What the Hell is Endix, Anyway…

What the Hell is Endix, Anyway…

…and above all, why does it deserve public attention?

Endix Indie Showcase is just opening its virtual doors and the atmosphere is like walking into a brand new arcade. Everything catches your eye, everything is new, colourful and full of potential. Endix is not a classic gaming fair. It's an interactive digital exhibition, a virtual space built in Unreal Engine, which allows you to enter as an avatar and explore stands, games, demos and presentations as if you were walking into a real hall. The difference is that everything happens from your PC, from the comfort of your home.

The event attracts both indie studios and large publishers, which creates an interesting combination of experimental games and solid productions with AAA pedigree. All you have to do is log in and let yourself be carried through the exhibition. Simple, pleasant and surprisingly efficient.

Why is Endix special?

Endix focuses on accessibility. Anyone can participate, regardless of budget or location. No expensive tickets, no long journeys, no queues. Just curiosity, an internet connection and the desire to discover new games. The exhibition is designed to be a community place: you talk to other visitors, discuss with developers, discover small studios that are brave enough to go out into the world and present their games.

Interactivity is what makes the experience come alive. You can test demos directly from the stands, ask questions, participate in small events and special activations. It's a mix of socialising, exploration and gaming, something many physical conventions fail to deliver as naturally.

THQ Nordic comes in strong, with big names

Among the big exhibitors, THQ Nordic immediately catches the eye. Their stand is easy to spot, has heavy traffic and displays a collection of games highly anticipated by the community. Among the titles present are Gothic 1 Remake, Titan Quest II, Wreckfest 2, as well as REANIMAL, an interesting new project full of personality.

THQ takes full advantage of the digital format. It has activations, mini-games, strong visual presentations and an atmosphere of "come and discover something cool". Their stand also includes a small hunt for hidden elements, and participants can win Steam keys if they find all the logos "hidden" in the space. It's a kind of virtual treasure hunt that keeps your attention and sparks your competitive spirit.

THQ feels like a magnet for the public. Hardcore gamers come for the big games, nostalgic ones come for remakes, others for new releases. Everyone finds something familiar or something new to spark their interest.

The indie zone and the joy of seeing industry friends again

Even if big publishers attract attention, the true heart of Endix is the indie zone, where small studios show their soul, passion and creativity. Here are games that might not otherwise reach a wide audience, but at Endix they are seen, played, discussed and appreciated.

For me, one of the best parts of the exhibition is the presence of friends from ArtDock. Their studio appears with two titles very different in tone and gameplay, but equal in passion and quality: Pao Pao and Lootbound.

Pao Pao is the kind of game that instantly brings a smile to your face. It has a friendly visual style, a warm atmosphere and accessible gameplay. It's a cosy game, suitable for those who want a relaxed experience. You walk around, cook, explore and discover small details that build a pleasant and welcoming world.

At the opposite pole, Lootbound is for those who love challenges. It's a tactical roguelite, with strategic battles, resource management and a pixel art visual style that inspires mystery. It's the kind of game where you lose an hour without even realising it. The way it combines exploration with combat and loot gives you a constant sense of progress and discovery.

ArtDock manages to be very versatile and creative, and their presence at Endix confirms that they have an important say in the international indie scene.

Among the titles already circulating in gamer discussions is Hawthorn, a game with a cosy fantasy vibe, populated by anthropomorphic creatures, lots of crafting, farming and a warm natural atmosphere.

Hawthorn is part of the official Endix selection and even has its own digital booth, where visitors can explore the concept, test content and chat with the developers. It's the kind of project that attracts both fans of relaxing games and those interested in carefully crafted worlds, so its presence in the exhibition is more than welcome. I would know, because among other things I received a Steam code to test the game. Thank you, NEARstudios for the opportunity!

Why is Endix worth visiting right now?

The exhibition is open, active and full of life. If you go in now, you'll find:

• Fresh demos, lots of titles;
• Networking opportunities;
• Indie games you can emotionally invest in;
• Solid presentations from major publishers;
• Mini-events, competitions and giveaways.

Besides that, Endix feels very personal. When you talk to an indie developer, you feel pure passion. When you test an unknown game and discover something brilliant, you feel like you've found a hidden treasure. When you explore random stands, you get the feeling of a digital bazaar where every corner hides a story.

Endix creates common ground where everyone benefits. For creators, the exhibition functions as a networking hub where you can talk directly with players, other developers or interested publishers. Feedback is immediate and honest, and spontaneous discussions can lead to collaborations, extended testing or long-term partnerships.

For journalists like me, Endix is a goldmine. You get quick access to information, direct presentations, discussions with the teams behind the projects and relevant media materials, all without the chaos and costs of a physical event.

Exhibitors perhaps have the most to gain. Participation costs are much friendlier than at classic conventions, there are no logistical or transport fees, and the visibility they receive in the digital environment is amplified by the constantly connected community. Basically, Endix creates a market where talent, ideas and stories compete directly, without impossible financial barriers.

A digital event that's truly worth your time

Endix Indie Showcase is more than an exhibition. It is a meeting between creators and players, it is a laboratory of ideas, it is a hub of passion. If you are a gamer, if you are curious, if you love indies, if you want new experiences, then Endix deserves all your attention.

Congratulations to the organisers for the energy, creativity and vision behind this event. Special thanks to Nikos Perifanis and Theofanis Gavriilidis for the invitations and guidance provided in the event preview. Without them, the experience would not have been as useful, and certainly not as memorable.

I can't wait to see what the organisers have in store for us next year!