XDS 2024: Insights, Connections, and a Glimpse into the Future
Reflections on My Trip to Beautiful British Columbia
Just back from XDS in Canada, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned. This year’s event was packed with exciting conversations, valuable insights, and a lot of optimism for the future of game development. Here are my biggest takeaways:
1️⃣ LATAM and Inclusion Are Finally on the Radar
Studios are increasingly looking beyond traditional hubs, embracing teams from regions like LATAM as key solutions to industry challenges. It’s refreshing to see inclusion and diversity becoming hot topics—not just buzzwords, but genuine opportunities to collaborate globally.
2️⃣ Market Instability Fuels Stronger ExDev Relationships
The current market is unpredictable, with many projects in uncertain territory. However, external development (ExDev) relationships are maturing. Studios are building stronger, more reliable partnerships with external teams to navigate this volatility.
3️⃣ The Spotlight on Audio and Music
Audio and music were big conversations this year. Producers wanted to understand the entire production cycle—how audio integrates into each stage of development, from early concepts to post-production. It’s clear the demand for specialized audio teams like ours is growing.
4️⃣ A Hopeful Future for 2024 and Beyond
While the market is currently shaky, the outlook for 2025 is bright. Many in the industry are strategizing now to prepare for the next wave of projects. The phoenix of game development is ready to rise, and it’s inspiring to see this level of forward-thinking.
5️⃣ Collaboration Over Competition
One of my favorite parts of XDS was connecting with other game audio professionals. Instead of competing, we exchanged experiences and insights, reinforcing how vital collaboration is in our niche sector. We’re stronger together.
6️⃣ Stellar Roundtables
Kudos to the XDS organizing committee for hosting daily roundtables. These sessions provided a platform to learn, share, and connect with industry peers. They were easily one of the highlights of my experience.
7️⃣ Energizing Starts and Pro Photos
The return of the vegetable juices was a small but welcome touch—starting the day with a dose of vitamins made a big difference! And I couldn’t resist updating my LinkedIn profile with the event photographers’ studio setup. Talk about professional perks!
8️⃣ A Community Over Transactions
This year reaffirmed my belief that relationships matter more than transactions. Projects come and go, but the human connections we build are the foundation of everything. People drive the projects, and understanding this is crucial for long-term success.
9️⃣ Shoutout to the Argentine Rooftop Parties
Special thanks to our Argentine colleagues for hosting unforgettable rooftop gatherings. These informal moments led to some of the most meaningful connections and conversations of the event.
Looking Ahead
XDS 2024 has left me inspired, energized, and ready for what’s next. As Flutu Music enters its second year at this event, I can see how much we’ve grown and how prepared we are to tackle new challenges. The future of game development is bright, and we’re thrilled to be part of this elite group of professionals shaping the industry.
Here’s to another fantastic year of collaboration, creativity, and connection. Let’s roll, 2025—we’re ready for you!
