Post 2024 Review

2024 was intense and beautiful at the same time.

Reflecting on 2024: Building Bridges, Inspiring Collaboration

As 2024 draws soon to a close, I’ve been taking some time to reflect on the connections, collaborations, and creative energy that have shaped this year. It’s been a journey filled with meaningful exchanges, both within the games industry and at its many intersections with art, culture, and technology.

Creating and joining Spaces for Collaboration

This year has reinforced my belief in the power of bringing people together. Whether it was shaping the concept and conference program while moving into a new, fantastic venue at Gamescom Congress with record attendance (more details in article linked here), diving into creative dialogues at A Maze and Next Level, or exploring the future of our ecosystems at devcom, GameOn, GIC and Reboot Develop, the conversations we had weren’t just inspiring. These spaces are where we explore the next big questions personally and professionally, to plant seeds and clearing the mindset for the road ahead.

Grassroots Milestones and Digital Heritage

Two pro bono projects close to my heart continued to grow this year. With the #ArtOfCoding initiative, the Demoscene—a community I’ve been part of for over 30 years—gained further momentum behind the scene as digital heritage. We were in conversation with the German UNESCO, the community worked behind the scenes on submissions in France and Sweden, and we are slowly eyeing the international application on the horizon. It’s a powerful reminder of how subcultures shape our cultural narratives and personal identities in profound ways.

Similarly, the European Game Showcase has kept its momentum, helping indie developers get the visibility they deserve on the international stage during GDC in San Francisco. These initiatives are proof that with a shared vision and a commitment to collaboration with partners and friends, we can help to support the developing teams and community reach next steps, especially in challenging times.

Experimentation and Growth

On a more personal note, 2023 and 2024 were also years of growth and experimentation. Collaborating on the VR Dance Club has been an eye-opening experience, merging virtual reality and performance art in ways that continue to surprise and challenge me. It’s been a reminder that pushing creative boundaries is as energizing as it is important.

I’ve also had the privilege to support individuals and teams through systemic coaching, helping people navigate challenges, unlock potential, and grow into their best selves. These moments of personal connection have deepened my belief in the importance of empathy, checking the stories we tell ourselves, and the human side of our work.

What’s Next?

Even as the year winds down, there’s still more to explore. I’m particularly excited to continue my work with Anna-Carolin, diving into the themes and ideas that drive our creative practices, having some fantastic opportunities at hand for 2025. But before we get there it’s an opportunity first to take a step back and reflect on the ways art and technology can address the societal and cultural challenges we face in a playful and non-preachy way.

As I look ahead to 2025, I feel more committed than ever to fostering spaces for collaboration, curiosity, and community. Whether through conferences, creative projects, or coaching and mentoring, the goal remains the same: to build bridges and inspire new ideas.

Thank you for being part of this journey—whether through a shared conversation, a collaboration, or simply following along. Here’s to the possibilities ahead.

Tobias