External Development Summit (XDS)
@xdsummit.bsky.social
The only annual, international games industry event with a primary focus on external development for art, animation, audio, software engineering, QA and localization.
XDS 2025 | Vancouver, Canada
https://xdsummit.com
https://xds-spark.com
XDS 2025 | Vancouver, Canada
https://xdsummit.com
https://xds-spark.com
Over 3,200 meetings were booked through XDS Connect this year, many leading to new deals and partnerships. More than a tool, it’s a core pillar of XDS, helping developers and service providers collaborate and drive the industry forward.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
November 13, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Over 3,200 meetings were booked through XDS Connect this year, many leading to new deals and partnerships. More than a tool, it’s a core pillar of XDS, helping developers and service providers collaborate and drive the industry forward.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
We hosted our first sustainability panel at #XDS2025! 🌱 Sankari Studios & partners shared how "Katoa: Oceans" turns gameplay into real-world impact and how thoughtful multi-studio collaboration can make games a force for environmental good.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev #Sustainability
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev #Sustainability
November 13, 2025 at 12:24 AM
We hosted our first sustainability panel at #XDS2025! 🌱 Sankari Studios & partners shared how "Katoa: Oceans" turns gameplay into real-world impact and how thoughtful multi-studio collaboration can make games a force for environmental good.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev #Sustainability
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev #Sustainability
We’re proud to partner again with Ostrom Climate Solutions to reduce our impact and raise the bar for sustainable events.
Sustainability remains at the heart of XDS, and we’re continuing that journey at the Vancouver Convention Centre for #XDS2026 💚
Sustainability remains at the heart of XDS, and we’re continuing that journey at the Vancouver Convention Centre for #XDS2026 💚
November 6, 2025 at 7:15 PM
We’re proud to partner again with Ostrom Climate Solutions to reduce our impact and raise the bar for sustainable events.
Sustainability remains at the heart of XDS, and we’re continuing that journey at the Vancouver Convention Centre for #XDS2026 💚
Sustainability remains at the heart of XDS, and we’re continuing that journey at the Vancouver Convention Centre for #XDS2026 💚
📊 The XDS Industry Survey is live!
Your input makes the results stronger and more representative. Complete the survey by these dates for:
🤝 Oct 31: Chance to win an XDS Spark Coaching Session
🌟 Nov 30: Nov 30: Free/discounted XDS Spark Perks for both Developers and Service Providers!
Your input makes the results stronger and more representative. Complete the survey by these dates for:
🤝 Oct 31: Chance to win an XDS Spark Coaching Session
🌟 Nov 30: Nov 30: Free/discounted XDS Spark Perks for both Developers and Service Providers!
October 22, 2025 at 8:03 PM
📊 The XDS Industry Survey is live!
Your input makes the results stronger and more representative. Complete the survey by these dates for:
🤝 Oct 31: Chance to win an XDS Spark Coaching Session
🌟 Nov 30: Nov 30: Free/discounted XDS Spark Perks for both Developers and Service Providers!
Your input makes the results stronger and more representative. Complete the survey by these dates for:
🤝 Oct 31: Chance to win an XDS Spark Coaching Session
🌟 Nov 30: Nov 30: Free/discounted XDS Spark Perks for both Developers and Service Providers!
#XDS2025 wasn’t just panels, it was community ♥️
From Bites & Banter to the LGBTQIA+ meet-up, Arcade After Hours, Women @ XDS, and more, attendees had plenty of ways to connect, celebrate, and unwind.
These events helped strengthen the XDS community beyond the usual business meetings.
#GameDev
From Bites & Banter to the LGBTQIA+ meet-up, Arcade After Hours, Women @ XDS, and more, attendees had plenty of ways to connect, celebrate, and unwind.
These events helped strengthen the XDS community beyond the usual business meetings.
#GameDev
October 21, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Developers, this one's for you! 🔔
Sign up for the XDS newsletter to be the first to receive the special announcement for XDS 2026! You won't want to miss out.
Sign up here 📩 https://mailchi.mp/6626cff0af91/xdsdevpub
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Sign up for the XDS newsletter to be the first to receive the special announcement for XDS 2026! You won't want to miss out.
Sign up here 📩 https://mailchi.mp/6626cff0af91/xdsdevpub
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
October 16, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Developers, this one's for you! 🔔
Sign up for the XDS newsletter to be the first to receive the special announcement for XDS 2026! You won't want to miss out.
Sign up here 📩 https://mailchi.mp/6626cff0af91/xdsdevpub
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Sign up for the XDS newsletter to be the first to receive the special announcement for XDS 2026! You won't want to miss out.
