Date: 27th– 28th July 2024
Venue: Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor Hall, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS)
The International Game Development Conference (IGDC) 2024 was held from July 27-28 at the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor’s Hall, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Sibu. This event marked a significant milestone for Sarawak’s growing presence in the global game development industry. Organized in collaboration with Business Events Sarawak, the conference featured key industry players and highlighted the importance of nurturing local talent while connecting them with international markets. The conference’s focus extended beyond gaming to encompass esports and digital content creation, setting the stage for Sarawak to become a hub for technological innovation and creative storytelling.
With support from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), IGDC 2024 offered a range of sessions including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and workshops that catered to both seasoned professionals and aspiring game developers. MDEC’s involvement underscored the government’s commitment to providing funding opportunities, upskilling programs, and industry support to boost the local gaming ecosystem. Participants gained insights into global trends and technologies while exploring ways to leverage Sarawak’s unique cultural heritage in digital storytelling.
The conference was also a platform for discussing policy frameworks and regulations for esports, reflecting the rapid growth of the sector. UTS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, emphasized the need for structured policies to regulate and promote esports, ensuring its recognition and sustainability as an economic driver. The event created an environment conducive to ideation, collaboration, and the establishment of meaningful partnerships between local and international stakeholders.
In essence, IGDC 2024 served as a catalyst for innovation, enabling Sarawak to showcase its potential on the global stage. By integrating cultural narratives with cutting-edge technology, the conference paved the way for the region’s game development and esports industry to flourish, further solidifying UTS’s role in advancing digital creativity and education.