By clicking “Accept all", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
We’re thrilled to share some highlights from UNWRAP Festival 2024! We call it a festival because it blends inspiring talks with hands-on experiences.
2024 marked a year of exciting growth as we explored fresh topics, launched new projects, and brought together voices from across industries which sparked meaningful conversations and collaborations. This year’s UNWRAP Festival explored themes like games, media, animation, and music.
A great example was our first-ever Music Innovation Day, where musicians, artists, and developers came together for groundbreaking conversations and unique, interactive moments.
It was a powerful example of how two creative worlds can seamlessly come together.
Music Innovation Day was the perfect finale to an inspiring edition of UNWRAP, beautifully bridging into the energy of Sonic City. Another unforgettable chapter our UNWRAP story.
Here are the key moments from UNWRAP 2024:
.jpg)
We doubled the number of devices and games, welcoming over 2,500 visitors of all ages for a full day of fun. The event offered something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping Rocket League tournaments and VR experiences, to creative indie titles, Minecraft and SmartGames.
Play Day brought together a diverse crowd: children, teens, families, gamers, esports players, and curious newcomers alike. It was a true celebration of gaming in all its forms, where young and old connected through play.
We opened the main stage to a crowd eager to learn. Arno Schmitz from Guerrilla Games kicked things off, setting the tone for a day filled with inspiring talks on art, animation, VFX, and more. Industry experts shared valuable insights, and we wrapped up with a portfolio review panel to help students take their work to the next level.
The two UNWRAP Industry Days were all about bringing together professionals and students from across creative and tech sectors. With over 900 visitors each day, attendees were inspired by insights from 85+ international speakers across three stages.
The evenings brought a different kind of energy. At the UNWRAP Launch Party, guests played (recently) released (indie) Belgian games. A beer in one hand and controller in the other. 🍺
Before the night ended on a high note with an unforgettable interactive afterparty. The stage came alive with passion as Tsar B and KLAKMATRAK, joined by students from Howest’s world-renowned Digital Arts & Entertainment program, performed a unique live set created especially for UNWRAP. 🔥
The Career Fair added even more momentum, buzzing with talent and opportunity. Over 58 exhibitors (from indie studios to AAA companies) connected with 200+ international students across six disciplines, all looking fortheir next intern or employee.
The MeetToMatch tool kept the conversations flowing and the connections growing.
We opened a stage for Belgian game studios to pitch their games directly to publishers. The Publisher Pitches were open to the public, giving UNWRAP visitors a behind-the-scenes look at independent video games.
Where music and tech came together in exciting ways.
From live performances to panels and workshops, attendees explored how technology is reshaping the music industry. It was a day of creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
The music industry is constantly evolving, with technology as the driving force behind these changes. UNWRAP's Music Innovation Day offers an in-depth look at how technology is shaping the future of creation, live performances, distribution, fan experiences, and more.
Thank you to everyone who made UNWRAP 2024 unforgettable! We can’t wait to see you next year for more innovation, connections, and fun. Stay tuned for updates, and keep unwrapping the future!