Sign up here 📩 https://mailchi.mp/6626cff0af91/xdsdevpub
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
This year at XDS, industry leaders shared key insights on the future of External Development, from trust-based partnerships to AI and user-generated content.
By connecting experts and fostering collaboration, XDS helps studios navigate complex pipelines, optimize workflows, and stay competitive. 💪
By connecting experts and fostering collaboration, XDS helps studios navigate complex pipelines, optimize workflows, and stay competitive. 💪
October 15, 2025 at 10:01 PM
This year at XDS, industry leaders shared key insights on the future of External Development, from trust-based partnerships to AI and user-generated content.
By connecting experts and fostering collaboration, XDS helps studios navigate complex pipelines, optimize workflows, and stay competitive. 💪
By connecting experts and fostering collaboration, XDS helps studios navigate complex pipelines, optimize workflows, and stay competitive. 💪
Relive the energy and excitement of #XDS2025!🌍
This was a milestone year with new events, connections, and inspiring conversations, plus it showcased the best of what happens when the co-development community comes together.
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
This was a milestone year with new events, connections, and inspiring conversations, plus it showcased the best of what happens when the co-development community comes together.
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
October 15, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Relive the energy and excitement of #XDS2025!🌍
This was a milestone year with new events, connections, and inspiring conversations, plus it showcased the best of what happens when the co-development community comes together.
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
This was a milestone year with new events, connections, and inspiring conversations, plus it showcased the best of what happens when the co-development community comes together.
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
At #XDS2025, Table Topics went deeper with conversations about co-dev, hybrid models, inclusivity & more. Attendees left with real tools for collaboration & growth. 💡
A huge thank you to our hosts for sharing their expertise and guiding these discussions!
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
A huge thank you to our hosts for sharing their expertise and guiding these discussions!
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
October 10, 2025 at 4:03 PM
At #XDS2025, Table Topics went deeper with conversations about co-dev, hybrid models, inclusivity & more. Attendees left with real tools for collaboration & growth. 💡
A huge thank you to our hosts for sharing their expertise and guiding these discussions!
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
A huge thank you to our hosts for sharing their expertise and guiding these discussions!
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Looking back at #XDS2025: the future of game dev is bright, and more global than ever. 🌏
As Amir Satvat (Tencent Games) said: “Games consumption is not slowing down — it’s accelerating, getting much, much bigger.”
As Amir Satvat (Tencent Games) said: “Games consumption is not slowing down — it’s accelerating, getting much, much bigger.”
October 8, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Looking back at #XDS2025: the future of game dev is bright, and more global than ever. 🌏
As Amir Satvat (Tencent Games) said: “Games consumption is not slowing down — it’s accelerating, getting much, much bigger.”
As Amir Satvat (Tencent Games) said: “Games consumption is not slowing down — it’s accelerating, getting much, much bigger.”
📅 Mark your calendars now, #XDS2026 is set for September 7–11 at the Vancouver Convention Centre!
We’re heading back to one of the most iconic venues in North America—bigger, bolder, and ready to bring the External Development community together like never before.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
We’re heading back to one of the most iconic venues in North America—bigger, bolder, and ready to bring the External Development community together like never before.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
October 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
📅 Mark your calendars now, #XDS2026 is set for September 7–11 at the Vancouver Convention Centre!
We’re heading back to one of the most iconic venues in North America—bigger, bolder, and ready to bring the External Development community together like never before.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
We’re heading back to one of the most iconic venues in North America—bigger, bolder, and ready to bring the External Development community together like never before.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Congratulations to Deborah Kirkham, CEO of Side, winner of the MCV/Develop Women in Games Award for Excellence in External Development presented by XDS!
A true trailblazer driving global growth, diversity, and safety in gaming. 🌟
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev #WomenInGames
A true trailblazer driving global growth, diversity, and safety in gaming. 🌟
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev #WomenInGames
September 25, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Congratulations to Deborah Kirkham, CEO of Side, winner of the MCV/Develop Women in Games Award for Excellence in External Development presented by XDS!
A true trailblazer driving global growth, diversity, and safety in gaming. 🌟
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev #WomenInGames
A true trailblazer driving global growth, diversity, and safety in gaming. 🌟
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev #WomenInGames
The Gary Awards presented by XDS Spark wrapped up #XDS2025 in style! 🎉
Congrats to Rory Madden of Joydrop Ltd, winner of Best Social Media Post! Capturing the XDS spirit from networking to playing Magic: The Gathering🏆
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Congrats to Rory Madden of Joydrop Ltd, winner of Best Social Media Post! Capturing the XDS spirit from networking to playing Magic: The Gathering🏆
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
September 19, 2025 at 4:03 PM
The Gary Awards presented by XDS Spark wrapped up #XDS2025 in style! 🎉
Congrats to Rory Madden of Joydrop Ltd, winner of Best Social Media Post! Capturing the XDS spirit from networking to playing Magic: The Gathering🏆
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Congrats to Rory Madden of Joydrop Ltd, winner of Best Social Media Post! Capturing the XDS spirit from networking to playing Magic: The Gathering🏆
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
What a week!
