External Development Summit (XDS)

Read the report: xdsummit.com/wp-content/u...

We’re proud to partner again with Ostrom Climate Solutions to reduce our impact and raise the bar for sustainable events.

Sustainability remains at the heart of XDS, and we’re continuing that journey at the Vancouver Convention Centre for #XDS2026 💚

2026 External Development Insights Survey (Developer/Publisher) Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Help shape the future of co-development:

👉 Developers: www.surveymonkey.com/r/XV58C6S
👉 Service Providers: www.surveymonkey.com/r/XV7F9ZS

📊 The XDS Industry Survey is live!
Your input makes the results stronger and more representative. Complete the survey by these dates for:

🤝 Oct 31: Chance to win an XDS Spark Coaching Session
🌟 Nov 30: Nov 30: Free/discounted XDS Spark Perks for both Developers and Service Providers!

#XDS2025 wasn’t just panels, it was community ♥️

From Bites & Banter to the LGBTQIA+ meet-up, Arcade After Hours, Women @ XDS, and more, attendees had plenty of ways to connect, celebrate, and unwind.

These events helped strengthen the XDS community beyond the usual business meetings.

#GameDev

Developers, this one's for you! 🔔

Sign up for the XDS newsletter to be the first to receive the special announcement for XDS 2026! You won't want to miss out.

Sign up here 📩 https://mailchi.mp/6626cff0af91/xdsdevpub

#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev

This year at XDS, industry leaders shared key insights on the future of External Development, from trust-based partnerships to AI and user-generated content.

By connecting experts and fostering collaboration, XDS helps studios navigate complex pipelines, optimize workflows, and stay competitive. 💪

Developers, sign up for our newsletter and watch your inbox for some exciting news: xdsummit.com/newsletter-s...

Relive the energy and excitement of #XDS2025!🌍

This was a milestone year with new events, connections, and inspiring conversations, plus it showcased the best of what happens when the co-development community comes together.

#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment

At #XDS2025, Table Topics went deeper with conversations about co-dev, hybrid models, inclusivity & more. Attendees left with real tools for collaboration & growth. 💡

A huge thank you to our hosts for sharing their expertise and guiding these discussions!

#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev

XDS links you to the people and ideas shaping tomorrow’s games. Stay informed, subscribe to our newsletter: xdsummit.com/newsletter-s...

Looking back at #XDS2025: the future of game dev is bright, and more global than ever. 🌏

As Amir Satvat (Tencent Games) said: “Games consumption is not slowing down — it’s accelerating, getting much, much bigger.”

📅 Mark your calendars now, #XDS2026 is set for September 7–11 at the Vancouver Convention Centre!

We’re heading back to one of the most iconic venues in North America—bigger, bolder, and ready to bring the External Development community together like never before.

#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev

Congratulations to Deborah Kirkham, CEO of Side, winner of the MCV/Develop Women in Games Award for Excellence in External Development presented by XDS!

A true trailblazer driving global growth, diversity, and safety in gaming. 🌟

#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev #WomenInGames

The Gary Awards presented by XDS Spark wrapped up #XDS2025 in style! 🎉

Congrats to Rory Madden of Joydrop Ltd, winner of Best Social Media Post! Capturing the XDS spirit from networking to playing Magic: The Gathering🏆

#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev

What a week!

#XDS2025 was packed with inspiration, connection & business conversations that will shape the future of the External Development industry.
Huge thanks to our attendees, speakers & partners for making it unforgettable ❤️

#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev

Developers and Publishers, make sure you are signed up for the XDS newsletter so you don’t miss a beat! 💻

Stay ahead of the game with 2026 ticket sales, industry insights, fresh offers, the latest summit updates, and more!

📩 Sign up here: xdsummit.com/newsletter-s...

#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev

A massive thank you to everyone who joined us at #XDS2025! Your energy, ideas, and passion made this year truly unforgettable. ❤️

‼️Attendees, don't forget to share your feedback in the survey for a chance to win a complimentary #XDS2026 pass! 🙌

#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev

And with that, #XDS2025 comes to a close. ❤️ Thank you all for such an amazing summit! We hope you had the best time cause we sure did.

We will see you next year back and better than ever at the Vancouver Convention Center!

#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment

It’s the final countdown with Day 4 of #XDS2025 kicking off.

Let’s finish strong with the last round of Table Topics presented by Room 8 Group and Pitch Review Live.

Thanks for following along all week, and sharing your photos. We’ve loved seeing XDS through your eyes on social! ♥️

It’s the final countdown with Day 4 of #XDS2025 kicking off.

Let’s finish strong with the last round of Table Topics presented by Room 8 Group and Pitch Review Live. We hope you all have had a great summit!

Thanks for following along all week and sharing your photos. ♥️

#ExternalDevelopment

Day 2 of #XDS2025 is a wrap and we're not slowing down! Thursday brings our second keynote speaker, more sessions, and our Thursday Night Party presented by Global Step! 👋

#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment

We’re hitting our stride… Welcome to Day 3 of #XDS2025!
Today’s schedule is packed with more can’t-miss sessions and our second keynote speaker, Leanne Loombe. Dive into today’s daily schedule and make the most of your summit. 📅

And don't forget to tag us in your XDS adventures!

Swing by the Central Bar in The Hub, courtesy of Virtuos Games, grab your favourite drink, and spark a great conversation!

#XDS2025 #ExternalDevelopment #GameDev

Designing for a Cooler Planet: How Katoa: Oceans is Driving Sustainable Game Development - Keywords Studios Limited Contributors: Nigel A. Franks (Snowed In Studios), Elliot Stevens (VOLTA), and Chuck Byas (Liquid Development).The panel, hosted by Caroline Calaway of Calaway Consulting and Sankari Studios, brings t...

Want a sneak peek at the XDS ECO Meet-up? Here's a preview about how Snowmie Nigel, Liquid Development, and VOLTA will be discussing their work on Katoa: Oceans and environmental sustainability in game development. www.keywordsstudios.com/en/about-us/...
#xds2025 #gamedev #kwsfamily

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ICYMI last night... XDS 2026 is coming home, we’re moving back to the Vancouver Convention Centre! 🌍

The same XDS spirit, now on a bigger stage: More space. Better flow. Iconic views. Sustainable by design. 🏔

#XDS2025 #ExternalDevelopment #GameDev

Day 1 of #XDS2025 is officially in the books, and what an incredible kick-off! 🚀 We’re just getting started, and tomorrow we’ll dive right in with our first keynote of the week. See you there!

#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment

The energy is high for Day 2 of #XDS2025, and we’re just getting started.

Today’s highlights include a keynote from Amir Satvat of Tencent Games, a future-focused workshop with Sloane Earl of Layer, plus more panels on deck.

#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev

The Welcome Reception presented by @sideglobal.bsky.social is kicking off!

#XDS2025