Take a sneak peek at the XDS 2025 Advance Program!
Get a preview of what’s in store for XDS 2025! This is just the beginning—more sessions, speakers, and details will be added soon. Check back in mid-July for the full program release.
REGISTRATION LOUNGE PRESENTED BY TECHNICOLOR GAMES
Arrive early to avoid the lineups and be greeted with a Welcome Drink, thanks to Technicolor Games, a TransPerfect Studio!
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
XDS Lobby (Conference Floor)
XDS NØØBS SOCIAL
This is a one-of-a-kind social to properly welcome first-time XDS attendees to the event! Mingle with veteran attendees, and receive some tips and tricks on ways to make the most of your XDS experience. The XDS NOOBS Social is an invitation-only event to those who are brand new to XDS.
Join our MC Joe Nickolls live from the Lobby Stage as he officially kicks off XDS 2025! With all doors open and every space activated, the event is now in full swing—let’s go!
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Ballroom B+C
XDS TABLE-TOPICS PRESENTED BY ROOM 8 GROUP
Topics will be announced in mid-July.
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
The Hub
PM REFRESH PRESENTED BY ECI GAMES
Enjoy a light afternoon snack and some coffee in The Hub, brought to you by ECI Games.
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Ballroom B+C
XDS TABLE-TOPICS PRESENTED BY ROOM 8 GROUP
Topics will be announced in mid-July.
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Batch Plaza of Nations
WOMEN @ XDS PRESENTED BY WEST STUDIO
Women@XDS was founded at the XDS23 event to create a supportive environment for women in the male-dominated gaming industry. Join us this year across the street at Batch Vancouver for Women@XDS presented by West Studios to connect, share experiences and expertise and connect with other female-identifying attendees. Please note, this event is only for female-identifying attendees at XDS25.
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
D6 Bar (Indoor Bar)
XDS SPEAKERS RECEPTION PRESENTED BY VICIOUS SOUND
Speakers, moderators, panelists, and table-topic hosts are invited to meet industry peers, have a beverage or two, and be acknowledged for all their efforts in the lead-up to XDS. This invitation-only event is presented by Vicious Sound.
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
D6 Bar (Outdoor Bar)
XDS LGBTQ+ MEET-UP
This grassroots meet-up offers a space for visibility, connection, and support within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Join us at a relaxed outdoor bar just before the Welcome Reception—everyone is warmly invited.
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Parq Patio & D6 Patio
WELCOME RECEPTION PRESENTED BY SIDE.
One of our Presenting Sponsors – side. – brings you our coveted Welcome Reception! Step into the spirit of Vancouver with an unforgettable evening inspired by the city’s iconic night markets. Enjoy an array of local eats, themed cocktails, and a few surprises along the way—including a special announcement you won’t want to miss. Snap a photo at the beautifully designed photo op, visit the tarot card reader for a glimpse into your future, and soak in the energy of a night designed to connect and delight. This is your first taste of the week ahead—don’t miss it.
9:30 pm - 11:30 pm
XDS Main Stage
ARCADE AFTERPARTY
Unwind, play and connect at the Arcade Afterparty. On Tuesday and Wednesday, join us for the Arcade Afterparty—a relaxed and playful close to the night. Face off against fellow attendees in classic video games projected on the mainstage screens, or take things analog with a variety of board games on offer. Whether you’re in it to win or just looking to unwind, this is the perfect spot to recharge, reconnect, and enjoy a bit of friendly fun before calling it a night.
Check details
in the description
OPENING HOURS
7:00am – 6:00pm Registration & Information
8:00am – 6:00pm XDS Connect Zone
8:00am – 6:00pm The Hub
8:00am – 6:00pm Original Force Booster Bar
8:00am – 6:00pm Globant Café
8:00am – 6:00pm NeoBards Tea Station
8:00am – 6:00pm QLOC Snack Bar
11:00am – 6:00pm Virtuos Central Bar
8:00 am - 11:00 am
The Hub
AM REFRESH PRESENTED BY TEAM AUDIO
Enjoy a light morning snack and some coffee in The Hub, brought to you by Team Audio.
Amir Satvat is a leading voice in games, known for helping over 3,500 gamers find jobs through free, transparent resources. A passionate community builder, he does this alongside his role as Business Development Director at Tencent Games in North America. With nearly 20 years of experience at Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and more — and degrees from Wharton, Penn, NYU, and Boston College — Amir brings deep insight into industry trends. His mission is to make games more open and supportive for all. Through his data and dedication, Amir Satvat’s Games Community is reshaping how people access opportunity in the industry.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
LUNCH BREAK
Take a break from attending sessions or meetings and grab a meal to keep you going!
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
The Hub
PM REFRESH PRESENTED BY OVERTURN STUDIO
Enjoy a light afternoon snack and some coffee in The Hub, brought to you by Overturn Studio.
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Ballroom B+C
XDS TABLE-TOPICS PRESENTED BY ROOM 8 GROUP
Topics will be announced in mid-July.
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
XDS Lobby (Conference Floor)
HAPPY HOUR PRESENTED BY HALON ENTERTAINMENT
Enjoy a beverage (or two!) after a day of networking and knowledge sharing, presented by Halon Entertainment!
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Apartment 108 (Douglas Hotel)
COLLIDER ROOF TOP MIXER
Collider Craftworks will once again be hosting the now-infamous Collider Rooftop Mixers for XDS 2025! More info to come in mid-July.
