Challenges and solutions for developing games for children were also highlighted
Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 28, 2024 – Yesterday, on the afternoon of the second day of the event, gamescom latam presented a diverse program that covered topics ranging from the social impact of games to strategies for global expansion, providing a rich environment for knowledge and networking.
Various panels and discussions addressed new and essential topics for the gaming industry. On the gamescom latam journey stage, the Brazil Games Project, an export and internationalization program by Abragames in partnership with ApexBrasil, was the main focus. The talk featured Eros Ramos from ApexBrasil, Eliana Russi from the Brazil Games Association, Luiza Guerreiro from Plot Kids, Thiago de Freitas from Kokku, and Juliana Brito from Indie Hero.
During the discussion, participants talked about how the public can get involved in the project, the results achieved by participating companies and studios, and expectations for 2025 and 2026, aiming to bring the excellence of Brazilian games to the global market. Eros Ramos from ApexBrasil stated, “This is a joint project that brings new developments and innovations every year. It is an opportunity we provide to companies of all sizes, and naturally, the returns and results are wonderful.”
Afterward, Lisa Pak from UNEP – Playing for the Planet started the panel “Play and Protect the Planet: Discover Playing for the Planet” and talked about her journey in climate action and how games can be a powerful tool for environmental protection. The expert explained that climate change is the greatest global challenge today and discussed how games can help in this cause.
“My journey to help the planet began during the pandemic when we had to communicate about health and daily care. The Playing for the Planet initiative has access to relevant resources promoted by the United Nations to help members elevate their standards in climate initiative,” she declared. At the end of the talk, the operations leader opened the floor for audience questions about how games can contribute to environmental conservation, highlighting practical and accessible actions.
Children, Screens, and Games: Challenges and Solutions
On the gamescom latam quest stage, game developers and experts discussed the impact of screen consumption on children and presented best practices for ethical digital game development. The panel emphasized the importance of creating games that are fun, healthy, and educational, balancing entertainment and well-being. The need to minimize the negative effects of screen time was a central point, highlighting the importance of offering entertainment that promotes children’s well-being.
Brazil: Public Policies to Strengthen the Games Ecosystem
On the gamescom latam journey stage, leading figures from Brazil’s game development industry discussed the sector’s significant growth in recent years. Among the speakers were André Queiroz from ApexBrasil, Christiano Braga from EMBRATUR (Brazilian Tourism Promotion Agency), Guilherme Fitzgibbon from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Alcoforado from the National Cinema Agency – ANCINE, and Rodrigo Terra from ÁRVORE Experiências Imersivas. The audience had the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of how the Brazilian government is strengthening the national games ecosystem.
According to Christiano Braga from EMBRATUR, “Approving the legal framework for games is not the most difficult part; the challenge is dealing with the idea of promoting the Brazilian market abroad and getting tourists interested in visiting Brazil based on their access to the Brazilian audiovisual segment.” During the talk, the speakers exchanged ideas and presented different initiatives from Brazil to make the gaming universe a healthy and prosperous ecosystem. The personalities also opened the floor for audience questions, who actively participated in the final moments of the talk.
gamescom latam, which runs until Sunday (30), will bring the best and most up-to-date content from the gaming universe, with a program full of attractions, lectures, competitions, and much more.
About gamescom latam
gamescom, the world’s largest event for computer and video games and Europe’s largest business platform for the games industry, has also arrived in Latin America. In 2024, gamescom latam takes place in São Paulo, Brazil, from June 26 to 30. gamescom latam BIG Festival, the largest showcase for indie games in Latin America, will also take place at the event. The event is jointly organized by Koelnmesse, Omelete Company, BIG Festival, and licensed by game.
About game – the German Games Industry Association
We are the association of the German games industry. Our members represent the entire video game ecosystem, from development studios and publishers to esports event organisers, educational institutions and other related entities. We are co-organisers of gamescom, the world’s biggest event for computer and video games. We are a shareholder in the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK), the Foundation for Digital Games Culture, the esports player foundation, devcom and the collecting society VHG, as well as co-host of the German Computer Game Awards. Serving as a central point of contact for media, as well as political and social institutions, we provide comprehensive expertise in areas including market development, game culture and media literacy, and address any inquiries or concerns. Together we are making Germany the heart of gaming worldwide. With games, we enrich the lives of all people.
About Koelnmesse
Koelnmesse is an international leader in organizing trade fairs in the gaming and entertainment segments. Hosted in Cologne, Germany, gamescom is the world’s largest event for computer and video games and Europe’s largest business platform for the games industry. gamescom brings together passionate gamers, trade visitors, and exhibitors from across the world with a highly effective approach – in person at the venue and digitally from anywhere in the world. This makes gamescom the premier B2C, B2B, and B2G gaming event. In addition to the event at its Cologne headquarters, Koelnmesse is strategically expanding its portfolio internationally: In Singapore, gamescom asia provides an additional powerful industry platform for the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific games market, comprehensively combining supply and demand. Koelnmesse Brasil is a subsidiary of Koelnmesse GmbH in São Paulo, dedicated to promoting and organizing world-class trade fairs and events in Brazil. The mission is to bring global innovation, knowledge and business opportunities to various industries.
About Omelete Company
The largest conglomerate dedicated to pop culture fans in Brazil, Omelete Company uses its website, social networks and partners to reach more than 15 million people every month eager for news from the worlds of cinema, TV series, games, music and comic books, with texts, videos and posts on social media. The brands Omelete, The Enemy, CCXP, Game XP, gamescom latam, Gaules, Baiano and Chippu are part of the Omelete Company.
