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 Open
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.
Submissions are due May 31, 2026.
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.
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.
Johnny Galvatron
Beethoven & Dinosaur
#gamemakersnotebook
Adam Orth chats with musician and game developer Johnny Galvatron. Together they discuss his newly released coming of age story told through music, Mixtape including the origins of the idea; how they selected the music first and built the story around the soundtrack; building a "horizontal slice" rather than a "vertical slice"; how they selected each track and their significance to the narrative; and creating the cast of characters and their unique mechanics.
Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
Bence Pajor
Embark Studios
#gamemakersnotebook
Austin Wintory chats with Bence Pajor, the Audio Director behind Embark Studios' smash hit extraction shooter, ARC Raiders. Together they discuss his early career in music and how he transitioned to audio design; his work at DICE on the Battlefield series; the moral implications when designing realistic audio experiences for combat simulations; balancing music to not break player immersion; and creating modern synth music with retro aesthetics.
Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.