Dubai Esports and Games Festival shapes games future

Observer

14-05-2025

MUSCAT: The fourth edition of Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF 2025) concluded after 17 days of the great excitement and thrill at Dubai World Trade Centre. The world event, organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), had launched the first edition in 2022. The DEF 2025 Festival sets out to shape emerging trends in both the regional and global gaming landscape, further strengthening Dubai's standing as a premier destination for esports, immersive digital entertainment, and cutting-edge innovation. This year's edition presented a dynamic lineup of events, including the vibrant GameExpo, high-stake esports tournaments, and influencer-led challenges. In addition, the GameExpo Summit offered a platform for industry leaders to exchange ideas and foster partnerships through its thought-provoking conference sessions and strategic B2B networking opportunities, drawing participation from companies around the globe. The festival attracted thousands of participants and spectators from across the region, offering a range of ticketing options to ensure accessibility for all, the tickets starting from AED 29 for students and AED 44 for adults for single-day access. The event featured dozens of esports tournaments and interactive challenges, with total prizes exceeding AED 500,000.
Cosplayers strike a pose
Brass Monkey gaming centre
The games at House of Hype
One of the most thrilling and popular games at the festival was Pac-Man which is a life-sized recreation of the iconic arcade game, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge interactive technology. Already a hit in Manchester, this immersive experience invites players to journey through a glowing digital maze, complete with stunning projections, pulse-pounding challenges, and surprise encounters around every corner.
Brass Monkey at City Walk stands out as a vibrant entertainment hub, offering a wide selection of classic and modern games. With 12 bowling lanes, auto-scoring darts, billiards and a variety of retro arcade games, it provides a dynamic space where visitors can enjoy interactive and nostalgic gameplay in a lively setting. As part of the accompanying experiences during DEF 2025, House of Hype offered visitors an expansive interactive playground filled with over 100 immersive gaming and digital adventures. Located in the heart of Dubai Mall, the space featured virtual challenges, sensory environments, and unexpected interactive elements, making it a standout destination for gamers and thrill-seekers exploring the festival's broader scope.
Bowling game at Brass Monkey
DEF 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre
Testing a car racing game
INDOOR VIRTUAL REALITY ZONE
On the other hand, the world's biggest indoor virtual reality zone, VR Park, has now evolved into Play DXB. Located in Dubai Mall (with a second location now at Dubai Hills Mall), Play DXB offers more diverse entertainment with plenty of options that toddlers, teens and the young at heart can enjoy. This is the place to be for hours of non-stop fun and to test out your skills in fun competitive sessions with friends. Discover more than 30 game-changing adventures across a range of immersive and educational 'journeys'. Reminisce about the good old days on a classic carousel ride with the kids, or see if you can conquer the top scores at the arcade games. While the little ones have a ball at the inflatable playground and trampolines, you can don an Oculus gaming headset, delve into a Transformers-themed adventure and beat the bad guys.
Testing PacMan game
Pac-Man game
StreetXO centre
The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF 2025) offered a dynamic blend of innovation, competition, and interactive entertainment. From high-energy esports tournaments to immersive digital experiences, the festival brought together gamers, tech enthusiasts, and families for a celebration of cutting-edge gaming culture. Its diverse sections catered to all ages and interests — from virtual reality zones and classic arcade setups to futuristic showcases and influencer challenges — creating a truly engaging atmosphere.
After hours of gameplay and digital exploration, visitors naturally sought a moment of rest and culinary indulgence. Among the standout dining experiences was StreetXO, a unique venue that reinterprets global street food through bold and inventive techniques. Located in One Za'abeel, the restaurant offers a menu of creatively presented dishes that merge international flavors in unexpected ways, reflecting a playful yet sophisticated take on modern dining — the perfect pause in a day filled with adrenaline and adventure.