In today’s always-on, hyper-connected world of online gaming, community safety isn’t optional; it’s essential. At the heart of thriving player ecosystems lies a simple but powerful truth: safe spaces spark engagement, creativity, and trust. In this dynamic safety manual, Carlos Moreno, Strategy & Operations Associate Director, King (Activision Blizzard King), unpacks the real-world challenges and game-changing strategies that define community safety today.

From zero-tolerance toxicity policies to cross-cultural moderation challenges, Carlos shares hard-earned wisdom on what it takes to lead strong, healthy, and inclusive communities in gaming. This isn’t just about banning bad behaviour, it’s a practical guide to reshaping digital culture, empowering moderation teams, and building trust from the ground up. Whether you're on the front lines of community management or shaping studio-wide policy, this manual is your essential companion for creating safer, healthier online spaces.

Key Learnings and Takeaways:

• Zero-Tolerance Works: Immediate and decisive action against toxicity, especially repeat offenders, helps build long-term community health and trust.
• Consistency Builds Trust: When players see rules enforced fairly and predictably, confidence in the community and its managers grows.
• Inclusive Design Boosts Engagement: It’s not just about how much people talk, it’s about who is talking. Safer spaces bring in more diverse, valuable perspectives.
• Cultural Sensitivity Is Non-Negotiable: Global communities require local understanding. What works in one region can be offensive in another, context is everything.
• Moderation is Mental Health Work: Community managers and moderators need emotional support, not just tools. Protecting those behind the screens is just as important.
  

The gaming galaxy is vast, wild, and ever-changing. To survive the mission, and thrive, you’ll need more than sharp reflexes. You need vision, adaptability, and a crew you can count on.

In this instalment of the GQF 2025 Survival Guide, Tamara Tirjak, Senior Localisation Manager at Frontier Developments, charts a course through the high-pressure, high-reward world of game quality and localization. Drawing from decades of experience, Tamara shares battle-tested wisdom on navigating creative chaos, building inclusive experiences, and staying resilient in deep space.

Download this piece to learn more about:

⚡ Agility in Action: Why adaptability is your greatest weapon in an industry where innovation never sleeps.

🧠 Mental Health Matters: Tamara's strategies for avoiding burnout and staying grounded, because nobody should suffer in silence.

🫱🏽‍🫲🏾 The Power of the Crew: How strong mentorship and safe spaces can make all the difference when navigating the cosmic challenges of game dev.

🌍 Creating Universes for Everyone: Practical ways studios can build more inclusive games - starting with who’s in the room, and who’s playing the game.

🎮 Tools of the Trade: From universal translators to time-bending sidekicks, explore the creative metaphors that define localization excellence.

Whether you're just boarding the ship or you’ve been charting stars for years, this your essential guide for the journey ahead. 

In an industry that moves at lightning speed, Safe In Our World is the mental health charity fighting to ensure that no one is left behind. This special edition of the Survival Guide series is more than a collection of advice - it’s a mental health toolkit built for the realities of working in games.

Created by a charity dedicated to promoting global mental wellbeing in the industry, this guide combines lived experience with expert insight to shed light on the conversations that matter most. Whether you’re facing burnout, battling imposter syndrome, or simply navigating the pressures of an always-online world, this guide is a reminder: you are not alone.

Download now to learn more about:

🧠 Mental Health is Game Quality: Wellness isn’t a luxury - it’s the foundation of creative, sustainable work in games.

🎤 The Power of Self-Advocacy: Learn how to speak up, set healthy boundaries, and champion better practices for yourself and your team.

🌈 Representation That Resonates: Why games are stronger when built on lived experience, and how to embed true inclusivity into every narrative.

💪 The Ultimate Co-op Mode: Tips for sharing knowledge, preventing burnout, and creating support systems that actually work.

Created by the team at Safe In Our World, this guide is your ally in building a games industry where mental health is understood, supported, and prioritised. Thriving shouldn’t be the exception, it should be the norm.

Download this Survival Guide now and take your first step toward a safer, more sustainable future in games. 💙🕹️

Learn more about Safe In Our World here - www.safeinourworld.org

The global gaming landscape is expanding fast, but with every new market comes new cultural challenges. Missteps in localization can derail player trust, spark controversy, and cost millions. Enter Denis Ivanov, Project Manager at Belka Games, who launched a bold internal mission: to embed an AI-powered Culturalization Assistant directly into the team’s Slack workflows. The goal? Deliver real-time, culturally-aware guidance to developers and content teams and transform how localization is done at scale.

