D.I.C.E. Athens Early Bird Registration Now Open
Registration for D.I.C.E. Athens is now open. Mark your calendars now to make sure you attend this premier networking event taking place September 21-23, 2026 and take advantage of early bird pricing.
2026 AIAS Foundation Scholarship Applications Now Closed
The AIAS Foundation has opened submissions for its annual scholarship programs benefiting students and early professionals in the video games industry. The AIAS Foundation, WomenIn, and Girls for Gaming scholarships are provided to talented students and early professionals who aspire to make a mark in the games industry through their dedication, passion, and interest in pushing forward the medium of interactive entertainment.
2026 Game Maker's Sketchbook Collection Revealed
pre-order high-quality prints through the iam8bit store until June 25
Game Maker’s Sketchbook, the annual celebration of artistry in interactive entertainment, powered by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), iam8bit, and fortyseven communications, has revealed the official selections for its fifth annual showcase. Honoring the imagination, craftsmanship, visual storytelling and creativity in the beautiful interactive surfaces and game worlds that players love, this year’s collection invites fans and collectors alike to celebrate the enduring power of art in and around games. The works are now available to view through the Game Maker’s Sketchbook online gallery and will also be exhibited during Summer Game Fest: Play Days from Saturday, June 6 through Monday, June 8, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.
Fans, collectors, and supporters can pre-order high-quality prints through the iam8bit store until June 25. Every purchase directly supports nonprofit initiatives led by the Day of the Devs and AIAS Foundation, celebrating the art of games while fostering a more inclusive and creatively vibrant future for games through scholarships, mentorships, educational programs, and opportunities that champion emerging voices in the industry.
Gregory Louden
Housemarque
#gamemakersnotebook
Trent Kusters chats with Gregory Louden, Creative Director behind Housemarque's latest dark sci-fi bullet-ballet, Saros. Together they discuss his early work in film with directors such as Alfonso Cuarón and Ridley Scott; transitioning into games and his path from VFX, to narrative, and ultimately direction; creating a spiritual successor to Returnal while developing a brand new IP; focusing on challenging but rewarding gameplay; and building a narrative around the roguelike gameplay.
Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
Edmund McMillen & Tyler Glaiel
Mewgenics
#gamemakersnotebook
Trent Kusters chats with Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel, creators of the hit cat-army tactical roguelite, Mewgenics. Together they discuss their history creating games during the boom of the flash and Xbox Live era including titles such as Aether, The Binding of Isaac, and The End is Nigh; writing from personal experiences; lessons learned from self-publishing; and the development of their newest collaboration in Mewgenics.
Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
Mateusz Michalak & Mateusz Lechowski
Fumi Games
#gamemakersnotebook
Adam Orth chats with Mateusz Michalak (CEO & Co-Founder) & Mateusz Lechowski (Lead Narrative Designer) from Fumi Games about their studio debut title, Mouse: P.I. For Hire. Together they discuss the origins of the studio being based around animation with no game dev experience; the inspirations and development of Mouse: P.I. For Hire; developing the rubber-hose animation and it's importance to the setting; how the black and white art style made it difficult to find a publisher; the pre-World War II setting and parallels to modern conflicts; and balancing the serious and comedic elements within the narrative.
Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.