Ardán was honoured to contribute to a very special St. Patrick’s Day experience hosted at the stunning San Francisco Conservatory of Music. 

The event began with an introduction by the new Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD and Micheál Smith, Consulate General of Ireland, San Francisco, and this was followed by a fantastic performance from lyric soprano, Celine Byrne 

Ardán’s CEO Alan Duggan then participated on the panel; “Press Play on Ireland: A Celebration of Music, Gaming & Storytelling,” alongside renowned composer Eimear Noone and IMIRT – The Irish Game Makers Association CEO Colm Larkin, chaired by Head of Cultural Affairs at the Consulate General of Ireland LA, Siobhra Quinlan.

The event was also attended by Screen Ireland’s Steven Davenport, award-winning composer Craig Stuart Garfinkle, along with many other esteemed industry guests.

The evening brought together the epic Irish soundscapes, landscapes, storytelling and talent that are shaping the future of game creativity & vision.

This event was followed by a consulate meeting to discuss the future of the game development industry in Ireland. Before returning to Ireland, Minister O’Donovan also met with Lucasfilm, a number of games industry companies, and a panel of Irish cultural producers in the Bay Area.

This was all held in parallel with San Francisco’s Game Developers Conference 2025 where Galway-based Spooky Doorway launched their new game – “The Séance of Black Manor” – alongside their publisher Raw Fury.

Making connections like these and bringing government attention to the needs and opportunities of the games industry is something that Ardán is excited to be a part of as we look to the future. 

For regular information on current Ardán, City of Film, WRAP, and NTA Film & TV related events, funding and training opportunities, subscribe to the monthly newsletter or follow us on social media.