This isn’t just automation. It’s a game-changing strategy for making global content that resonates.

Inside the Mission Report:

🧠 Built for cultural insight: An AI assistant trained on 95+ internal articles, delivering instant, reference-backed answers right in Slack

🛠️ Behind the scenes: Real talk on the buildout: tech hurdles, fine-tuning, and how the team kept trust and accuracy front and center

📈 Measured impact: Fewer localization bugs, faster turnaround times, and smarter, more inclusive decision-making across teams

🚀 The future of game localization is already here - download now so you don’t get left behind!

The gaming industry is a high-speed adventure, where technology, creativity, and player expectations evolve faster than ever. To thrive, you need more than just technical know-how, you need adaptability, collaboration, and a deep understanding of what makes games unforgettable.

In the fifth instalment of our Survival Guide series, Julia Figueroa, Localization Director at Sound in Words, shares expert insights on navigating game quality, localization, and the future of player experience.

Download this guide to discover:

✨ Mastering Adaptability: Why flexibility is the key to success in an ever-changing industry.

🤝 The Power of Teamwork: How strong collaboration fuels innovation and better games.

⚡ Staying Resilient Under Pressure: Strategies to prevent burnout and maintain creativity.

🌍 Building Inclusive, Accessible Worlds: Why representation and accessibility should be at the heart of game design.

💡 Unlocking Career Growth: How networking and mentorship open doors to new opportunities.

This is your roadmap to success in game quality and localization. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, these insights will help you level up and make a lasting impact in the gaming universe! 🚀

The gaming industry is a vast, ever-evolving universe, where innovation, technology, and player expectations are shifting at warp speed. To stay ahead, you need more than just technical skills, you need resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of what makes games truly exceptional.

Our content bundle contains the interviews from Marina Ilari (CEO, Terra Localizations), Damien Peter (QA Manager, Trailmix Games), Estelle Bailly (Career Coach, Games Localization Expert, Coaching With Estelle), and Kaley Hurst (Chief Revenue Officer, Side Inc), sharing game-changing insights to empower you to navigate challenges, innovate, and excel in the gaming industry.

Get ready to level up!🚀🎮

The gaming industry is a vast, ever-evolving universe, where innovation, technology, and player expectations are shifting at warp speed. To stay ahead, you need more than just technical skills, you need resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of what makes games truly exceptional.

In the fourth instalment of our Survival Guide series, Marina Ilari, CEO of Terra Localizations shares her expert insights into navigating the challenges of game quality, localization, and industry success.

Download this piece to learn more about:

✨ The Power of Passion & Perseverance: Why these twin forces are essential for long-term success in gaming.

🌍 How to Build Inclusive Worlds: How diversity in development leads to richer, more immersive experiences.

💡 The Importance of Strategic Networking & Mentorship: Unlocking career opportunities through industry connections.

This is your ultimate roadmap to excelling in game quality and localization. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just launching your career, these insights will equip you with the tools to thrive in this ever-expanding digital galaxy!

As the gaming industry rockets forward with technological advancements, AI breakthroughs, and shifting player expectations, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the tools to thrive.

Kaley Hurst, Chief Revenue Officer at Side Inc., shares their essential survival guide for navigating the challenges of game development. From emotional intelligence and mentorship to mental health and inclusion, this guide will help you conquer the unknown, avoid burnout, and build a future-ready career in gaming.

Download to learn more about how:

🧠 Emotional Intelligence is a Game-Changer: Success in gaming isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about understanding people. Strong emotional intelligence helps you navigate high-pressure situations, build strong relationships, and foster collaboration.

💡 Inclusion Starts with Representation: Creating non-gendered characters and diverse customisation options makes games more inclusive, ensuring all players feel seen and valued.

🌍 Mental Health Must Be a Priority: Avoiding burnout requires intentional self-care. From daily movement to setting boundaries, finding balance is essential for long-term success in gaming.

🚀 Ready to level up your game industry survival skills? Download this guide and equip yourself with the ultimate tools to thrive, because in the ever-expanding universe of gaming, only the best explorers make it to the next level!✨

As the gaming industry hurtles through an ever-expanding galaxy filled with cutting-edge technology, AI advancements, and platform revolutions, it’s more important than ever to equip yourself with the skills, strategies, and insights to thrive in this dynamic world.

In the second instalment of our Advisory Board interview series, Estelle Bailly, Career Coach and Games Localization Expert, shares her invaluable guide to surviving and succeeding in the fast-paced world of game development. From the adaptability needed to keep up with rapid industry changes, to the importance of mental resilience and self-care to avoid burnout, Estelle’s star map will help you steer through the black holes of stress and uncertainty.

