PR and influencer marketing platform PressEngine is launching The Pre-Show, an in-person event that puts developers directly in front of media and content creators.
The first event will take place in London on Thursday, November 26 and preview games launching in the next 12 months. PressEngine says more than 150 specialist and mainstream journalists and content creators will attend.
PressEngine is offering the event as an alternative to all-digital showcases, which it believes have reduced hands-on time with games and clustered coverage around seasonal festivals.
“Our industry has become too reliant on digital broadcasts and remote previews, which ultimately reduce authentic engagement for both creators and journalists,” said PressEngine co-founder Gareth Williams.
“Digital streams cannot replace the spark of sitting side-by-side with a developer, playing a build, and building rapport and relationships.”
Williams added that every game at the event will be given “equal exposure.”
Exhibitors get a ready-made setup and only need to “just bring the game,” according to PressEngine, but developers should note that spaces are limited.
Guillotine is handling content creators, Renaissance PR is managing media, and Odd Squad Events is running the event itself.