Want the lowdown on PGC Nordics 2026? This page should help…
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 150 speakers across multiple tracks – and three partner events in the Big Screen Gaming Summit, AI Gamechangers Summit , and Beyond Games: Transmedia Summit – 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.
DAY 1 | Tuesday, October 7
Audience Accelerator
EXPANDING YOUR REACH: Tips and guides for growing your game using the best UA and marketing techniques
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
Gain valuable expertise from game development professionals as they divulge insights into pivotal tools, software, and methodologies vital for crafting top-tier games.
Unlock optimisation techniques, efficient workflows, and adept teamwork advice for ensuring excellence in game creation.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Martin Jurasek
martinjurasek.com
Olha Semykina
Super Banana
Katerina Burbela
Homa Games
Miikka Lindgren
Sandsoft
Vitor de Magalhaes
Companion Group
Big Screen Gaming
PC, CONSOLE & MORE!: Beyond mobile: developing and publishing for PC, console, XR, cloud gaming and more
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
PC and console gaming have experienced a surge in popularity and recognition.
The gaming industry has seen huge growth in recent years as well as consistent disruption, even before COVID-19; from growth in digital sales of games and esports to free-to-play revenue model adoption, live streaming, and cloud gaming.
With new tools and technology though, more game developers and publishers are tuning into performance marketing. Learn about these changes and what PC and console game marketers should be doing now.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Martin Jurasek
martinjurasek.com
Olha Semykina
Super Banana
Katerina Burbela
Homa Games
Miikka Lindgren
Sandsoft
Vitor de Magalhaes
Companion Group
Browser Breakthroughs
GAMING ON THE WEB: Discover how browser gaming is reshaping player accessibility and engagement
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
As the games industry continues to evolve, new ways of playing games for consumers are discovered. But how about rediscovering methods that have been out of the spotlight?
This track explores the world of HTML5 gaming, diving deep into the unique challenges and opportunities for developers in the browser gaming ecosystem, from navigating monetisation models (ads, in-app purchases, subscriptions) to mastering cross-platform compatibility.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
Finest Finland
LOCAL LEGENDS: Facts, figures and insight into the latest & hottest industry trends from Finland and beyond
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Martin Jurasek
martinjurasek.com
Olha Semykina
Super Banana
Katerina Burbela
Homa Games
Miikka Lindgren
Sandsoft
Vitor de Magalhaes
Companion Group
Game Dev Stories
LEARN FROM DEVELOPERS: Hear from games developers and find out what they are working on, how they have innovated and what lessons they have learned along the way
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
Global Trends
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE: From East to West: facts, figures and insight into the latest industry trends from all over the globe
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
Incredible Indies
INDIE-SPENSABLE INFO: How to survive and thrive as a smaller studio in today’s competitive games development landscape
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
IP Unlocked
THE POWER OF IP: Discover the potential (and pitfalls!) of licensing and working with intellectual property to unlock the global power of big franchises
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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 maximising the power and potential inherent in intellectual property collaborations, and understand the dynamics shaping the expansive world of big franchises.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
Monetiser
IN-GAME MONETISATION: Gain in-depth, detailed and actionable insights from experts when it comes to in-game advertising and learn how to maximise revenue from your game
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
Unleash the full potential of cutting-edge advertising formats, in-app purchases (IAPs), and other groundbreaking monetisation developments in this specialised track.
Stay ahead of the curve by exploring the latest advancements in targeted advertising, optimising IAP strategies, and leveraging innovative monetisation models.
Discover the keys to effectively monetise your games and maximise revenue streams, ensuring long-term success and profitability in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
Powering Payments
ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO EARN: Discover how to generate revenue outside of traditional billing methods in new markets and webstores
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
Publisher Power
LEVERAGING YOUR DEAL: Get the most out of your publishing deal and take your game’s launch to the next level
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
Game Maker Insights
HANDS-ON ADVICE: Case studies from the front line, covering the likes of game design, audio, character design, UX, and narrative
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
Nordic Next
THE NEXT GENERATION: Find out which companies and individuals are emerging as the next best thing from the Nordic region
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
The Developer Toolkit
PRACTICAL TIPS AND TOOLS: Everything a growing developer needs: essential, practical advice about all aspects of making games
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
Show Me The Money
INVESTMENT INSIGHT: Get practical insight on securing the funding that will make a difference
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
The Growth Track
ESSENTIAL FORWARD PLANNING: Essential insight into user acquisition, retention techniques, and how to grow your game
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
Webstore Wizardry
THE MAGIC OF ONLINE STORES: Discover the significance of webstores and how to use them in the monetisation of your games
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
Discover the growing significance of webstores and how they can play a pivotal role in the industry. We’ll uncover valuable insights on how game creators can leverage these platforms to monetise their creations.
