Over 250 Brazilian developers have slammed support at the recent Gamescom Latam conference, raising concerns over the “treatment that Brazilian developers received at the event.”
In an open letter (translated into English here – thanks, GameDeveloper), exhibitors in the Panorama Brasil section say they were particularly poorly treated, including being expected to be at their booths for 12 hours a day, “with penalties for leaving the booth,” which the signatories deem “completely unfeasible.”
“Events around the world promote and support independent developers from their own countries,” the letter, signed by Game Devs Unidos, said. “Helping small developers, who are often showcasing their first game, is the first step toward building a healthy industry from the ground up.
“In Brazil, several events already fulfill this role. Even events abroad recognize and support Brazilian developers through incentives. However, it is felt that Gamescom still has much to improve in this regard.”
Complaints include “exorbitantly priced” booths, high fees for TV rentals, lack of staff to assist developers, charging for power strip rentals, lack of support for food and transportation, absence of chairs and resting areas, all of which is called “inadequate for the current standard of national and international events that position themselves as promoters of the local industry.”
“This harms precisely those who most need the support, such as the exhibitors in the Panorama Brasil section,” the complainants insisted. “This situation becomes even more pronounced when compared to the treatment given to some of the international guests, whose travel and accommodation are often covered, along with other incentives.”
Improvements suggested by attendees include: transportation assistance for developers exhibiting in the Panorama Brasil section, the BIG Festival, and for speakers, including those from São Paulo; meal vouchers for all developers in the Panorama Brasil section, BIG Festival participants, and speakers; a rest area for developers, similar to the one accessible to the press; screens for game exhibitions available at no additional cost; power strips available at no additional cost, free lockers, increased security to prevent thefts, and staff to assist Panorama Brasil developers with the public, particularly to cover booths when they need to step away for bathroom breaks or meals.
The letter includes examples of comparable developer events in other countries that do offer stipends, subsistence and travel costs, and more.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Gamescom Latam for comment and will update when we receive a response.
Gamescom Latam broke its own records for attendance this year, as the event welcomed more than 130,000 visitors to São Paulo from April 30 to May 4.