9:30 pm - 11:30 pm
XDS Main Stage
ARCADE AFTERPARTY
Unwind, play and connect at the Arcade Afterparty. On Tuesday and Wednesday, join us for the Arcade Afterparty—a relaxed and playful close to the night. Face off against fellow attendees in classic video games projected on the mainstage screens, or take things analog with a variety of board games on offer. Whether you’re in it to win or just looking to unwind, this is the perfect spot to recharge, reconnect, and enjoy a bit of friendly fun before calling it a night.
Check details
in the description
OPENING HOURS
8:00am – 6:00pm Registration & Information
8:00am – 6:00pm XDS Connect Zone
8:00am – 6:00pm The Hub
8:00am – 6:00pm Original Force Booster Bar
8:00am – 6:00pm Globant Café
8:00am – 6:00pm NeoBards Tea Station
8:00am – 6:00pm Kudos 3D Snack Bar
11:00am – 6:00pm Virtuos Central Bar
8:00 am - 11:00 am
The Hub
AM REFRESH PRESENTED BY INDOMI STUDIO
Enjoy a light morning snack and some coffee in The Hub, brought to you by Indomi Studio LLC.
Leanne has been making video games for over 20 years. Starting in Indie development in the UK working on titles such as Scrabble, Risk and Magic the Gathering. After that she worked at a 3rd party publishing division in Japan for a couple of years, then returned to the UK to join Electronic Arts. It was here that Leanne married her love for cars and games by heading up multiple Need for Speed titles. Moving to Los Angeles, Leanne joined Riot Games, where she created and ran Riot Forge – Riots 3rd party development and publishing label working with external developers to create League of Legends single player story games. Most recently Leanne was Head of External game development and publishing at Netflix where she helped create the strategy and foundations for Netflix Games. She was responsible for sourcing and running a portfolio of 150+ games, working with a variety of developers from all around the world to bring games to Netflix members. Now Leanne is heading up games at Annapurna, where she oversees publishing, development, and creative Leanne is a passionate ambassador for Women In Game and focuses on encouraging women to join the industry and creating diversity in teams through mentorship, panels and events.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
LUNCH BREAK
Take a break from attending sessions or meetings and grab a meal to keep you going!
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
The Hub
PM REFRESH PRESENTED BY AMBER STUDIO
Enjoy a light afternoon snack and some coffee in The Hub, brought to you by Amber Studio.
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Ballroom B+C
XDS TABLE-TOPICS PRESENTED BY ROOM 8 GROUP
Topics will be announced in mid-July.
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
XDS Lobby (Conference Floor)
HAPPY HOUR PRESENTED BY IXIE GAMING
Enjoy a beverage (or two!) after a day of networking and knowledge sharing, presented by iXie Gaming!
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Apartment 108 (Douglas Hotel)
COLLIDER ROOF TOP MIXER
Collider Craftworks will once again be hosting the now-infamous Collider Rooftop Mixers for XDS 2025! More info to come in mid-July.
4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
The Loft (Douglas Hotel)
THROWBACK THURSDAY PRESENTED BY PIXEL MAFIA
Step into The Loft for an epic happy hour as Pixel Mafia brings the best of 90s and 2000s Hip Hop and R&B. A special guest DJ will be spinning throwback anthems while you sip, vibe, and kick off the night in style.
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Fairview Patio
XDS ECO MEET-UP – DESIGNING FOR A COOLER PLANET
More info to come in mid-July.
8:30 pm - 12:30 am
Craft Beer Market (85 W 1st Ave)
XDS THURSDAY NIGHT PARTY PRESENTED BY GLOBALSTEP
More info to come in mid-July.
Check details
in the description
OPENING HOURS
8:00am – 4:00pm Registration & Information
8:00am – 4:00pm XDS Connect Zone
8:00am – 4:00pm The Hub
8:00am – 4:00pm Original Force Booster Bar
8:00am – 4:00pm Globant Café
8:00am – 4:00pm NeoBards Tea Station
8:00am – 4:00pm Agora Snack Bar
11:00am – 4:00pm Virtuos Central Bar
8:00 am - 11:00 am
The Hub
AM REFRESH PRESENTED BY TEAM FROM EARTH
Enjoy a light morning snack and some coffee in The Hub, brought to you by Team From Earth.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Ballroom B+C
XDS TABLE-TOPICS PRESENTED BY ROOM 8 GROUP
Topics will be announced in mid-July.
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
LUNCH BREAK
Take a break from attending sessions or meetings and grab a meal to keep you going!
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Ballroom B+C
XDS TABLE-TOPICS PRESENTED BY ROOM 8 GROUP
Topics will be announced in mid-July.
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
The Hub
PM REFRESH PRESENTED BY ARES STUDIO
Enjoy a light afternoon snack and some coffee in The Hub, brought to you by Ares Studio.
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
D6 Bar
XDS WRAP PARTY + AWARDS
Join us for the XDS Wrap Party + Awards! Enjoy live music, beverages, canapés and reminisce on the past four days at XDS. This is the perfect opportunity to say farewell, and find out who will go home with one of the XDS 2025 Gary awards!
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Apartment 108 (Douglas Hotel)
COLLIDER AFTERPARTY
Last but not least… Try to keep just a little bit of energy in reserve for Friday night… It’s the Collider Rooftop Suite XDS Afterparty! Let’s close out the week powerfully with the Official XDS Afterparty – featuring buckets of beer on ice, fine wine & cheap snacks (BYOB for the harder stuff). And let’s play Pool, Poker & Foosball tournament style for prizes!
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