Bridging the Gap: Join us for the Games & Education Industry Collider!
After a brief hiatus, we are thrilled to announce that the WILA Games & Education Industry Collider is happening next week! Originally set for last November, this highly anticipated gathering is now taking place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the iconic Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center.
Whether you are a developer looking to break into the EdTech space, a veteran designer curious about how your mechanics translate to learning, or an educator seeking the next big tool for your classroom, this event is built for you!
What Makes a Game “Classroom Ready”?
This year’s theme dives deep into the bridge between entertainment and pedagogy. We aren’t just talking about “edutainment”, we’re exploring how the best in game design can meet the rigorous, fast-paced needs of modern education.
An Unmissable Lineup
We are incredibly honored to host a Fireside Chat with Kim Swift. Known as the creator of Portal and a pioneer in environmental storytelling and innovative mechanics, Kim’s insights into design are legendary. We’ll be discussing how the “Aha!” moments of game design can be harnessed to create powerful learning experiences.
The evening also includes:
- Industry & Educator Panel: A curated discussion featuring voices from local game studios and the frontlines of the classroom, debating the realities of implementing games in schools.
- Speakers include Zach Barth, Marisa Erven, Becky Keene and Trevor Wood.
- Expo Floor: Get hands-on with live game and product demos. See what your peers are building and get immediate feedback.
- Roundtable Discussions: Dive into specific topics in smaller, moderated groups to solve problems and share resources.
- Structured Networking: No awkward standing in corners! We’re facilitating connections to ensure developers and educators actually meet the people they need to know.
The Details
Best of all? Thanks to our sponsors foundry10, this event is free to attend, and we’re providing dinner and soft drinks to keep you fueled throughout the night.
- When: Thursday, February 26, 2026
- Where: Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center (201 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109)
- Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Check-in starts at 5:30 PM)
- Cost: FREE!
RSVP Today
Space at the Cornish Playhouse is limited, and given the excitement around our keynote speaker and the reschedule, we expect tickets to go fast. Don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of how we play and learn in the Pacific Northwest.
We can’t wait to see the Seattle Indies community represented in force. Let’s show the education world what our local developers can do!
Relive the fun of the 2024 event