AI is quickly reshaping all sectors, even those once thought safe from automation, like all creative fields.

Will AI replace us or become just another tool? What will the role of designers look like in the future - will they remain creators, turn into curators or become a dying breed? Join us as we explore these critical questions and the dynamic relationship between AI and creativity.

This talk offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the talented art team responsible for bringing Baldur's Gate 3 to life.

Discover how the team evolved, featuring both in-house artists and freelancers who left their unique mark on the game. Highlighting diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels, the session will showcase the work of artists from around the world who helped shape the visual design of Baldur's Gate 3’s characters.

Coming from the game and animation world, avatars are now more and more used in media production, from anime Vtubers to hyperrealistic characters during tv shows. During this talk we will give a breakdown of 2 usecases where different democratic tools are used to make new content formats.

Buckle up and get ready to drift through the twists and turns of creating 'You Suck at Parking©'. In this high-octane postmortem talk, explore the development track, from starting grid to checkered flag.

In an unapologetically candid dive into the development diaries, this talk reveals the unvarnished truth behind 'You Suck at Parking©'. It uncovers the moments when the rubber really hit the road. Attendees will hear about the tough decisions that had to be made, the features that didn’t make the cut, and the raw emotions that fueled both frustration and breakthroughs. This isn't a victory lap; it's an honest reflection on the bumps, skids, and recoveries that are all too often glossed over in the sleek presentations of game success stories.

TBA

Showcases of the best VFX, Art, Media & Music projects

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In this talk, we'll explore how procedural tools streamline development in games and simulations, highlighting the differences with film production.

We'll discuss the critical need for readable graphs and agile practices in managing unknowns about scale and requirements, ensuring smooth transitions when facing team changes. Additionally, the role of testing tools in maintaining system integrity will be addressed, emphasizing their importance in the development lifecycle.

In this talk I'll highlight 5 inspiring proof of concept where a passionate team of game & sound researchers worked together with Belgian music artists & venues to define the possibilities in enhanced music entertainment. All of the cases were tested and approved by our music industry partners participating in the 2-year VMX project of DAE Research & PXL Music.

Stephan will talk about his experiences with developing stories within existing franchises and crafting new genres and formats, with a special focus on the SILENT HILL: Ascension project. He will then touch upon the process of creating new transmedia franchises, and share thoughts based in his experience about the future of entertainment across all media.

The keynote explains how venture capital helps game studios grow, attract funding, and scale, while addressing key risks and comparing VC to publishers. It offers practical tips for game developers to secure VC investment.

Join renowned industry expert Jason Della Rocca for an eye-opening keynote that reveals how cutting-edge game technology is driving breakthroughs beyond the entertainment world. With real-world examples from local and global markets, Jason will showcase how industries are leveraging game-based innovations to revolutionize everything from sustainability and educational advancements to inclusive tech and industrial optimization. This session is a must for forward-thinking companies eager to future-proof their operations and accelerate innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how game tech can transform your industry!

I'll talk mainly about my career trajectory, and how I began, highlighting pivotal moments and sharing what I learned along the way.

Ready to break into the gaming industry? In this talk, we’ll uncover the essential ‘cheat codes’ to help you level up your career. We'll dive into optimising your CV, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile, discuss the do's and don'ts of applications, and explore how to establish a personal brand that sets you apart. Whether you're an aspiring developer, designer, or artist, this session will equip you with practical tools and strategies to stand out and start your journey in the world of gaming.

This talk explores how integrating gaming tools like Unity and Blender into the marketing strategies of the National Lottery’s brands enhances player engagement and interaction. By creating immersive digital experiences, these tools allow to create more on-trend, interactive and engaging campaigns, resonating with a broader audience. It helps our brands to stay relevant and foster deeper connections with players, strengthening customer loyalty and driving recruitment within a digitally engaged demographic.

