INDIE Hub 2025: A Year Full of Spotlight, Community, and New Paths
The year 2025 was a year of highlights for INDIE Hub, giving indie developers a variety of platforms to shine.
A Pitch-Powered Start to the Year
In February, we kicked things off with the Pitch @ gamescom LAN. This format allowed indies to present their projects not just to industry representatives and the press, but also to the public, all while practicing their pitches in a relaxed setting. It was the perfect way to gain experience and receive valuable feedback.
Actively Shaping Diversity: Girls’ Day Stream
On Girls’ Day, we organized a dedicated livestream to raise awareness of the many career paths the gaming industry offers for women. The stream focused on visibility, role models, and concrete job opportunities beyond development alone, highlighting how broad and diverse the industry truly is. By actively contributing to conversations around inclusion and representation, we used this day to encourage young women to see games as a space where they belong and can shape the future.
The Big July Festival Weekend
In July, we turned Cologne into an indie paradise: The Indie Game Fest offered a stage free of triple-A distractions, where newcomers and seasoned indies alike could showcase their games. With events like the Pitch & BBQ, the networking brunch, and the aftershow party, we emphasized that the indie community stands strong together, even in challenging times.
INDIE Campus and Media Meets Games: Sharing Knowledge and Building Bridges
Our INDIE Campus, whether online or on-site, was our passion project to introduce newcomers to the business side of the industry. At the end of the year, the Media Meets Games Conference brought together the worlds of games, TV, and film to create synergies and explore new horizons together.
INDIE House and International Connections
The INDIE House provided developers with a home during gamescom, fostering a sense of community and stronger networking. Our collaboration with Canada, such as the INDIE Reveal, opened up new international opportunities. The Industry Tour during gamescom further highlighted the value of connecting different media sectors.
A Strong Community at the Core
Our Indie Developer Stammtisch on Discord is the beating heart of INDIE Hub. With over 500 new members this year, we’re approaching the 2,000-member milestone, showcasing how vibrant and connected the scene has become. It’s a place where the community thrives and celebrates each milestone together.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Moving Forward Together
In the coming year, we will continue to offer diverse opportunities for indie developers, from Ask Our Expert sessions to new formats.
To sustain the INDIE Hub, we’ll be introducing community-supported funding through platforms like Patreon. We believe that by staying anchored in community spirit, creativity, and resilience, we’ll continue to be a trusted hub for the indie scene in 2026 and beyond