Polish Video Games on Display in Washington, DC

Over 2,200 guests visited the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, DC on Saturday, May 14th during the annual EU Open House Day. For the tenth year in a row the EU member state embassies in Washington, DC opened their doors to thousands of visitors.

This year the Polish Embassy offered American visitors a trip through the digital world of video games created by Polish studios.

Visitors could try their hand at over a dozen different gaming stations and explore the video game world by playing one of 14 different games, both classics as well as the latest releases, including the renowned Witcher series.

Guests also had a chance to view the “Digital Dreamers” exhibit, which presented the history of Poland’s video game industry. This industry today is composed of over 200 studios employing several thousand skilled workers. In addition to the well-known Witcher series, numerous games are being developed in Poland which are gaining wide spread recognition in Europe and around the world. Many have received awards, and Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has become the most awarded video game in history, gathering over 250 Game of the Year awards so far. The “Digital Dreamers” exhibit was prepared for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Indie Games Polska and their representative Maciej Miąsik was present to answer any questions visitors may have had.

Additionally, the Embassy invited Mikołaj Stroiński, a composer who has made numerous video game soundtracks including the award winning Witch 3: Wild Hunt soundtrack. Mikołaj Stroiński has also created music for television and movies. In 2014 he was recognized as “Outstanding Pole Abroad” in the field of the arts.

The Embassy also prepared other attractions for Open House guests, including special contests with cool prizes, the chance to take a picture with cosplayers dressed as Geralt and Triss from the Witcher, sampling of Polish cuisine, distribution of gadgets and promotional material about Poland, and fun games for kids.

Partners of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in organizing this event were the Polish Trade and Investment Section in Washington, DC as well as the Polish Cultural Institute in New York. This year’s event would not be possible without the support and participation of the following companies and institutions: Polish Library in Washington, DC, Video Game Museum in Warsaw, Indie Games Polska Foundation, CD Porjekt Red, Magfest, Artifex Mundi, 11 bit studios, Wastelands Interactive, Transhuman Design, Creative Forge, and Flying Wild Hog.

Embassy of the Republic of Poland
in Washington D.C.