San Francisco became a meeting point of creativity, culture, and purpose on March 10–11 as it hosted the first-ever in-person Ukrainian Games Festival. Held alongside the globally renowned Game Developers Conference (GDC), the event marked a major milestone for Ukraine’s gaming industry, presenting it not just as a collection of studios, but as a unified and dynamic creative sector.
Organized by PR and publishing agency Palaye, Ukrainian Games, the Leleka Foundation, and the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco, the festival welcomed more than 800 attendees over two days. Visitors had the opportunity to play 10 games from independent Ukrainian developers, showcasing a wide range of styles, genres, and creative voices. For many, it was a first glimpse into the depth and diversity of Ukraine’s game development scene.
Beyond gameplay, the festival offered panel discussions featuring representatives from GSC Game World, Burny Games, and ID@Xbox. These sessions explored the realities of developing games in challenging circumstances, while also highlighting the resilience and global ambitions of Ukrainian creators.
The event also emphasized cultural connection. Guests sampled traditional Ukrainian borscht and engaged directly with developers, turning the festival into a more personal and immersive experience. This blend of gaming and culture helped foster a deeper understanding of Ukraine beyond headlines.
“The need for medical supplies at the front lines remains critical. This event is a clear example of government, private companies, and NGOs working together toward a common goal: saving lives.”
Svitlana Kostylova (co-founder of Leleka Foundation and event organizer)
Importantly, the festival carried a humanitarian mission. Through a charity auction and related activities, organizers raised $9,600 for the Leleka Foundation. These funds will provide 10 tactical medical backpacks for frontline medics, underscoring how creative industries can contribute to real-world impact.
Speakers at the event highlighted its broader significance. It represented a step forward in positioning Ukraine as a modern, high-tech nation with a strong creative economy. Organizers also emphasized their commitment to continuing this initiative and sharing Ukrainian games with global audiences.
Building on previous online and pop-up editions, the San Francisco festival signals a new phase for Ukrainian Games as it expands internationally. More than just a showcase, it demonstrated how games can connect people, tell meaningful stories, and support important causes—all at once.
Ukrainian Games Festival Participating Games
- Tukoni: Forest Keepers (Dream Operator)
- STONKS‑9800 (Ternox Games)
- Hollow Home (Twigames)
- Back to Hearth (Podoba Interactive)
- Becastled (Mana Potion Games)
- DDoD (The Future Entertainment Company)
- Floralis (SolidCore Games)
- Warfactory (Terykon Games)
- Jitter (Berko Games)
- Titan Chaser (Stas Shostak)
Ukrainian Games Festival Links
Ukrainian Games brings together Ukrainian developers and helps Ukrainian games reach a global audience. https://ukrainian.games/en
Leleka Foundation
The Leleka Foundation organization was founded in December 2014, when Ukrainians in the United States joined forces with volunteer initiatives in Ukraine to provide medical and first-aid supplies to paramedics, ambulances, and hospitals.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, they have focused on urgently delivering critical medical supplies to Ukrainian frontline medics. Since 2014, we have raised more than $13 million, funding over 15,000 medical backpacks, more than 50 casualty evacuation vehicles, over 190 anti-drone systems that protect evacuation efforts, and tens of thousands of other medical supplies.
They are currently raising $100,000 to deliver 100 more medical backpacks, our most requested item, enough to help save 1,000 lives. https://www.leleka.care/