Discover Gaussian splatting, an innovative 3D modality that integrates light directly into its representation, offering a fresh approach to visualizing and creating 3D assets and scenes. In this talk, we'll uncover the basics of Gaussian splatting, its practical applications in the creation of immersive environments for games, films, and digital media, and provide insights into how you can start experimenting with this technology today. Learn about the advantages it brings to 3D workflows and the current challenges that come with this exciting new technique.

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Imagine… the future. Of our planet, of your brand or industry. Of digital twins, mixed reality and AI. With a beyond-the-hype and user-oriented mindset, Poppins & Wayne develops hi-tech narrative journeys, (serious) games and innovative communication products. They’ll walk you through some client cases, demonstrating how technology can make speculative stories tangible, and how storytelling can make technology relatable.

Making great games is hard. But running a great indie studio doesn't have to be. In this talk, you will learn a simple framework for running your indie studio with more confidence, better results, and less hassle.

Oh, and there'll be Pokémon, too.

A trip down memory lane with the CGI Pioneers in Belgium: Grid, LBO & Imagination in Motion. Listen to their origin story and how they look at the future of the CGI industry. 

The games industry is at a crossroads after a year of unprecedented layoffs; we would be remiss not to transparently discuss the reality of the state of the industry during the Unwrap Festival. Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion, during which we’ll explore how companies/studios can manage project scope sustainably – and can learn from precedents (both good and bad) in order to ensure the success and continued health of an organization. We’ll also discuss how to – as an individual – navigate turbulent times as a human being and industry professional. Our panelists will provide tangible strategies and support resources for those who have found themselves facing challenges in the past year, and will also be available for a Q&A. We’ll share experiences, talk resilience, and discuss ways toward a more sustainable industry.

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What does the future hold for technology in the games and movie industries?Join us for an insightful discussion featuring five distinguished experts from across the entertainment industry, each offering a unique perspective on how technological advancements are shaping the future and transforming the way we work. These pioneers will delve into the evolving roles of developers and artists, sharing their visions for the next phase of digital creation.We’ll explore not only the trends poised to revolutionize the industry but also the lasting innovations that have endured over time. Our panelists will provide insights into the creative and technical possibilities on the horizon, while examining what it takes to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. Experience these forward-looking perspectives from the very minds shaping the future of games, films, and digital entertainment.

Sheepy: A Short Adventure is an indie hit realized by MrSuicideSheep and Thomas Lean. This Short Handcrafted Pixel Art Platformer follows Sheepy, an abandoned plushy brought to life.  How and why did we create a free one-hour game that everyone wants to pay for?

The development and success of Shredders has been an incredible journey. It started out as a side project and became one of the most successful winter sports titles in the past few years. With only 15 people at its peak production, Shredders still stands tall between other AAA games. What did we learn? What were the toughest and the most incredible moments? What would we do differently? How did we end up on Game Pass?Let's try to answer all of those.

Inspired by Saidiya Hartman’s ‘critical fabulation,’ my work blends art and immersive technology to create speculative fictions of resistance and liberation. My project, The Ground Screams To Whisper, is an afro-gothic, multi-platform interactive gaming installation reimagining women’s resistance to settler colonialism on a coffee plantation, drawing from Eastern and Southern African cosmologies.

It includes a VR game, mobile puzzles, an interactive graphic novella, and an Ancestral Mapping Exercise, all exploring healing and freedom. Rooted in decoloniality, feminist pedagogy, and ancestral knowledge, the project transcends African culture to engage diverse audiences, fostering empathy in a world of rising xenophobia and racism.

IP creation and adaptation is at the core of owning long-term value fro both games and film. Whether you are building or adapting an IP universe, the project needs to stand out, forge emotional connections and be protectable in a court of law - as well as working across media. As someone who works with many clients and properties, industry expert Christian Fonnesbech will share strategies and experiences across mediums.

The announcement of the winners of the 2024 Baldurs Gate 3 Fan Art Contest Award Ceremony! Join us on stage to experience the best works and celebrate the winners.

AI has moved in with us, for good! Now what? How are we, crusty old-timers, going to adapt our values, habits and expectations in order to coexist with this unpredictable partner? And, more importantly, how can we help the next generation accept and embrace this intrusive step-parent?

