF 2023 will be open exclusively to schools through online registration from 21-22 June, while the GameExpo Summit will be held from 21-22 June and the GameExpo Consumer Expo from 23-25 June.

The GameExpo consumer exhibition will showcase the latest gaming products from industry leaders such as Playstation, Xbox, Ubisoft and Namco, as well as the new Play Beyond influencer tournament, where the world’s biggest gamers will compete.

The festival also includes a GameExpo Summit, hosted by PG Connects, which will serve as a forum for regional leaders to explore collaboration opportunities to further accelerate rapid growth in gaming, web3 and artificial intelligence. The event offers attendees the opportunity to attend speeches from over 100 thought leaders in the industry, develop their skills in expert workshops and network with over 700 high-profile attendees. The event also provides a unique opportunity to learn about the latest offerings from game developers through exciting events and exhibitions.

DEF 2023 will create a unique platform for global gamers, investors, entrepreneurs and international players through a series of exciting events. In addition to these events, the festival’s main consumer event GameExpo will feature a range of entertainment brands targeting families and children, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.

Key festival event details for gamers and fans include:

GameExpo Summit, June 21 and 22, South Hall, DEC, Expo City Dubai

The Dubai GameExpo Summit, organised by PG Connects, is an annual two-day business conference designed to bring together professionals from all areas of the gaming industry, including developers, publishers, distributors, tool providers and investors, to share knowledge, network and discuss current trends, challenges and opportunities in the global gaming market. The conference includes a range of events, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, side events and networking sessions.

GameExpo, 23 – 25 June, South Hall, DEC, Expo City Dubai

Dubai is creating an exciting consumer exhibition that will be a regional alternative (and eventual rival) to world-leading events such as Gamescom. GameExpo will showcase the best local talent from Dubai and beyond, showcasing fun and engaging games such as FreeFire, Cricket Gangster and Dominos Proeducation area.

Play Beyond, 24 and 25 June, South Hall, DEC, Expo City Dubai

A new addition to the festival and the first of its kind in the region: the biggest regional and global powerhouses will come together to compete against each other in the new Dubai Play Beyond trophy. Entering into a heated battle of dizzying challenges and games of various genres, these teams of prominent gaming authorities will battle it out for the winner’s crown and bragging rights.

Regional Tournaments, May and June 2023

These exciting online tournaments, bringing together players from across the region, are aimed at entrepreneurs, adults, students and teenagers, including FreeFire, Cricket Gangster and Dominos Pro where players can win cash and hardware prizes.

School children from across the UAE will take part in the Minecraft Education Challenge, where they will compete for a place in the grand final against an invited regional team. The global standard final will be broadcast live with presenters, analysts and regional esports tournament production experts to give students a taste of what the professionals are experiencing.

Another event, the Microsoft Makecode competition, is an exciting programme that teaches students about computer programming. This year’s competition will be held at secondary school level to attract students who are already showing talent or want to learn these skills as part of a school team.

All pre-registered schools and universities can attend free educational days on June 21 and 22. School pupils will have the opportunity to play and compete at Game Expo and hear advice from industry experts on future careers in the games industry.

Game Expo and GameExpo Summit 2023 will provide a great opportunity for those in the industry to get involved early and make the right connections. With a growing base of game consumers and a fast-growing industry, the MENA market represents the fastest-growing segment of the gaming industry.

Schools can register for the two-day GameExpo at the website.

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