#XDS2025 was packed with inspiration, connection & business conversations that will shape the future of the External Development industry.
Huge thanks to our attendees, speakers & partners for making it unforgettable ❤️
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
#XDS2025 was packed with inspiration, connection & business conversations that will shape the future of the External Development industry.
Huge thanks to our attendees, speakers & partners for making it unforgettable ❤️
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
September 17, 2025 at 10:02 PM
What a week!
#XDS2025 was packed with inspiration, connection & business conversations that will shape the future of the External Development industry.
Huge thanks to our attendees, speakers & partners for making it unforgettable ❤️
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
#XDS2025 was packed with inspiration, connection & business conversations that will shape the future of the External Development industry.
Huge thanks to our attendees, speakers & partners for making it unforgettable ❤️
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Developers and Publishers, make sure you are signed up for the XDS newsletter so you don’t miss a beat! 💻
Stay ahead of the game with 2026 ticket sales, industry insights, fresh offers, the latest summit updates, and more!
📩 Sign up here: xdsummit.com/newsletter-s...
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Stay ahead of the game with 2026 ticket sales, industry insights, fresh offers, the latest summit updates, and more!
📩 Sign up here: xdsummit.com/newsletter-s...
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
September 11, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Developers and Publishers, make sure you are signed up for the XDS newsletter so you don’t miss a beat! 💻
Stay ahead of the game with 2026 ticket sales, industry insights, fresh offers, the latest summit updates, and more!
📩 Sign up here: xdsummit.com/newsletter-s...
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Stay ahead of the game with 2026 ticket sales, industry insights, fresh offers, the latest summit updates, and more!
📩 Sign up here: xdsummit.com/newsletter-s...
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
A massive thank you to everyone who joined us at #XDS2025! Your energy, ideas, and passion made this year truly unforgettable. ❤️
‼️Attendees, don't forget to share your feedback in the survey for a chance to win a complimentary #XDS2026 pass! 🙌
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
‼️Attendees, don't forget to share your feedback in the survey for a chance to win a complimentary #XDS2026 pass! 🙌
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
September 8, 2025 at 8:04 PM
A massive thank you to everyone who joined us at #XDS2025! Your energy, ideas, and passion made this year truly unforgettable. ❤️
‼️Attendees, don't forget to share your feedback in the survey for a chance to win a complimentary #XDS2026 pass! 🙌
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
‼️Attendees, don't forget to share your feedback in the survey for a chance to win a complimentary #XDS2026 pass! 🙌
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
And with that, #XDS2025 comes to a close. ❤️ Thank you all for such an amazing summit! We hope you had the best time cause we sure did.
We will see you next year back and better than ever at the Vancouver Convention Center!
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
We will see you next year back and better than ever at the Vancouver Convention Center!
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
September 6, 2025 at 4:17 AM
And with that, #XDS2025 comes to a close. ❤️ Thank you all for such an amazing summit! We hope you had the best time cause we sure did.
We will see you next year back and better than ever at the Vancouver Convention Center!
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
We will see you next year back and better than ever at the Vancouver Convention Center!
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
It’s the final countdown with Day 4 of #XDS2025 kicking off.
Let’s finish strong with the last round of Table Topics presented by Room 8 Group and Pitch Review Live.
Thanks for following along all week, and sharing your photos. We’ve loved seeing XDS through your eyes on social! ♥️
Let’s finish strong with the last round of Table Topics presented by Room 8 Group and Pitch Review Live.
Thanks for following along all week, and sharing your photos. We’ve loved seeing XDS through your eyes on social! ♥️
September 5, 2025 at 4:45 PM
It’s the final countdown with Day 4 of #XDS2025 kicking off.
Let’s finish strong with the last round of Table Topics presented by Room 8 Group and Pitch Review Live.
Thanks for following along all week, and sharing your photos. We’ve loved seeing XDS through your eyes on social! ♥️
Let’s finish strong with the last round of Table Topics presented by Room 8 Group and Pitch Review Live.
Thanks for following along all week, and sharing your photos. We’ve loved seeing XDS through your eyes on social! ♥️
It’s the final countdown with Day 4 of #XDS2025 kicking off.
Let’s finish strong with the last round of Table Topics presented by Room 8 Group and Pitch Review Live. We hope you all have had a great summit!
