adminThe Splitscreen conference will bring game developers and industry professionals to Split, Croatia, on April 20–22, 2027. Created by a new team after Reboot Develop ended, the event aims to offer an international gathering with a relaxed atmosphere, opportunities to learn and space for genuine conversations.
Organisers are shaping the conference around a simple idea: professional connections do not have to happen only in scheduled meetings. The programme will combine talks and workshops with a seafront setting, social activities and a showcase for games.
Image credit: Splitscreen
What to expect from the Splitscreen conference
The event will take place at the Radisson Blu in Split. Its organisers plan to bring together people from major AAA studios, independent teams and the next generation of creators. Rather than relying on a dedicated meeting app, the conference will encourage attendees to connect through shared activities and informal conversations.
Director and co-founder Hrvoje Mitic says the goal is to preserve a balance between work and downtime. The Adriatic location is part of that approach: attendees can take part in professional sessions while also having time to meet over meals or spend time together outside the conference programme.
Practical tip: Since the event is designed to leave room for informal networking, attendees may want to plan their key sessions while keeping some time free for conversations and social events.
Talks, workshops and game showcases
The programme is expected to include talks and workshops, alongside an evolved game showcase. The showcase is intended to offer a more structured alternative to the collection of computers previously arranged in a hotel lobby at Reboot Develop. A competition system will award sponsored packages to developers, helping them bring themselves and their games to the event.
Initial speaker announcements include Landfall’s Rebecca Lautner, Housemarque co-founder Ilari Kuittinen, Panache Digital’s Patrice Désilets and Ubisoft’s Fawzi Mesmar. The organisers say more speakers will be announced. The planned audience includes professionals from North America, Asia—including China, Korea and Japan—and other regions.
Initial speakers include Landfall’s Rebecca Lautner and Ubisoft’s Fawzi Mesmar. Image credit: Splitscreen
Connecting the global industry with Croatian developers
Alongside international guests, Splitscreen plans to highlight Croatia’s game development community. Mitic says the sector has grown rapidly, with annual revenue doubling since 2019. He also notes that the local industry has experienced layoffs and studio closures, reflecting challenges seen across the wider games business.
New creators are emerging in a range of areas, including UEFN and Roblox. Mitic points to Croatia’s MM Games, known for Crazy Red vs Blue in Fortnite, as an example of a successful project developed outside more traditional game industry routes.
Why Split is the setting
The move from Dubrovnik to Split is described by the organisers as a fresh start. The city’s historic centre includes Diocletian’s Palace, which is around 1,700 years old, as well as cafés, bars and restaurants. This mix of history and coastal scenery is intended to make the destination part of the overall conference experience.
For developers considering the trip, it may be useful to look into accommodation and travel plans early, especially if they want to stay near the venue or extend their visit. Check the official event information for current details as the dates approach.
Building a lasting event
The conference was developed after it became clear that Reboot Develop would not return. Its organisers say the initial response has been encouraging and hope to establish Splitscreen as a regular event on the international games industry calendar. With more than 300 events already competing for attention worldwide, their first-year measure of success is straightforward: attendees should feel the trip was worthwhile and want to return.
The Splitscreen conference combines industry learning, a game showcase and informal networking in a coastal setting. Its success will depend on how well the programme brings those elements together—and whether attendees leave with useful knowledge and lasting professional connections.
