October Gathering: More good times at Cuba Cafe

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Cheerful group of game developers gathered once again to Cuba Café. In October 112 attendees joined the Gathering. Finnish game companies are doing nicely despite the slight economic downturn. Still bad news from Sulake, the company behind Habbo Hotel, definitely was the topic of the evening. There was a constant flow of people through the evening and besides Sulake discussions went around Nordic Game applications. Many have applied development funds from Nordic Game Program and hopefully more than few will get some. More about that in December! During last spring and this fall we have had an interesting trend in the attendance records. Every month we get new visitors, warmly welcome! We have also increasing number of anonymous visitors. Why is that? Don't people want to be informed (aka to be in the mailing list) or do they prefer other channels like Facebook to keep on track of what's up within Finnish Game Development scene? If anyone is willing to open up your reasoning for anonymity, I would be very interested to hear.

We have also got feedback that you like IGDA Finland Presentations sessions but there could also be more something to do and play at the bar. We hear you and have already done some improvements. IGDA Finland Game League is slowly starting and it is basically up to you what you would like it to be. If you have good ideas and suggestions talk to the main organized Kari Perho! Also we are inviting all game studios to present their games at the Gatherings. We can organize playing sessions, short presentations, surveys, discussions... again it is up to you what you would like IGDA events to be like! Please contribute :)

We have had very good start of the season. We hope to see many of you again at the Presentations and at Cuba Cafe on 17th of November. We will have kick-ass program for you!

igda_oct09 Here are more good moments from October Gathering.

September Gathering: Social break for game industry enthusiasts

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IGDA Finland season 2009-2010 start focused on gaming in social networks. Social gaming, free drinks and top quality discussions attracted 149 visitors to the September Gathering. The evening was sponsored by Everyplay -- the same company that sponsored IGDA Gathering almost a year ago. The CEO of Everyplay, Jussi Laakkonen reminded us that last time his message regarding Everyplay's recruitment needs apparently did not reach the audience but the message is still the same. If you are interested in working with social gaming and/or social networks -- get in touch with Everyplay.

Everyplay is currently working on Kamu World which can be found at Facebook. Kamu is still under development and Everyplay is also starting other projects. There is plenty of room for new entrepreneurs as the genre of social network games is still far for being totally defined and settled.

Besides Everyplay there are lots of interesting activities going on in Finnish game development scene. The editor-in-chief of Pelaaja (Player) magazine, Thomas Puha shortly introduced September issue of the magazine which is focusing on Finnish game studios. There articles cover for example RedLynx which is doing very well with Trials HD and gives a snapshot of game studios like Inaria Interactive, Farmind and Pixolane representing Northern Finland.

A bit different social activity -- IGDA Finland Game League started operating as well. IGDA Finland Game League will bring hottest DS, PSP, mobile and board games for people who want to play some games during the evening. More information will be available through Igda.fi site. Look for "IGDA Finland Game League" sign if you want to join the fun!

Get a sense of the IGDA vibe though the photos and see you next time!

The next event will be on 6th of October, see you all at Cuba (Erottaja, Helsinki)!

October Gathering: A breather

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IGDA FINLAND OCTOBER GATHERINGPlace: Cuba Bar, Erottajankatu 4, 00120 Helsinki (map: http://igda.fi/?page_id=5) Time: Tuesday, 6th of October, doors open at 19:00

Time to catch breath in good company while the holiday season is still months away. No-one stealing the stage or pushing you excessive free drinks this time! So grab some colleagues and spend a well-deserved pre-Wednesday testing you mettle in boasting, toasting and rumor swapping.

Also, in the spirit of relaxation we present:

Casual Game Night Bring your favourites and come and tell us what you want to see in upcoming game nights. The main focus is on the DS but we love all games, so be brave.

Expect more details about the event later.