Through and through, PLAYCON is the island’s premier Video Games Expo, presenting the best of local and international gaming, technology and esports. With a litany of exhibitors, shows and competitions to look forward to, this guide breaks down everything you need to know for PLAYCON 2023!
PLAYCON 2023 – A Packed Schedule
From 30th November to 3rd December, PlayCon is opening its doors to the general public at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, with students’ visits in the mix too.
Here’s a look at the current schedule:
If you’d like to make the most of PLAYCON, we highly recommend checking out the Mythic Pass, provided those interested with an exclusive experience:
- Access the expo area one hour ahead of the crowds
- PLAYCON goody bag
- Exclusive and personalized entry pass
If you’re interested in grabbing the Mythic Pass – check out the link!
Local and International Exhibitors
Attending PlayCon are six categories of local and international exhibitors. Find all of them listed below:
- Education: Education GOV, GamingMalta, Level Academy, MCAST, Minecraft Education, Nobel Course, Saint Martin’s Institue of Higher Education, University of Malta
- Emerging Tech: Draw & Code, GamingMalta, Rupture
- Esports: Blood Bowl Malta, Eden Esports, ESL, GamingMalta, Level Academy, Malta Esports Association, Nintendo Gamers Malta, Project Eversion, Red Bull Gaming Ground, Pulze, Valid Unit, Velocity Esports Racing, World Pro Racing
- Game Studios: Dorado Games, Electric Square, Exient, GamingMalta, Hasoo, Keywords Studios, Sperasoft, Ubisoft
- Others: Betclic Group Careers, Forbidden Power, Jobsplus, KitKat, Malta Statue Collectors, MDIA, missio, Pepsi, Pringles, 88.7 Vibe, Microcomputing Society
- Retailers: Forbiddenpower, Gamebreaker, Intercomp, Invent 3D, Soundmachine, SugarGeeks, Xpert
Beyond these exhibitors, there’s even more to look forward to throughout the week.
PLAYCON 2023 – Events & Competitions
Animating the exhibit are multiple esports competitions for a number of titles:
- Counter-Strike 2 – Malta Counter-Strike League
- Rocket League – Level Academy
- League of Legends – ESL Malta Madness
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Nintendo Gamers Malta
- Super Smash Bros. – Nintendo Gamers Malta
- Pokemon VGC – Nintendo Gamers Malta
- Tekken 7 – GamingMalta, Malta Cyber Series
- EA Sports FC – IFR Esports, Betclic Group Careers
- N Rally Challenge – Velocity Esports Racing
Each and every single one of these competitions are open to the public. Check out our PLAYCON competitions page to enter!
Cosplay Contest – A First for PLAYCON
Following a plethora of requests from the community, this year PlayCon is hosting its first ever Cosplay Contest.
Kicking off on Saturday 2nd December at 2pm, cash prizes are available for a number of categories and subcategories.
- Categories – Solo (Skits & Poses), Groups (Skits & Poses)
- Subcategories – Best Make-Up, Best Prop, Best Closet Cosplay, Best Youth Crafter, Best in Catealk, Fan Favourite
We recommend checking out the rules and details if you’re interested in applying for the first ever PlayCon Cosplay Competition.
Pitching Competition – $15,000 of Prizes!
But wait, there’s more.
Thanks to an exciting partnership with Global Top Round (GTR), entrepreneurs have the opportunity to pitch to a variety of stakeholders.
In summary, pitching studios have the opportunity to win a G.Round private playtest voucher ($7,500 worth) together with a comprehensive PLAYCON 2024 package. This package features flights from any EU country and accomodations for two individuals ($7,500 worth).
If you’re interested in this incredible opportunity, learn more about the PLAYCON pitching competition here.
PlayCon Summit – Industry Leaders
In addition, over the first two days (Thursday and Friday) speakers both local and international came together in an epic Summit.
With curious keynote speeches and discussions, this unique B2B opportunity allowed for some exciting networking for anyone with the B2B pass.
If you were looking to step up your game in the game development and esports industry, this Summit was the perfect opportunity.
Learn more about the PlayCon Summit here.
PLAYCON 2023 – A Little Bit of Everything
Right now, daily on PLAYCON’s social pages, new updates are emerging such as revealing our stacked list of streamers who’ll be livestreaming during PLAYCON and speakers.
Overall, PLAYCON 2023 is your one-stop for literally everything to do with game development and esports on the island – we can’t wait to meet all of you.
