After a successful first-year debut, Madeira Games Summit returned to Funchal on May 7-8, 2026, bringing together game industry leaders for two days of high-level discussions, curated networking, and side events on the backdrop of the island of eternal spring.
Hosted by DevGAMM, eGamesLab, and ACIF, the Summit once again created a space where over 120 decision-makers from 20 countries could step away from the usual conference rush and focus on what really matters: meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and new opportunities for collaboration.
This was especially reflected in this year’s theme – Collaboration: the New Structure of Game Development – which shaped the entire program, from fireside chats and investment discussions to roundtables and workgroups.
Sunset Soirée powered by Epic Games Store
The Summit experience started on May 6 with the Sunset Soirée powered by Epic Games Store at Vista Balancal Restaurant, set within the scenic surroundings of Palheiro Golf.
With panoramic views over Funchal Bay, a curated buffet, music, and relaxed networking, the evening gave attendees a warm and elegant start to the event.
Opening & Fireside Chats
The official program opened on May 7 at Savoy Palace Hotel with a welcome speech by Mr. Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Regional Government of Madeira.
Across two days, the Main Hall hosted a series of fireside chats focused on the evolving structure of the games industry. The conversations featured studios, platforms, publishers, investors, and creative partners shaping the industry today.
The stage brought together insights from world-renowned experts representing Bethesda Game Studios, Dukaj Games, MythoWorks, Agora Gaming Partners, Oakfyn, Krafton, Yalla Group, GSC Game World, GamesIndustry.biz, and more.
The fireside chats explored how collaboration is changing game development – from building large-scale studio pipelines and creative teams to adapting stories across games, film, and TV. The discussions also covered how digital entertainment ecosystems are growing in MENA, with a focus on platforms, communities, regional audiences, and new ways companies connect content, technology, and players.
Panel discussions covered the new role of investment capital as creative infrastructure and the strategic choices studios face in 2026. Topics included what studios should stop doing, choosing between different funding models, and building sustainable, independent businesses.
Roundtables sponsored by Mellow
One of the key formats of Madeira Games Summit returned this year: curated roundtable discussions.
Sponsored by Mellow, these sessions gave attendees the opportunity to discuss focused industry topics in smaller, more personal groups.
The discussions were moderated by industry leaders from Epic Games, Curve Games, Kwalee, Abylight, Anshar Studios, Agora Gaming Partners, and more.
Across two roundtable sessions, participants discussed the hard business choices studios face in 2026: whether publishers are still the right financing path, how rising development costs are changing studio structures, where co-development ends and outsourcing begins, and whether self-publishing is worth the risk.
The conversations also touched on AI ownership within studios, platform funding, investor pressure on the creative side, and how leaders make decisions when every option feels imperfect.
Gala Dinner powered by Xsolla
The evening of May 7 continued with the Gala Dinner powered by Xsolla.
With a four-course dinner, signature wines, elegant atmosphere, and plenty of time for conversations, the Gala Dinner became one of the most memorable networking moments of the Summit.
Workshops & Workgroups
Alongside the main program, attendees joined hands-on workshops designed for deeper learning and practical exchange.
Led by experts from Nordeus and Level Up Gaming, the sessions gave attendees a chance to strengthen their expertise in AI and explore practical approaches they could apply to their own work.
The final touch of the Summit was a brand-new format: workgroups shaped by the attendees themselves.
On the first day, we asked participants one question: 5 years from now what is the one thing we’d wished we’d fixed this week in the gaming industry?
Based on their real-time answers, the final workgroups explored exactly that, focusing on three areas:
- Why money isn’t reaching the games that need it (funding, economics & risk)
- Great games exist. Nobody can find them (taste & discoverability problem)
- We’re moving fast and losing what made us good (creativity, craft & the future)
And the result? Let’s wait and see.
Madeira Wine Experience powered by Madeira Gaming Hub
The final official gathering of the Summit took place at Blandy’s Wine Lodge, one of Madeira’s most iconic wine destinations.
Powered by Madeira Gaming Hub, the incredible space being built in Madeira just for game developers – the Madeira Wine Experience included a guided tour through the history of Madeira wine, followed by a networking session in the Max Römer Room with a curated tasting and light snacks.
Thank You
We want to thank everyone who joined Madeira Games Summit 2026 and helped make this year’s edition so special.
A special thank-you goes to our main partners at eGamesLab and ACIF, as well as to our sponsors, speakers, and every attendee who contributed to the discussions, shared ideas, joined side events, and helped shape the collaborative spirit of the Summit.
Madeira Games Summit continues to be a place where the industry can slow down, think bigger, and build stronger connections.
And we’re very excited to confirm the return of Madeira Games Summit for the third year in May 2027. Stay tuned for the updates!
