Enhance your games industry knowledge with these top tracks at PGC Helsinki 2024
NOTE: The PG Connects Helsinki full schedule is live.
Helsinki is well established as a videogaming production hub, driven by its robust technology sector, favourable government initiatives, and a flourishing startup environment. These factors have developed to further build the city as a prime destination not only for mobile, PC and console gaming development but also as key location within the industry for the emergence and growth of innovative technologies including AI, web3 and virtual reality.
We’ll be covering all these topics along with the fundamentals of raising investment, launching and growing successful games and showcasing the tools and services that support them. Indeed, with content from over 200 speakers across multiple tracks, there will be something to inspire and inform all comers to the conference.
Our format is deliberately quick-fire to squeeze as much content as we can. Typically a single session will be around 20 minutes long, with 40-50 minutes allotted for the expert panels.
Finest Finland
Discover Finland’s hottest industry trends and gain valuable insight into the latest facts and figures. Explore beyond the borders to uncover a wealth of information, encompassing diverse sectors and cutting-edge developments.
Stay updated and informed with concise, relevant content that captures the essence of the ever-evolving games industry landscape.
Includes sessions from:
Filipp Karmanov
Black Snowflake Games
Júlia Planas
Smadex
Hadar Telem
INCRMNTAL
Future Formats
Explore the future of games, where ground-breaking technologies like AI, Metaverse, and web3 redefine the industry landscape. Delve into discussions about the transformative power of these innovations, unravelling their potential dominance and anticipating the ripple effects on the games eco-system.
This track scrutinises the dynamic interplay of emerging technologies, offering insights into the multifaceted evolution that awaits the games landscape.
Includes sessions from:
Nasser Elmasri
Ludo World
Toby Smith
Telescope Labs
Game Dev Stories
Get inspired by the firsthand experiences of games developers as they share their latest projects, groundbreaking innovations, and invaluable lessons learned throughout their journey.
Gain exclusive insights into their creative process, discover the innovative solutions they’ve implemented, and uncover the wisdom they’ve gained along the way. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and fuel your own path to success in game development.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Uffe Flarup
Multiscription
Allison Bilas
GameAnalytics
Michael Mucci
Razer
Game Maker Insights
Immerse yourself in real-world case studies from the forefront of the industry, delving into diverse areas such as game design, audio production, character design, user experience (UX), and narrative development.
Gain valuable insights from these practical examples that showcase successful approaches, innovative techniques, and effective strategies employed by industry professionals. Expand your knowledge and stay inspired by the experiences shared by experts in these key domains of game development and design.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Adam Smart
AppsFlyer
Pablo Jordi
Pikkukala Oy
Global Trends
Embark on a journey that spans across continents, as we present you with an expansive view of the games industry’s latest trends, facts, figures, and insights from around the world.
Delve into the dynamic landscapes of both the East and the West, gaining a comprehensive understanding of regional nuances, market dynamics, and emerging opportunities.
Stay informed and inspired by the diverse and ever-evolving global games industry, ensuring you remain at the forefront of this thrilling and vibrant ecosystem.
Includes sessions from:
Jari Pauna
Supremacy Games
Patrick McGrath
Moonlit Games
Incredible Indies
Discover essential strategies and insights on not just surviving but thriving as a smaller studio in the fiercely competitive games development landscape of today. Learn how to leverage your strengths, cultivate a unique identity, and differentiate yourself in the market.
Explore effective techniques, smart resource management, and innovative approaches to game design. Arm yourself with the knowledge and tools to carve out a successful path for your studio in the dynamic games industry.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Jussi Tähtinen
Nitro Games
Elina Tyynelä
Neogames Finland
Teemu Kokkonen
Finnish Game Jam
Industry Visions & Values
Uncover the skills to building a stronger and more inclusive games industry, as we aspire to create a positive future for all. Explore strategies for fostering diversity, promoting ethical practices, and prioritising player well-being.