Download to learn more about:

🚀 Inclusion Through Customisation: Customisable characters that reflect diverse identities help make games more inclusive and allow players to feel represented.

🧠 Focus on Mental Health: Supporting mental health in the gaming industry, through initiatives like Safe in Our World, helps create a safer, more inclusive community.

🌟 Mentorship is Essential: Finding the right mentors and learning to collaborate with others is important, as no one has all the answers in the fast-paced gaming world.

Get ready to embrace the challenges, prioritise your well-being, and discover the tools and strategies you need to navigate the future of gaming with confidence. Your adventure begins now!

Welcome, cosmic explorers of the gaming universe! The Game Quality Forum 2025 is your command centre for mastering the vast expanse of QA, localization, and player experience. As the gaming industry hurtles through an ever-expanding galaxy of technology, AI advancements, and platform revolutions, it’s time to equip yourself with the ultimate survival guide.

Advisory Board member Damien Peter, QA Manager, Trailmix Games shares his star map for thriving in the deep space of game development. From adaptability to inclusion, from mental resilience to futuristic tools, this guide will help you conquer the black holes of burnout and plot a course toward success.

Download to learn more about:

🚀 How adaptability can make or break your game industry journey: With ever-evolving technology, business models, and player expectations, staying flexible is the key to survival.

🌠 The power of mentorship and collaboration in levelling up your career: No one succeeds alone! Discover how industry relationships can accelerate your growth and open new doors.

🎮 Why inclusion and representation should be at the heart of game development: Authentic, player-first experiences start with diverse teams and thoughtful design choices.

Present your boss with this customizable letter detailing the reasons why you should attend Game Quality Forum 2025 (24th -26th, June), in Lisbon. Just download the letter template below, edit as needed, and submit! We hope to welcome you there!

There was so much to name and highlight during the Game Quality Forum 2024 - the only event to bring together Quality Assurance (QA), Localisation and Player Community professionals in one unique forum, and we are very proud to bring all of these together in this year's post-show report, as the global gaming community moves towards immersive, faultless, and accessible experience for their players!

Read more and discover:

• Who attended
• The key sessions & takeaways
• Event highlights
• Our 2024 speakers
• What our attendees had to say
• Our 2024 sponsors
• What's up next for GQF!

Download the full post-show report here >>>

Curious about the gaming gurus gathering for Game Quality Forum 2025? Dive into our sample attendee list and discover the stellar line-up of industry pros who are joining us this year!

AI has quite literally been a game changer for the gaming industry. Developers are benefitting from AI technologies before the games are released into markets across the globe, and once games are being played, AI is playing an increasing role in community management and support. This report focusses on the transformative impact of AI on three key functions within game development: Quality Assurance, Localization and Player Community and Support.

Download this report to learn more about:

• The utilisation of AI technologies in game development, from revolutionising processes and enhancing efficiency.
• The evolution and integration of AI through case studies from Europe, North America and APAC.
• The regulations governing AI integration across different regions.

Through comprehensive analysis and case studies, this report explores the ever-evolving landscape of the post-game development cycle, each function's interaction with AI and how it is shaping its present and future trajectories. 

The number of gamers worldwide is projected to reach 3.3 billion by 2027 (Statista). This has created unprecedented transformations for the industry, specifically for those in the post-game development cycle. The industry is in a constant state of change comprising of gaming habits, consumer trends and the integration of artificial intelligence which are all creating seismic shifts within three key functions: Quality Assurance, Localization and Player Community and Support. 

In this exclusive interview with Evgeny Kolev, Quality Assurance (QA) Manager at SEGA Sofia, he shares his unique insights into the evolving landscape of quality assurance practices.

Download this interview to learn more about:

• The increasing integration of artificial intelligence and automation technologies.
• The significance of effective communication and collaboration between teams.
• The challenges and opportunities ahead as the industry continues to innovate and adapt to changing technological and consumer demands.
  

This interview provides first-hand insights into how those in Quality Assurance are not just adapting to change but staying ahead of the curve to build their voice, bring back actionable change and include their contributions throughout the game development journey.

The number of gamers worldwide is projected to reach 3.3 billion by 2027 (Statista). This has created unprecedented transformations for the industry, specifically for those in the post-game development cycle. The industry is in a constant state of change comprising of gaming habits, consumer trends and the integration of artificial intelligence which are all creating seismic shifts within three key functions: Quality Assurance, Localization and Player Community and Support. 

