Spain's Lérez Up and Summerbit Gaming Conventions Highlight Indie and Geek Culture

Lérez Up held its fifth edition on 12‑13 September at the Recinto Feiral in Pontevedra. The event expanded its indie zone, re‑introducing the Pasaporte Indie that lets visitors try and vote for their favourite independent titles. The studio receiving the most public votes will win the Best Indie Game award, supported by the University International of La Rioja (UNIR), which also sponsors a round‑table discussion on the state of the video‑game industry and the challenges faced by new developers.

Summerbit returned for its ninth edition at the Teatro Multiusos in Huércal de Almería, organized by the local council and Arcade Bits. Over three days the festival offered a Nintendo Switch 2 showcase, tournaments for FC 26, Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart, as well as cosplay, K‑pop performances, J‑Pop idols, drawing workshops, board‑game zones, Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, anime quizzes, karaoke and a food area featuring oriental cuisine and a football‑sticker exchange.