Embrace a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and responsible game development. Together, let’s shape a brighter future where the games industry serves as a force for good, bringing joy, entertainment, and meaningful experiences to players worldwide.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Jussi Tähtinen
Nitro Games
Elina Tyynelä
Neogames Finland
Teemu Kokkonen
Finnish Game Jam
IP Unlocked
Delve into the intricate landscape of licensing and navigating the potential pitfalls associated with working with intellectual property. Uncover the key strategies for harnessing the immense global influence wielded by major franchises.
Whether it’s unlocking opportunities or sidestepping challenges, gain insights into maximizing the power and potential inherent in intellectual property collaborations, and understand the dynamics shaping the expansive world of big franchises.
Includes sessions from:
Tuomas Pelkonen
Nordia Attorneys at Law
Isabel Davies
Wiggin LLP
Master the Multiplayer
Multiplayer games continue to dominate the charts, captivating gamers worldwide. To excel in this fiercely competitive landscape, consider these essential tips, cutting-edge technology, and the secrets for success.
Master the art of teamwork, leverage innovative game mechanics, harness the power of cloud gaming, embrace cross-platform compatibility, and deliver a seamless, immersive experience. Unleash your potential and conquer the multiplayer arena!
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Russell Anderson
Outplay Entertainment
Eliza Jappinen
Visible Realms
Olli Rundgren
Psyon Games
Monetiser
Unleash the full potential of cutting-edge advertising formats, in-app purchases (IAPs), and other groundbreaking monetization developments in this specialised track. Stay ahead of the curve by exploring the latest advancements in targeted advertising, optimising IAP strategies, and leveraging innovative monetization models.
Discover the keys to effectively monetize your games and maximise revenue streams, ensuring long-term success and profitability in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Satu Ahlman
Saga Performance
Eija Mäkirintala
AGILS Oy
New Frontiers
The gaming world is a big place. Knowing everything about the market you’re in is core business basics, of course, but forgetting to look beyond this will severely restrict the potential success of your game.
So come explore new markets with us, and discover the reasons behind the regions you should consider entering to truly take your game to the next level.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Christof Wegmann
Photon
Chris Hong
Metacore
Timothee Engel
TheoTime Dev
Nordic Next
Helsinki and Finland have earned a deserved reputation as a gaming production hub but their Nordic neighbours have collectively ensured the region as a whole has been regarded as one that can comfortably play on the inernational stage when it comes to the making of games.
Discover the companies and individuals that are emerging as the next generation set to take this ever-exciting region to new heights.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Oxana Fomina
Gradient Universe
Athena Peters
Rainbow Unicorn Games
Powering Payments
Discover alternative revenue streams beyond conventional billing practices. Explore innovative methods to generate income in emerging markets and online platforms.
Adapt to the evolving payment landscape and capitalise on the opportunities presented by webstores. Diversify your earning potential by learning about alternative ways to monetise your products or services.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Oxana Fomina
Gradient Universe
Athena Peters
Rainbow Unicorn Games
Practical AI
Dive into AI’s pivotal role in game development, crafting immersive virtual worlds, optimising performance, and elevating player experiences. Learn to harness AI tools to push boundaries ethically, while addressing concerns.
Explore its evolution in enhancing gameplay, procedural generation, and adaptive systems, unlocking new heights in game design. Embrace AI’s transformative power while navigating ethical considerations to shape the future of gaming.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Jeferson Valadares
Fortis Games
Joakim Achren
Elite Game Developers
Samuli Syvähuoko
Sisu Game Ventures
Publisher Power
Explore the challenges and opportunities of games publishing. Including insights into the unique cultural and regulatory considerations of global regions, as well as strategies for navigating these challenges and maximising revenue potential to get the most out of your publishing deal and take your game’s launch to the next level.
Includes sessions from:
Mo Fadl
Bright Star Studios
Philipp Zent
Brainamics
Show Me The Money
Stay updated on the latest trends in the world of investment and gain practical insights on how to secure impactful funding for your business. Explore strategies to attract investors, navigate funding options, and make informed financial decisions.