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how online stores integrate with the current gaming ecosystem, including in-app purchases and official app stores, and receive actionable tips on optimising your presence in the webstore landscape, ensuring a successful and rewarding experience for both creators and players.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
AI GAMECHANGERS SUMMIT 2026
AI Advances
NEXT-LEVEL MACHINE LEARNING: From art to scriptwriting and programming: machine learning and artificial intelligence will change the way we create and communicate
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to revolutionise the games industry.
From transforming art creation and scriptwriting to revolutionising programming techniques, these technologies will reshape how we create and communicate. Embrace the power of AI and explore its endless possibilities to unlock new levels of innovation, efficiency, and expression in the realms of games.
Prepare to embark on an exciting journey of limitless potential and redefine the boundaries of human imagination.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
AI GAMECHANGERS SUMMIT 2026
Future Formats
FUTURE OF GAMES: Journey to the future of games as we discuss what new technologies will transform our industry forever
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
AI GAMECHANGERS SUMMIT 2026
Practical AI
AI DEVELOPMENT KNOW-HOW: Explore AI’s role in game development, to enhance player experiences, optimise performance, and efficiently create dynamic, immersive virtual worlds
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
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:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
AI GAMECHANGERS SUMMIT 2026
Next-Gen UA
AI in UA: Learn how you can leverage artificial intelligence to transform your methods and strategies to acquire new users
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
Leaning on the premise that AI is at its best when it functions as a tranformative force, these sessions explore the striking benefit of the application of artificial intelligence in redefining tried-and-tested methods of user acquisition and marketing outreach.
Get the lowdown on the new approaches that will catapult your UA strategy in order to significantly move the needle for your business.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
BEYOND GAMES SUMMIT 2026
Crossmedia Collaboration
MULTIMEDIA COLLABORATION: Extracting the very best from transmedia partnerships
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
Shining a spotlight on practical examples of professionals and companies from the film, TV, animation and music industries who have already made the leap into games.
This track will offer insights into the opportunities and the realities for other creative industries to use their skillsets in the ever-growing gaming world.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
BEYOND GAMES SUMMIT 2026
IP Integration
LEARNING TO MAXIMISE IP: The fundamentals of integrating IP without alienating your audience
00:00–00:00 | Track Room X
Intellectual Property is the crown jewel of any creative project, but how can you protect its integrity and ‘shine’ when you look to move into new platforms (be that into or out of games).
This track will cover topics relating to the translation of IP onto different media platforms and maintenance of an effective, successful narrative and design approach – suitably adapted for the chosen medium – to ensure audience satisfaction and engagement.
SPONSORED BY
Includes sessions from:
Thorbjorn Warin
MyGamez
David Fernandez
Sandsoft
Oriol Canudas
King
Enric Cabestany
FunPlus
Luis de la Camara
Rovio
The Very Big Indie Pitch:
Mobile Edition
PITCHING COMPETITION!: Celebrating new indie games! The ever-popular pitching competition returns, with a chance for media coverage, instant feedback and maybe a prize
00:00–00:00 | Fringe event space
Unique indie developer competition based on a speed-dating format that gives each game maker a frantic five minutes (including Q&A) with each panel of experts to make the case for why their title should be judged the winner.
[Please note: for pre-registered and confirmed participants only.]
SPONSORED BY
Pocket Gamer Party Barcelona
NIGHT-TIME NETWORKING: Business doesn’t stop when the conference doors have closed for the day… (though do bring your conference badge to get in!)
19:00–Late | Laietana Cultural
When the lights go down, the business continues. Make connections that matter within the easygoing setting of the official post-Day 1 party. Relaxed after-hours networking, open to all members of the games industry. (But PGC conference pass holders get early access from 19:00.)
SPONSORED BY
DAY 2 | Wednesday, October 8
The Very Big Indie Pitch:
PC & Console Edition
PITCHING COMPETITION!: The PC & console version of our pitching competition, this is your chance to get instant feedback on your new game, as well as press coverage, prizes and valuable contacts
00:00–00:00 | Fringe event space
All entrants receive constructive feedback in real-time and get to hone their presentation skills. The closing of a PG Connects conference with the announcement of the Very Big Indie Pitch winners has become tradition!
[Please note: for pre-registered and confirmed participants only.]
SPONSORED BY
Publisher SpeedMatch
CURATED MEETINGS: Developers, meet publishers
00:00–00:00 | Fringe event space
Our Publisher SpeedMatch sessions pair developers, speed-dating style, with leading publishers. Perfect for first contact meetings with new prospects.
[Please note: for pre-registered and confirmed participants only.]
SPONSORED BY
Investor Connector
FIND FUNDING: Investor Connector selects applicants for one-on-one meetings with investors and VCs looking to spend the right kind of money in the right sector
00:00–00:00 | Fringe event space
A dedicated session that welcomes applications from game-related studios hoping to connect with investors and VCs.
We set aside a quiet space where pre-selected companies seeking funding and investors get to connect one-on-one for an initial meeting to discuss their potential involvement. This is a fully curated session and successful applicants undergo an approval and selection process.
SPONSORED BY