PGA is Back in the Game!

Two years and two days - that's exactly how long gaming and new technology fans had to wait for the next edition of Poznań Game Arena. After the break caused by the pandemic, MTP Poznan Expo is back in action. We were determined to return to the traditional, stationary formula of PGA from the beginning , admits Łukasz Wołonkiewicz, Director of Poznań Game Arena. We all are more than pleased with the success we achieved. Great attendance and positive feedback from exhibitors confirm that the strategy we chose turned out to be right and provided all participants with unforgettable impressions and emotions, he adds.

Games first and foremost

Nearly 100 different titles could be tested by the participants of the Poznań Game Arena fair. Among them there were niche productions created by independent developers, games for the youngest and premiere titles, such as Far Cry 6 or Back 4 Blood. Of course, we did not lack the best equipment, which provided an excellent experience with these games. The exhibition was also filled with amazing simulators, which turned out very popular among visitors. Individual exhibitors showed creativity and open-mindedness in creating their stands. Komputronik invited players to the gaming octagon, and Genesis, in turn, created the player's dream room.

Lots of attractions on the main stage

Traditionally, an important place on the PGA map was the main stage, which, as in previous years, provided many positive impressions and unforgettable emotions. The program of the scene was primarily dominated by eSport. In front of the audience, among others, devils.one hosted the clashes in Valorant. Fans of this game could not only follow the struggles, but also join the competition. FIFA fans also found something for themselves. At PGA, we could see a friendly match between the teams of Arka Gdynia and Illegal eSports. A moment later a person drawn from the audience could start a tournament with… Karol Linetti! The Polish representative played against one of the PGA participants. The well-known actor Kuba Wesołowski took care of professional commentary. The organizer of this special competition was the Triggy brand. Tekken 7 and Mortal Kombat 11 competitions were the culmination of the eSports struggle.

The main stage program was complemented by interesting shows and lectures. Representatives of the Klabater and Monster Couch brands talked about their projects. Hubert Blejch recalled how a few years ago he broke the Guinness record in a game at the PGA without interruption.

However, the highlight of the program was the PGA Genesis Cosplay Show finale. The 25 finalists presented the audience with their extraordinary creations, referring to widely understood pop culture. The level of the presented creations was extremely high, and the jury had hard time selecting the winner. The cosplayers were a huge part of the event themselves, as they participates in it during all three days.

Prizes and awards

On the occasion of PGA, game developers were awarded for their work. On the first day of the fair, we met the winners of the CEEGA plebiscite, the aim of which was to promote productions from Central and Eastern Europe. The most awards, three statuettes including for the best game, were won by Cyberpunk 2077. A day later we got to know the winners of the PGA Awards for the best Indie games. Here are the winners:

Best Indie Booth - Frozen District

Best Indie International Game - Heavy Duty Challenge

Best Indie Game - Against The Storm

Festival of Historical and Socially Involved Games

The introduction to this year's PGA edition was the Festival of Historical and Socially Involved Games. The project co-financed by the Ministry of Culture, National Heritage and Sport was aimed at showing games from a completely different perspective - as part of culture that can raise important social issues. In addition to interesting lectures with the participation of Polish authors as part of the Festival, a marathon of game development was organized under the name of Polish-Swiss Game Jamon Sustainability. The projects created by the participants had to pertain to the issues related to environmental protection. 40 game jam participants showed great creativity by creating interesting projects.

See you in a year!

This year's edition of Poznań Game Arena has gone down in history. The organizers are already inviting you to the next edition of this unique event. PGA 2022 is scheduled for October 7-9.