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<figure id="figure-0zf5h1wnzvmeipicnh"><img id="0zf5h1wnzvmeipicnh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39SdYU1w8fwTKJ3t1kQUFhhnkdUpMstAPviBCEBWoWwXt9jP6DpKi6X1IDkjD1SA.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39SdYU1w8fwTKJ3t1kQUFhhnkdUpMstAPviBCEBWoWwXt9jP6DpKi6X1IDkjD1SA.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Game conferences like Gamescom, GDC, and PAX look incredible on LinkedIn. Booth pics. Crowded halls. Big logos.But when you strip away the hype, the return on investment (ROI) for indie developers often tells a different story.&nbsp; The Real Cost of Attending a Game Conference Think a $2,500 booth fee sounds manageable? Think again. The true cost is usually 2–3x higher once you factor in:Travel &amp; flights Hotel stays&nbsp; Equipment &amp; booth setup Labor &amp; staffing Swag, merch, and promo That $2,500 booth? Suddenly you’re looking at $7,000+.&nbsp; Cost Per Wishlist: Physical vs Digital Conferences don’t just drain your wallet, they’re also inefficient for wishlist building:Physical events: $8–$20+ per wishlist Paid digital ads: ~$5 per wishlist Steam Next Fest: Effectively $0 per wishlist If your primary mission is growing wishlists and sales signals, digital is almost always more efficient.&nbsp; The Hidden &amp; Ridiculous Costs Some of the most shocking Gamescom expenses include:€140,000 for a 30 second Opening Night Live slot $1,000/day for “dedicated” internet €500/night Cologne hotel rates during the event For AAA publishers, this spend is about share of voice and platform politics. For indies? It’s usually money wasted.&nbsp; The Myth of the “Big Win” Yes, you’ve heard the story: “We met our publisher in a lobby and landed a deal!” But let’s be real, those moments are lottery tickets.They’re amazing when they happen… but impossible to plan for.&nbsp; When Game Conferences Make Sense Go to Gamescom or GDC if you have: A polished build ready to show A clear mission (funding, pre-launch push, platform meetings) A pre-booked calendar with publishers, press, or partnersWhen to Skip Them Pass on conferences if you’re: Still in early build stage Lacking a unique hook Going just to “be there” without a plan&nbsp; Smarter Marketing Alternatives If you’re an indie dev with a tight budget, your marketing dollars probably work harder elsewhere:Digital ad campaigns Steam Next Fest participation Content marketing &amp; community building Targeted influencer outreach &nbsp; Key Takeaway Game conferences like Gamescom look glamorous, but for most indie developers the ROI doesn’t add up. Unless you’ve got a polished build, clear goals, and pre-set meetings, skip the hype and invest where your marketing spend drives real, measurable results.

The Brutal ROI of Game Conferences: Should Indies Really Go to Gamescom?

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The Brutal ROI of Game Conferences: Should Indies Really ...