For the ninth time, Gaming Istanbul (GIST) will bring together the entire gaming ecosystem on 18–20 September 2026 at the Istanbul Congress Center, welcoming industry professionals, creators and gaming enthusiasts under one roof.
As one of the region’s leading gaming events, GIST serves as a meeting point where business, creativity and gaming culture intersect. From global publishers and independent studios to artists, cosplayers, creators and passionate gamers, Gaming Istanbul celebrates every aspect of the gaming world.
More Than an Event—A Regional Gaming Hub
Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, Gaming Istanbul has become a regional hub where companies discover new opportunities, developers showcase their games, professionals build meaningful partnerships and gaming communities come together.
Whether your goal is to launch a new title, discover emerging talent, meet potential business partners or simply celebrate gaming culture, GIST provides an environment where every stakeholder can find its place.
By the Numbers
Gaming Istanbul 2026 is preparing to welcome 60,000 festival visitors (B2C) and 2,500 industry professionals (B2B) over three days at the Istanbul Congress Center.
Building on its growing international presence, GIST also continues to be one of the region’s most visible gaming events. In previous editions, the event hosted 250 on-site content creators and influencers, generating a combined 37.5 million social media reach.
With thousands of gamers, hundreds of companies, creators, developers, publishers, artists and industry professionals gathering in one place, Gaming Istanbul once again brings every corner of the gaming ecosystem together under one roof.
Two Experiences. One Gaming Ecosystem.
Gaming Istanbul is designed around two complementary experiences that together represent the complete gaming ecosystem.
GIST Festival (B2C)
The Festival welcomes thousands of gaming enthusiasts to experience the culture of gaming firsthand.
Visitors can:
- Discover new and upcoming games
- Meet game studios and publishers
- Experience playable demos
- Explore lifestyle brands and gaming products
- Meet artists and creators
- Enjoy cosplay activities
- Discover independent developers
- Participate in community activities and special experiences
From blockbuster titles to indie gems, from gaming hardware to creative communities, the Festival showcases every layer of gaming culture in one destination.
GIST B2B
Running alongside the Festival, GIST’s B2B program creates an environment where the gaming industry’s professionals connect, collaborate and gain valuable insights.
The conference features two dedicated content tracks:
Mobile Track
Focused on the mobile games industry, covering publishing, monetization, user acquisition, live operations, AI, growth strategies and market trends.
PC & Console Track
Dedicated to premium gaming, PC and console development, publishing, production, storytelling, technology, community building and the future of interactive entertainment.
Across both stages, attendees can expect inspiring talks, industry insights and networking opportunities with professionals from across the gaming value chain.
Why Gaming Istanbul?
Gaming Istanbul combines the energy of a gaming festival with the value of a professional industry conference.
Attendees can experience the latest games, discover new talent, establish strategic partnerships, exchange knowledge with industry leaders and become part of one of the region’s fastest-growing gaming communities—all within the same event.
Whether you are attending as a player, creator, developer, publisher, investor or business partner, Gaming Istanbul offers a platform to connect with the people shaping the future of games.
Join Gaming Istanbul 2026
Gaming Istanbul returns to the Istanbul Congress Center on 18–20 September 2026.
Be part of three days of gaming, business, creativity and community.
Festival Tickets (B2C)
Experience the games, creators, brands, artists and communities that define gaming culture.
Tickets are now available.
B2B Passes
Join industry leaders, publishers, developers, investors and service providers through conferences, networking opportunities and business meetings.
B2B passes are now available.
Call for Speakers – Take the stage at Gaming Istanbul 2026
Gaming Istanbul 2026 is now accepting speaker applications for its B2B Conference Program.
If you have valuable insights, inspiring case studies or hands-on expertise to share with the gaming industry, we invite you to apply to speak at one of GIST’s two dedicated conference tracks: Mobile and PC & Console.
We’re looking for professionals from across the gaming ecosystem—including game studios, publishers, technology companies, service providers and industry experts—who can contribute meaningful perspectives on the challenges, opportunities and future of games.
Whether your focus is game development, publishing, monetization, user acquisition, AI, live operations, community building, marketing, business growth or emerging technologies, we’d love to hear your story.
Submit your proposal through our Call for Speakers form and become part of Gaming Istanbul 2026, where the regional and global gaming industry comes together to connect, learn and shape what’s next.
