Burgas, June 25 – The Bulgarian seaside city of Burgas is set to become the epicenter of gaming innovation, creativity, and culture as it prepares to host the first-ever Black Sea Game Summit on June 27 and 28.
This groundbreaking two-day event will unite video and board game creators, developers, artists, designers, cosplayers, streamers, musicians, publishers, and thousands of gaming enthusiasts in what promises to be a vibrant celebration of the gaming industry and its potential in Bulgaria and the wider region.
Organized by CreaTech Bulgaria, the country’s first creative industries cluster, in partnership with the Municipality of Burgas, the summit is part of a broader strategic vision to position Burgas as a regional hub for creative industries.
It also supports the city’s bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2032, highlighting how gaming, art, and technology intersect in modern culture.
With a rich and diverse program spanning two full days, the Black Sea Game Summit is designed to appeal to industry professionals, aspiring developers, and the general public alike.
From a major international game development conference and an indie games showcase to cosplay competitions and live video game music performances, the summit aims to spotlight Bulgaria’s emerging role on the global gaming map.
A Global Stage for the Gaming Industry
At the heart of the summit is an international conference featuring over 20 speakers from more than 15 countries, including notable figures from leading European game development associations, studios, and companies.
The lecture program will explore a wide array of topics—from evolving business models and industry policies, to the impact of new technologies, education, and artistic expression in gaming.
“This is an incredible opportunity for the Bulgarian gaming community to gain insights directly from international experts and forge connections with studios, publishers, and fellow creators,” said a representative of CreaTech Bulgaria. “Burgas is showing it can be a beacon for the creative industries in Southeast Europe.”
A Platform for Indie Developers and New Talent
One of the most exciting aspects of the summit is the exhibition area, which will feature booths from game studios, technology companies, and independent creators.
A dedicated indie corner will give young and up-and-coming developers a chance to display their original projects, interact directly with attendees, and receive feedback.
For the first time, many of these games will be playable by the public, offering an exclusive preview into what could be the next big hits in indie gaming.
This participatory space aims to foster collaboration and dialogue between creators and gamers, promoting innovation and creativity through direct community engagement.
Music from Virtual Worlds: A Live Concert Experience
A highlight of the entertainment lineup will be the live concert performance by Maria Anastasova (also known as Melethiel) and Ivayla Todorova (Azira), performing under the name Duet Verya.
The duo will enchant audiences with musical interpretations from fantasy video games and films, blending ethereal vocals and harp melodies to create an immersive sonic journey through the realms of magic, battles, and legends.
Anastasova, renowned for her vocal contributions to Baldur’s Gate 3—including the acclaimed songs “Down by the River” and “Raphael’s Final Act”—is a BAFTA award winner for best music.
Todorova, a young harpist and laureate of numerous international competitions, has performed across prestigious European stages.
Their concert is expected to be one of the most memorable moments of the summit, fusing classical performance with contemporary digital fantasy.
Cosplay, Board Games, and Fan Meetups
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere will be a cosplay competition organized by Honest Cosplay, which is expected to draw some of the best costume designers and performers in Bulgaria.
An authoritative panel of judges will evaluate participants in an on-stage show full of character, color, and creativity. Cosplayers will bring to life fan-favorite figures from video games, anime, comics, and beyond.
For those who prefer analogue adventures, the board game zone, hosted by Board Game Club Aurora – Burgas, will offer endless entertainment for attendees of all ages.
From intense strategic matchups reminiscent of Heroes III to family-friendly games like Carcassonne, the board game zone promises a rich experience for seasoned players and newcomers alike.
Fans will also have the chance to meet Vasil Kalinchev, popularly known as xXShadowHexXx, one of Bulgaria’s most followed game influencers.
His meet-and-greet session is expected to draw large crowds, particularly from the younger gaming audience who follow his content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members