This talk will give insight on how the Environment Art team contributed to the creation of the magical world of Baldur's Gate 3.Find out how the team built areas with strong identities by highlighting important pillars for implementing environmental storytelling, the influence of level design, the power of lighting and how they come together to further enhance the player experience.

TV and gaming are merging, with platforms like Roblox and Fortnite introducing new generations to beloved franchises. As Gen-z and Alpha demand ever more interactive content, discover how the BBC is experimenting in the future of content.

Join Deloryan Hommers, CEO and founder of Studio Deloryan, as she takes you through her journey from hobbyist to game studio leader. Discover how her side project, Horse Reality, transformed into a popular browser game with over 370,000 horse enthusiasts.

Deloryan reveals why embracing the business side of game development is important, shares the ups and downs she ran into, and offers insights for starting your own studio. Ideal for indie developers, students, and creative professionals, this talk offers practical advice (and possibly inspiration) to turn your game project into a business.

The use of Unreal Engine in a live production environment and a showcase of the many immersive experiences that Prismax realized. 

In the aftermath of the hype created by Large Language Models like ChatGPT and Text-To-Image Diffusion models like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, where do we find ourselves now in the rapidly evolving world of AI? Join this talk for a quick run-through of new technologies focussed on giving you a good picture of where current state of the art research is focussed, and which new technologies you should be on the lookout for.

The Flanders Game Hub has been active for almost 2 years now. In this talk we will zoom in on what has happened in this past period and at the same time we look forward and zoom in on the challenges laying ahead of us if we really want to grow our ecosystem. What have we learned? What should be our priorities?

Getting paid in the creative sector can be challenging, with various options and formalities to navigate.

Join this brief talk where we explore the pros and cons of different statuses, providing clarity on which path might be best for you. There's also an opportunity for questions, ensuring you leave with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your creative career. Don’t miss this chance to demystify the payment landscape in the arts!

Imagine living your life without body issues. For that, you’d need to imagine living without a body. How will virtual worlds and their avatars affect the way we perceive each other and ourselves? How we’ll value charisma, talent, style when you we don’t have them? These are not technical questions about how we’ll implement our current society in the metaverse, but how will the game-like metaverse societies affect ours.

With an open mind, UNWRAP brings together creators, knowledge institutions and companies to network, inspire, learn and experiment. UNWRAP is for everyone who dares to explore the boundaries and applications of entertainment technology. No better way to back this statement than to conduct your own experiments. Building on the connections made via previous editions of Unwrap, we brought together a unique set of people. TsarB, Klakmatrak, Decision, Wilde Westen, Howest DAE and FGH combined forces with a very simple goal: bring a game engine on stage during a life music performance, give the musicians the power to interact with the visuals, and see where this experiment leads to. For the local metalband Decision, we conducted this experiment on existing music. TsarB x Klakmatrak created a brand new set of music, specifically for this project. During the afterparty on November 6th, the results of these experiments will be played live for a public for the first time. In this panel we will zoom in on the learnings and experiences for both the musicians as for the game developers who were part of this experiment. We think this experiment, labeled StageVFX, will define a new type of game. An audiovisual experience that is played live on stage by the musicians in front of an audience.

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In this panel, three leading broadcasters will share insights on how they are leveraging Roblox to engage audiences in innovative ways. From immersive brand experiences to new forms of interactive storytelling, the discussion will explore how media companies are using the platform to connect with younger, digital-native audiences. Panelists will also discuss the future potential of Roblox within the media landscape, including emerging trends, opportunities for collaboration, and the challenges of navigating this evolving space.

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Organized together with Future Media Hubs

Join us for a panel tackling the realities of being a woman or gender minority in the tech, games, and digital entertainment spaces. We’ll explore tangible challenges that often accompany identity, including gender bias, underrepresentation/misrepresentation, and the difficulty of advocating for marginalized groups in an effective way.  Panelists will share personal experiences, offering insights into how they’ve navigated an often male-dominated space and thrive as creative professionals. We’ll also discuss practical strategies for advocating for yourself and others, building self-efficacy, and leveraging support and affinity networks. Inclusivity not only impacts societal norms, but it also influences content – we’ll dive into the specific impacts on content, creativity and innovation. This panel is a space for transparent discussion and shared solutions/paths forward.