In this exclusive interview with Katerina Florinskaya, Head of Localization, Strikerz, she shares his unique insights into the evolving landscape of localization practices.

Download this interview to learn more about:

• The potential benefits and limitations of AI, particularly in maintaining the human element crucial for accurate interpretation across cultures.
• The need for quick responses from Localization teams and the challenges and opportunities in areas such as market segmentation.
• The evolving market dynamics in the industry, including potential segmentation and the implications for both lower-cost and premium tiers.

This interview provides first-hand insights into how those in Localization are not just adapting to change but staying ahead of the curve.

The number of gamers worldwide is projected to reach 3.3 billion by 2027 (Statista). This has created unprecedented transformations for the industry, specifically for those in the post-game development cycle. The industry is in a constant state of change comprising of gaming habits, consumer trends and the integration of artificial intelligence which are all creating seismic shifts within three key functions: Quality Assurance, Localization and Player Community and Support. To gain insights into these developments, we interviewed three key personas in the post-game development cycle.

In this exclusive interview Jana Csanyi, Community Management Lead, Pixel Federation, she shares his unique insights into the evolving landscape player community and support practices.

Download this interview to learn more about:

• Trends in Player Community and Support: learn about the evolving demands of players for personalised assistance and the role of AI technologies.
• User Experience: explore how accessibility considerations and innovation intersect in the quest to deliver high-quality gaming experiences.
• Maintaining Work-Life Balance: discover effective strategies for promoting well-being and productivity.

This interview provides first-hand insights into how those in Player Community and Support are not just adapting to change but staying ahead of the curve to build their voice, create actionable change and ultimately enhance every player’s gaming experience.

Developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications in gaming have led to less reliance on manual input, changing the way that games are developed. Studios must now decide when and where it makes the most sense to use AI/ML. They need to consider whether it would be easier and better financially for a human to manually complete a low level and repetitive task, which could result in longer project leads and employee disengagement. Or whether it would be best for AI/ML to do this task, leaving humans more time to focus on tasks which require their input for nuanced decision-making.

As the gaming industry tries to find this “sweet spot” between AI/ML and human input, we provide insights from David King, Director of Technology at Electronic Arts (EA) and Adrian Maroiu, Automation Architect at DICE, about how they balance AI/ML and human input. This commentary will provide exclusive insights to help you achieve maximum value, ROI and employee satisfaction.

Read more to discover:

• What is the ‘sweet spot’ and why is it important?
• The challenges of finding the ‘sweet spot'
• Top approaches to finding the ‘sweet spot’
  

Download the full report here >>>

Dive into the insights of a compelling past presentation featuring Neil Alex Long, Tarek Nijmeh, Maxim Mizin & Victor Alonso Lion, at PTW! This session, held at GQF 2023, explores the profound impact of Automation and AI across Localization, QA, and Player Support.

Uncover the benefits gained from cutting-edge technologies and the challenges faced by the gaming industry. The panel shares their experiences and recent use cases, providing valuable perspectives on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of gaming.

Although the session has concluded, the knowledge shared remains relevant. Explore the strategies discussed to prepare for the future and discover where to begin in adopting these transformative technologies.

Dive into Estelle Bailly's insightful session where she unveils strategies to conquer imposter syndrome. This downloadable session from our 2023 event provides in-depth insights and valuable tips, offering a roadmap for creating a workplace where teammates feel not just welcome, but truly empowered and safe.

Explore the secrets of personal growth and discover practical approaches to foster a thriving professional environment. Embark on a journey towards building a workplace culture that inspires confidence and collective success!

Delve into the realm of player feedback with Sara Supply, Director of Operations, and Jo Scott, Player Support Manager, from Small Giant Games, in this insightful past presentation. Having explored the psychology of feedback, the duo sheds light on practical strategies to protect your company and team from the negative aspects of player input.

Reflect on the reasons behind our reactions to negative feedback, understand the motives of different complainer groups, and learn the inherent benefits within negative feedback. Gain insights into de-escalation techniques, the handling of both direct and indirect feedback, and discover tools for preventative care that extend beyond the Player Support team.

Equip your team with valuable insights gained from real-world experiences and navigate the feedback landscape with confidence!

Player experience and player community are essential parts of the game quality lifecycle that can contribute to the success and longevity of a video game. A positive player experience enhances player retention and satisfaction, leading to a more engaged player base. This increased engagement can result in higher revenue, positive word-of-mouth advertising, and a larger player community. In addition, a thriving player community creates a sense of belonging and encourages players to stay engaged with the video game. Players who feel connected to the community are also more likely to remain loyal and invested in the game over an extended period. A strong community can also generate a buzz around a game and attract new players. Furthermore, the community provides valuable feedback that can be used to improve the game, enhancing the overall player experience. 

