Magic Circle’26 Brings Gaming Culture to Braga

“Magic Circle’26” is an event dedicated to video game culture in northern Portugal, bringing together reflection, industry, and creative practice. Taking place at gnration and Theatro Circo — with the majority of the programme hosted at gnration — the event explores video games through two complementary perspectives: as a growing creative industry in the north of the country and as a cultural medium with a significant emotional and social impact on younger generations.

On the opening day, Thursday, visitors will be able to attend the First Game Exhibition of the Master’s Programme in Digital Game Engineering and Development (MEDJD) at the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA). The exhibition presents a selection of projects developed by first- and second-year students, showcasing creativity, innovation, and technical expertise across different areas of video game production. Ranging from desktop experiences to virtual reality (VR), the exhibition invites audiences to discover interactive worlds, original concepts, and experimental approaches developed within an academic context, highlighting the emerging talent and potential of a new generation of digital game creators. Developed by IPCA students, eight games will be on display in the sala Multiusos at gnration, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibition will continue on the following day at the same times.

Game designer and researcher Abel Neto, based in Porto, will lead a live game jam — an immersive and interactive experience in which audiences can follow, in real time, the development of an independent video game from concept to creation. Holding a PhD in Digital Media from the University of Porto, Abel Neto works as a freelance developer and lecturer at IPCA, where he mentors students in game development. Throughout the event, he will create a game live, sharing the creative process, design decisions, and technical challenges involved in video game production. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into how ideas are transformed into playable experiences, revealing the behind-the-scenes processes of game creation in an open and engaging format. The live game jam will take place in the sala Multiusos at gnration from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and will also continue on the following day at the same times.

Born to Scroll — Tour and Awareness Activity for Youth is a 120-minute art mediation program designed for teenagers, based on the exhibitions *Born to Bloom* and *Roadrunner* by Camille Sahin, part of INDEX, the Braga Biennial of Art and Technology. Drawing on the works on display at gnration, participants explore the connections between power, influence, and digital identity, questioning the algorithms that shape what we see, what we play, and who we are. The program combines a guided tour of the exhibitions with a participatory activity that transforms the artistic experience into conversation, creation, and critical thinking.

On 29 May, the Salão Nobre at Theatro Circo will host the talk “From Indie to AAA: The Video Game Ecosystem in Portugal”, dedicated to the current landscape of the video game industry in northern Portugal. The panel will feature João Marinheiro, José Martins Leite, Laura Galiano, and Ricardo Mota, professionals working across the fields of art, programming, and production. Drawing from their academic and professional experience, the speakers will discuss how locally based creators and studios can collaborate internationally and achieve global reach. The conversation will address both the technical and creative challenges of the industry, demonstrating how regional talent can thrive within the global context of digital development.

With Magic Circle’26, taking place on 28 and 29 May, Braga highlights the growing relevance of the video game sector through a free programme dedicated to creativity, innovation, and critical reflection.