Thanks for following along all week and sharing your photos. ♥️
#ExternalDevelopment
Let’s finish strong with the last round of Table Topics presented by Room 8 Group and Pitch Review Live. We hope you all have had a great summit!
Thanks for following along all week and sharing your photos. ♥️
#ExternalDevelopment
September 5, 2025 at 4:03 PM
It’s the final countdown with Day 4 of #XDS2025 kicking off.
Let’s finish strong with the last round of Table Topics presented by Room 8 Group and Pitch Review Live. We hope you all have had a great summit!
Thanks for following along all week and sharing your photos. ♥️
#ExternalDevelopment
Let’s finish strong with the last round of Table Topics presented by Room 8 Group and Pitch Review Live. We hope you all have had a great summit!
Thanks for following along all week and sharing your photos. ♥️
#ExternalDevelopment
Day 2 of #XDS2025 is a wrap and we're not slowing down! Thursday brings our second keynote speaker, more sessions, and our Thursday Night Party presented by Global Step! 👋
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
September 4, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Day 2 of #XDS2025 is a wrap and we're not slowing down! Thursday brings our second keynote speaker, more sessions, and our Thursday Night Party presented by Global Step! 👋
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
We’re hitting our stride… Welcome to Day 3 of #XDS2025!
Today’s schedule is packed with more can’t-miss sessions and our second keynote speaker, Leanne Loombe. Dive into today’s daily schedule and make the most of your summit. 📅
And don't forget to tag us in your XDS adventures!
Today’s schedule is packed with more can’t-miss sessions and our second keynote speaker, Leanne Loombe. Dive into today’s daily schedule and make the most of your summit. 📅
And don't forget to tag us in your XDS adventures!
September 4, 2025 at 4:05 PM
We’re hitting our stride… Welcome to Day 3 of #XDS2025!
Today’s schedule is packed with more can’t-miss sessions and our second keynote speaker, Leanne Loombe. Dive into today’s daily schedule and make the most of your summit. 📅
And don't forget to tag us in your XDS adventures!
Today’s schedule is packed with more can’t-miss sessions and our second keynote speaker, Leanne Loombe. Dive into today’s daily schedule and make the most of your summit. 📅
And don't forget to tag us in your XDS adventures!
Swing by the Central Bar in The Hub, courtesy of Virtuos Games, grab your favourite drink, and spark a great conversation!
#XDS2025 #ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
#XDS2025 #ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
September 3, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Swing by the Central Bar in The Hub, courtesy of Virtuos Games, grab your favourite drink, and spark a great conversation!
#XDS2025 #ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
#XDS2025 #ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
ICYMI last night... XDS 2026 is coming home, we’re moving back to the Vancouver Convention Centre! 🌍
The same XDS spirit, now on a bigger stage: More space. Better flow. Iconic views. Sustainable by design. 🏔
#XDS2025 #ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
The same XDS spirit, now on a bigger stage: More space. Better flow. Iconic views. Sustainable by design. 🏔
#XDS2025 #ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
September 3, 2025 at 5:01 PM
ICYMI last night... XDS 2026 is coming home, we’re moving back to the Vancouver Convention Centre! 🌍
The same XDS spirit, now on a bigger stage: More space. Better flow. Iconic views. Sustainable by design. 🏔
#XDS2025 #ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
The same XDS spirit, now on a bigger stage: More space. Better flow. Iconic views. Sustainable by design. 🏔
#XDS2025 #ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Day 1 of #XDS2025 is officially in the books, and what an incredible kick-off! 🚀 We’re just getting started, and tomorrow we’ll dive right in with our first keynote of the week. See you there!
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
September 3, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Day 1 of #XDS2025 is officially in the books, and what an incredible kick-off! 🚀 We’re just getting started, and tomorrow we’ll dive right in with our first keynote of the week. See you there!
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
#GameDev #ExternalDevelopment
The energy is high for Day 2 of #XDS2025, and we’re just getting started.
Today’s highlights include a keynote from Amir Satvat of Tencent Games, a future-focused workshop with Sloane Earl of Layer, plus more panels on deck.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Today’s highlights include a keynote from Amir Satvat of Tencent Games, a future-focused workshop with Sloane Earl of Layer, plus more panels on deck.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
September 3, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The energy is high for Day 2 of #XDS2025, and we’re just getting started.
Today’s highlights include a keynote from Amir Satvat of Tencent Games, a future-focused workshop with Sloane Earl of Layer, plus more panels on deck.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev
Today’s highlights include a keynote from Amir Satvat of Tencent Games, a future-focused workshop with Sloane Earl of Layer, plus more panels on deck.
#ExternalDevelopment #GameDev