Ahead of this year’s Game Quality Forum, we explore the top gaming statistics and how studios can improve player experience and build a stronger player community, to deliver a next-generation gaming experience. 

Download the full report here! >>>

With ‘quiet quitting’ becoming more prominent and outsourcing on the rise, it has never been more important for the gaming industry to successfully navigate these changes, to avoid high staff turnover, employee burnout and loss of company identity.

Ahead of the upcoming Game Quality Forum Global 2023, we were joined by Cheryl Platz, Director of User Experience, Player Platform, Riot Games and Mike Kim, Localisation Director, Kong Studios, Inc., as they share their experience navigating the industry’s shift to outsourcing and the changing employee environment. In this interview Cheryl and Mike, explore top solutions, key success metrics and future goals, to help you remain competitive in the market, retain your workforce and improve employee satisfaction.

Read more to discover:

• How the shifting employee environment and the move to outsourcing is affecting Riot Games and Kong Studios Inc.
• The greatest challenges with the shift to outsourcing and the changing employee environment, and the solutions utilised to navigate these challenges
• The KPIs used to measure the impact of these solutions
• Predictions for outsourcing and the employee environment in the future

Download the full interview here! >>>

Download our brand new 2022 Post Show Report to view:

🎮 All the highlights of the events including the matching t-shirts, on-site competitions, afternoon session stretches, Women in Gaming lunch and much more!

🎮 The key interactive discussions and takeaways from industry leaders on how to drive up game quality and build a user experience that is nothing less than exceptional

🎮 Audience Overview: see what companies attended, how many attended and their seniority - who might you get the chance to connect with next year?

🎮 Testimonials and more! 

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Amsterdam and we hope to see you again in 2023! 👾 p.s. try to find yourself in the pictures! 

The need for more diversity and inclusion within games is becoming more apparent in today’s climate, with many game avatars and storylines not being tailored towards minority groups, resulting in a lack of new user engagement and retention. This is also a work in progress for the games industry itself, with insufficient representation of minority groups in leading roles. Change is more important now than ever before, to appeal to wider markets, encourage and retain new users, and improve company cultures across the entire industry.

Ahead of this year’s Game Quality Forum, we spoke exclusively to Chelsea Curran Adams, Director of Quality Assurance for Fortnite at Epic Games, about the level of diversity in the games industry, the challenges and benefits of more diverse games, and initiatives for driving change within gaming.

Download the full interview now >>>

Ahead of this year’s Global Game Quality Forum, this comprehensive industry report will provide you with the unique opportunity to explore the current state of AI, automation and ML solutions in the gaming industry.

It will also delve into the impact of the pandemic, the challenges, drivers and strategies for successfully implementing these technologies, plus commentary from David King, Director of Technology at Electronic Arts (EA), where he provides his key insights on our industry results for this year.

Download the full report now >>>

Additional benefits to downloading this report:

• Discover the proportion of companies who are implementing AI, automation and ML solutions
• How much companies prioritise implementing AI, automation and ML solutions
  
• Learn about the maturity of AI, automation and ML solutions in the gaming industry
• Find out how these technologies will affect company operations in the years to come
  

The need for more diversity and inclusion within the games industry is becoming more apparent in today’s climate with the insufficient representation of minority groups in leading roles. Thus, change is more important now than ever before, to attract, retain and improve company cultures across the entire industry.

Ahead of this year’s Global Game Quality Forum, this infographic includes key insights from the Ukie Diversity Consensus Report 2022 on the current state of the games industry workforce, highlighting areas such as age, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and mental health, to help you drive change and improve diversity and inclusion in the games industry. 

Download the full infographic now >>>

View the Game Quality Forum Global 2025 Sponsorship & Networking Prospectus, and explore:

• Confirmed Speaker Line-up
• Previous Attendee Organisations
• Sponsor & Networking Opportunities
• Producer's welcome Intro
• Solutions & topics of interest

View the Player Community & Support Forum 2025 Sponsorship & Networking Prospectus, and explore:

• Confirmed Speaker Line-up
• Previous Attendee Organisations
• Sponsor & Networking Opportunities
• Producer's welcome Intro
• Solutions & topics of interest
  

View the Game Quality Forum 2024 Attendee Snapshot, and explore:

• 2024 Attendee Organisations
• 2024 Attendee Job Titles