The Next Evolution of Games | AWE Nite Chicago

Wednesday 05/07/2025

5:30pm Physical | 6:00pm Virtual (Central)

The Next Evolution of Games | AWE Nite Chicago

Free to Attend

5:30pm | In Person | 2112: 4245 N Knox Ave
6:00pm | Virtually | FRAMEvr
6:15pm | Live Stream | youtube.com/@AWEXR/streams

Beer provided by Revolution Brewing
Seltzers provided by [SYSTEM] Seltzers

About the Topic:
With the successes of “Pokémon Go” and “Beat Saber,” virtual and augmented reality games have proven their staying power—but what makes them successful, and what will convince more gamers to make the transition? While VR’s appeal is undeniable, skepticism remains due to hardware demands, limited game libraries, and its perception as a niche market. The latest data suggests that while VR engagement is rising, developers remain hesitant, citing concerns over market size. The Apple Vision Pro, despite its high-tech promise, has yet to significantly shift industry sentiment. Meanwhile, arcade gaming is experiencing a resurgence, driven by social and physical activity-based experiences—an indication that players crave interactive, shared gaming environments.

Balancing potential with current limitations, players continue to seek a truly massive multiplayer online (MMO) experience in virtual reality (VR)—a vision many associate with the concept of the Metaverse. Yet, no game has fully captured that elusive sense of scale and depth. To understand what could drive mass adoption, we look to perspectives from gamers, arcade experiences, immersive game rooms, streamers, and developers. Are players seeking social connectivity, compelling storylines, ease of adoption, or high-end aesthetics? The answer may determine the future of immersive gaming.

Join us on May 7, 2025 to learn more about immersive technology and gaming from both experts in the gaming industry and players alike.

What's The Format:

We will start with informal networking with demonstrations, then host a panel discussion to answer audience questions, and we end with more networking and demonstrations. We keep it simple and informal – this meetup is about you, our members, and not just a soap box for the host, presenters, or our sponsors. Come and get your questions answered, take your next step in Immersive Technology.

5:30-8:30pm Central

5:30-6:15 PM Networking & Tech Demos

6:15-6:30 PM Welcome Message

6:30-7:10 PM Panelist Presentations

7:10-7:45 PM Panel Discussion with Q&A

7:45-8:30 PM Networking & Tech Demos

Host:
Matt Wren - In-Person Host - Founder & CTO of BUNDLAR
Caroline Dennis - Virtual Host - Two-Degrees.io and XRWomen

Panel Members:
Sonya Haskins - AWE
Jeff Basladynski - Baz LLC

***

Register Here:

https://thenextevolution.org/events/

The Next Evolution | AWE Nite Chicago Event Series (produced by VRAR Chicago) is now and always will be 100% free to attend.

***
Thanks to The Next Evolution Sponsors like UL Solutions as well as Venue Sponsors, 1871, 2112, and FrameVR and beverage sponsors [system] seltzers and Revolution Brewing.

We would also like to thank our Community Partners that help us continue spreading the joy of immersive technologies: XR Women, NVZN, Patched Reality, Two Degrees.io, International Game Developers Association Chicago (IGDA Chicago).