eGames Lab Elevates National Game Development on the Global Stage

Portuguese consortium puts Portugal’s game development scene on the map with presence and awards at key games industry conferences

eGamesLab, the Portuguese games development and creative industries cluster, is excited to announce the success of its international ventures as it continues to raise the profile of the gaming industry in Portugal. The consortium aims to attract and develop new talent and technology focused on the growing national video game industry.

FootAR, winner of ‘Best App’ at VRAR in Shanghai, is one of 22 companies in the consortium. FootAR enhances the live viewing experience of sports by providing real-time data and immersive features to fans. The event aimed to facilitate the sharing of scientific research findings, encourage the exploration of novel technologies and their potential value, and provide a platform for professionals in the XR industry to connect and identify new business opportunities.

David Olim, Co-Founder of FootAR, said: “We’re thrilled to showcase Portugal’s technical prowess on the world stage. By blending real-time data with immersive experiences, FootAR by eGamesLab is empowering sports fans everywhere—and proving that Portuguese innovation can set new standards in the global games and XR industries.”

The scientific and research arm of eGamesLab also participated in ACM SIGCHI in Japan. ACM SIGCHI is the foremost international community dedicated to human-computer interaction research, education, and practical applications, bringing together students and professionals in the field. The student representative for eGames Lab, Filipe Tomé, was among the top 10 finalists presenting their research at the event.

eGamesLab members have exhibited at Nordic Game in Malmö, and the consortium was also at GDC in San Francisco earlier in the year. Attendance at further events, such as Gamescom in Cologne and home events in Portugal with the Madeira Games Conference and DevGamm Lisbon, is planned.

Cláudio Telo Pestana, project manager of eGamesLab, said: “With dedication and passion, we are building a new chapter for the video games industry in Portugal. We are setting out to create a new Technological Portugal that is competent and capable of rivalling the fiercest industries in the world. We are betting on a creative, inclusive and internationally competitive ecosystem, where talent and innovation come together to project our country onto the global map of digital entertainment. Portugal is now seen as an emerging creative hub to which attention is increasingly turning”.