Join us to unlock the keys to funding success and discover the latest trends as the games industry goes through this turbulent period.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Konstantin Elgazin
Stupidella
Lakhvir Takhar
Robot Teddy
The Developer Toolkit
Experts in game development will share their insights into the essential tools, software, and processes that are crucial for creating high-quality games, as well as tips for optimising workflows and collaborating effectively as a team.
Includes sessions from:
Ziad Jarrar
Mark:MetaEarth
Jon Hibbins
PsytecGames
Petri Rajahalme
FOV Ventures
The Growth Track
In addition to mastering gameplay mechanics, understanding user acquisition and retention techniques is crucial for growing your game.
Gain essential insights into effective strategies on how to grow your business in adverse and new environments, optimise your game’s user interface, and continuously analyse player feedback.
With these strategies for expanding into new territories and adapting to changing market conditions, you can attract and retain a dedicated player base, ensuring steady growth and success for your game.
Includes sessions from:
Paul Flanagan
Creative Mobile
Mirela Moldovan
FrontRunners
Marja Konttinen
Transparent Eyeball
Web3 Wonders
Discover what lies ahead for the blockchain gaming scene and immerse yourself in the transformative techniques and strategies shaping this freshly-invigorated market.
Ownership, decentralisation, NFTs and more: elevate your gaming strategy with talks and panels covering web3 technology, and hear from experts who are shaping the way games are played and monetised.
Includes sessions from:
Paul Flanagan
Creative Mobile
Mirela Moldovan
FrontRunners
Marja Konttinen
Transparent Eyeball
State of Play: PC & Console
Take a deep-dive into the latest developments shaping the PC and console gaming markets. State of Play provides a comprehensive overview of the facts, figures, and insights crucial for a fundamental understanding of this dynamic gaming landscape.
Whether you’re an established PC/console developer or looking to pivot onto these platforms, consider this your gateway to gaining essential knowledge about market trends and emerging opportunities in this active sector.
Includes sessions from:
Paul Flanagan
Creative Mobile
Mirela Moldovan
FrontRunners
Marja Konttinen
Transparent Eyeball
Extended Play: UGC & Live Service
Immerse yourself in the realms of live service games and user-generated content, where the possibilities are limitless.
For developers seeking to create immersive experiences or established studios eager to further explore the worlds of infinite potential, this is an essential track for unlocking the knowhow behind the creation and delivery of endless gameplay adventures.
Includes sessions from:
Paul Flanagan
Creative Mobile
Mirela Moldovan
FrontRunners
Marja Konttinen
Transparent Eyeball
The Wwise Tour
Meet and learn from the finest of game audio teams. Wwise Tour is a showcase of developers presenting comprehensive deep-dives into their workflows and dynamic audio accomplishments using Wwise.
Presentations include live demonstrations of advanced features and practical showcases of Wwise integration & management of complex audio environments. Join us for expert tips and learn how to elevate sound design in Wwise.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Paul Flanagan
Creative Mobile
Mirela Moldovan
FrontRunners
Marja Konttinen
Transparent Eyeball
Distribution + Discovery
Explore the realm of distribution and discoverability at PG Connects, as we dive into the intricacies of distribution, marketing, and leveraging various storefronts to elevate your game’s visibility.
With sessions showcasing expert advice tailored to making your game stand out on distribution services like Steam, get ready to unlock the secrets of successful digital distribution and discoverability in order to propel your title to new heights.
Includes sessions from:
Paul Flanagan
Creative Mobile
Mirela Moldovan
FrontRunners
Marja Konttinen
Transparent Eyeball
Applied Gaming
Applied Gaming at Pocket Gamer Connects goes BEYOND ENTERTAINMENT! Delve into the innovative realm where businesses harness gaming technology for professional development outside of our industry. Discover how games technology is transforming the landscape of professional growth and skill enhancement.
Includes sessions from:
Paul Flanagan
Creative Mobile
Mirela Moldovan
FrontRunners
Marja Konttinen
Transparent Eyeball