Oct 15-18 • Newark, OH
OCT 15-18, 2026
cherry valley hotel
in newark, OHIO
GDEX IS BACK WITH OUR MOST EXCITING YEAR TO DATE!
Four days of indie games, tournaments, arcades, talks, and a Saturday night party, all built by the Midwest's gaming community. Whether it's your first GDEX or your fourteenth, there's something here for you.
This Community Event is a weekend of gaming fun, tournaments, raffles, art, and a professional game development conference that can’t be beat!
Multiple levels of fun!
Make sure to check the premium pass benefits, especially if you are interested in networking or partying!
expo + conference
fri-sun • oct 16-18
Nearly 100 indie games, the Underworld, arcades, the artist market, and the Saturday Night Party. The whole weekend, all in one place.
Dev day
Thur • oct 15
A full day of talks, workshops, and roundtables built for the people making games. Conference only, no expo.
GDEX EARLY DISCOUNTS!
❗ LAST CHANCE DISCOUNT SALE RUNS 9/1/2026 UNTIL 9/30/2026 ❗
GET YOUR BADGE NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!
Game Devs!
Dev Day, talks, publisher roundtables, and pitch competitions. Student, hobbyist, or pro, there's a seat at this table for you.
GameRS!
Nearly 100 indie games, plus tournaments, arcades, pinball, retro, and VR all weekend. If you love games, you belong here.
SPEAKERS!
Got something to share? Teach devs, students, and gamers what you know. First talk or fiftieth, we'd love to hear from you.
VOLUNTEERS!
Help build GDEX from the inside. Meet great people, see behind the scenes, and join the crew that makes it all happen.
WHAT TO DO AT THE SHOW!
The GDEX Weekend Celebration of Games features some of the most fun games to play, amazing games and collectibles to purchase, industry professionally taught educational sessions and workshops, fierce tournaments with prizes, and one of a kind raffle items that benefit charity!
To maximize your enjoyment at the show, please remember…
Download the Eventeny App to stay up to date on all events
Look at the schedule of everything happening over the weekend.
Bring some $$$ to buy those one of a kind finds!
Invite your friends to play games with you!
(Some of) WHo TO meet AT THE SHOW!
This is a sample of our game industry presenters; it will get updated on a weekly basis. You can the full list at https://www.thegdex.com/speakers-2026
The GDEX Underworld is the center of Tournaments and Freeplay Gaming.
Come test your might against the best of the GDEX community for trophies, cash and clout.
GDEX Underworld Tournaments
Brought to you by Game Arena, with retro fighting games and hardware by Games Done Legit!
(All listed times in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT))
Retro Friday
(October 16th)
Fighting Game Warmup Blocks
10:00am Tekken 8
10:45am Guilty Gear Strive
11:30am Street Fighter 6
12:15pm Marvel Tōkon
Retro Fighting Tournaments
1:00pm Super Street Fighter II Turbo
3:00pm Street Fighter Third Strike
5:00pm Marvel vs Capcom 2
7:00pm Trackmania Warmup Block
Star Saturday
(October 17th)
10:00am Tekken 8
11:30am Guilty Gear Strive
1:00pm Trackmania (Pt. 1)
5:30pm Street Fighter 6
6:30pm Marvel Tōkon
8:00pm Trackmania (Pt. 2)
All Night Rock Band Jamming
Super Sunday
(October 18th)
10am Trackmania Finals
12pm Smash Ultimate FFA
2pm Mario Kart World
Be on the lookout for unique “Boss Battles” to pop up throughout the weekend!
Games Done Legit brings the house when it comes to classic, retro, and new games to play. All free, all weekend long!
Thorsen Gaming Experience will be featuring some of the most fun, and unique, arcade games throughout the weekend. Whether it’s a classic or a one of a kind, everything is set to let you be able to play nonstop.
Trackmania Tournament in partnership with:
SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY!
SATURDAY (OCT 17th) 6-10p
Free For All Weekend, Plus, Plus Pro, and Saturday Guests.
LIVE
PERFORMANCES
ARCADES!
FREE PLAY!
TOURNAMENTS!
GDEX Partner Hotel
This year GDEX will be hosted with our partner the Cherry Valley Hotel for the most comfortable and intimate GDEX yet. Our GDEX Slumber Party will blend all the amazing gaming experiences with our top tier professional conference and sleeping accommodations, all in one amazing place. This will be a weekend you won’t soon forget!
Please use the discount code link below to get our modified rates.
1 King w/sofa SLEEPER
Room Description
Stretch out in this 365-square-foot Single King room feature a living area with a dining table & chairs and a large dresser. Single King rooms offer Main Courtyard, Cascade Courtyard, and lawn views. Guests in Single King rooms can also enjoy soaking in the large garden tub. Rooms include access to the indoor Pool and hot tub if available.
2 King w/Sofa Sleeper
Room Description
Double King rooms feature a more open concept living area. Double King rooms offer Main Courtyard, Cascade Courtyard and lawn views. Guests in Double King rooms can also enjoy a double vanity sink. Rooms include access to the indoor Pool and hot tub if available.
Share this link to help others secure the best deal:
All Room Types Offer These Amenities
Signature king beds
55" LED HDTV
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Mini refrigerator
K-Cup coffeemaker
Closet with hangers
Private patio or balcony
Iron and ironing board
Hair dryer
Check-in time: 4 PM EDT
Check-out time: 11 AM EDT
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Become a supporter or sponsor!