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Join the panelists for an engaging discussion surrounding the art of worldbuilding across multiple media forms – from indie games to films. The discussion will explore how creators can develop immersive, standout worlds that captivate the audience and invite them to explore fictional worlds. We’ll delve into the strategies for making your universe memorable, even with limited resources, and how to weave together narrative, aesthetics, and gameplay to create cohesive experiences. Our panel of creators will also share insights on holding diversity as an opportunity for rich storytelling – rather than just a checkbox – emphasizing the importance of varied perspectives in crafting authentic worlds. You’ll leave this session inspired to build – or more apt to recognize and appreciate – vibrant universes that resonate across platforms.

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In this fireside chat, we'll show how the principles of gamification and insights from gaming businesses can help your company level up! From user experience strategies that drive deep engagement to the cutting-edge technologies that shape the gaming world, we'll explore how non-gaming companies can leverage these approaches to create better products, enhance customer interaction, and spark cross-industry collaboration. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, discover how gamification and interactive design can fuel your growth and inspire new ways of thinking about your offerings.

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Ten selected studios pitch their projects in front of Publishers. This is not a public event. Want to meet with publishers? Book a meeting with them via MeetToMatch

In an area as complex and fast-moving as modern real-time graphics, it’s easy to fall on the assumption that in order to get things done, artists have no choice but to follow established conventions and use well-documented methods and pipelines. In the discipline of Technical Art however, the problems that need to be solved often require out-of-the-box thinking, where a more thorough understanding of how things work under the hood enables the invention of new, clever approaches.

In this presentation, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to bring various sources of data into Unreal Engine materials via an example project built to showcase practical applications of the principle that “all data is data”, and the creative problem-solving potential that this insight unlocks.

With the recent developments within the game engine landscape, everyone at least heard about the Godot Game Engine. But is the engine production ready? Does it have all the functionalities the other big engines have? How is the support like?In this talk we'll expand on how and why we at Studio Tolima use the Godot Game Engine in production.

Startups and indie studios require a wide range of important software tools to effectively develop software and collaborate. Using software-as-a-service (SAAS) offerings from big cloud companies seems like the only option with subscription fees, dubious privacy implications, vendor lock-in, and loss of control of your data. Luckily free and open source solutions are starting to become as good or better than those expensive platforms. In this talk you'll learn the approach Grey Matter Games is taking with their self-hosted services using knowledge pioneered by the hobbyist community. This talk will cover hardware, software, security, and backups.

Hundreds of video games are added to Steam every month, the overwhelming majority of which ship with their own soundtrack. And yet, despite being integral to the experience, the process behind the creation of video game soundtracks remains almost totally opaque. This talk seeks to pull back the curtain, delving into the creative and technical challenges inherent the creation of a modern indie video game soundtrack. It focuses on the speaker's work on Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood and Teef, developed by independent Belgian studio, Rogueside. The talk covers the development of a shared creative language between composers and developers, and the establishment of an efficient feedback and iteration process. It looks at the creation of a dynamic music system, and outlines a pragmatic approach to balancing complexity, ambition and development time. It also looks briefly at the production of the music itself. Finally, it touches on the subject of IP, the navigation of corporate hierarchies, and the often under-valued role of music as a promotional tool in video game marketing.

Thomas will explore the intersection of modern art and accessible (mobile) game design.  He’ll discuss and compare the different challenges faced during development of the first game versus the second game, and share things learned from his journey as a solo-developer, winning the Google Play Indie festival in 2022 and securing a

Apple Design award nomination. From finding funding, game-design, PR, marketing to releasing a game on Steam, mobile, Nintendo Switch, and efforts post-release, there are lots of takeaways from this talk.