What is Run For The Border?

The game dev communities from all over Ireland love to catch up for a pint at international events like GDC & Gamescom... but for some reason, none of us are keen to make the journey to visit one another's events on home turf. Yes, it’s weird. No one knows why.

So, Run For The Border was created to equalise everyone's inconvenience across the island! We're breaking down borders, on the border.

One magical day each year, gamedevs of all shapes and sizes from hither and thither lay siege to an out-of-the-way venue in a tiny N/S border town where nobody actually lives, whereupon they engage in a raucous and random evening of cooperation, camaraderie, sharing knowledge, spinning yarns, and, if the stars align, cross-border partnership.

Run For The Border 2026 will once again take place in the blink-and-you'll-miss-it town of Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, the geographical midpoint between Belfast, Dublin, Galway and Derry.

Last year, RFTB hosted over 200 attendees from all over Ireland. It may be a bit of a trek to get out there, but once you arrive you'll find a large networking space, a casual atmosphere, and a huge attention to safety and comfort of all attendees.

We bring in speakers from all over the island, a mix of North and South talent on a wide range of subjects. And, as far as we know, we're the only video games event to feature Open Mic, where anyone can hop on stage for 1 minute to talk about anything they like. Pitch yourself, promote your game, do some slam poetry, complain about your accountant, whatever. You've got 60 seconds, use it wisely. Or not.

Unlike most events, RFTB is as much about the journey as the destination. Through sponsorship provided by regional screen industries, RFTB offers free hub-to-pub coach services from the four major tech centres.

If you're looking for inspiration, looking for support, looking for funding, looking for employees or looking for work, you just might find it in Ballyconnell this year.

Some feedback from last year:

“I loved it! I really enjoyed meeting new people and although I went solo I ended up making some good connections.”

“I love how relaxed it is. I love how together we all feel…. Let’s learn from each other.”

“Great craic all round and got a lot out of it professionally too”

“I think we, as an industry distributed across the island, NEED this event….”

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