Announcing IGDA Finland Leadership Day!

There are no dedicated games leadership conferences in Europe... so IGDA Finland decided to make one! Leadership Day by IGDA Finland, September 30th, 2019 in Helsinki, is an international event about how we build companies, teams and working cultures to build better games.

Read more about the event on the website (https://www.igda.fi/leadership-day) and pre-register to get info as soon as tickets are available!

We are looking for sponsors for the event. Please contact Minna (minna.eloranta@igda.fi) or anyone listed on the contact section on the website if your company would like to sponsor. We are looking for both lunch and after-party sponsoring, but there are also smaller packages available for e.g. coffee breaks and after-conference mixer drinks. Contact us for more details!

As all things IGDA Finland, the event is volunteer-run and non-profit. The event will be free of charge.

Happy Midsummer!

PGC Helsinki Returns in Oct 2019

A much-loved part of the games industry calendar is set to return bigger than ever in 2019! That's right, Pocket Gamer Connects is back in Finland, the spiritual home of the mobile games industry, for the 6th time on October 1-2 – and it’s already shaping up to be the best yet.

Taking place in the days following the IGDA Leadership Day, Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki 2019 represents an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most creative and successful games developers on their home turf. It’ll be the country’s biggest B2B games conference, not to mention one of the biggest in the entire Nordic region with over 1,300 international delegates and over 600 companies from 50 different countries expected to attend. And since the show is even bigger and better this year, we’re moving to an awesome new venue with more space on offer at The Cable Factory.

Over 200 expert speakers will share their insight across multiple tracks on the very topics and trends that are pressing to all participants in the modern games industry, from raising funds and growing player bases to fine-tuning live ops, exploring new platforms and genres (such as esports, hyper-casual, live games and streaming services) working with influencers and maintaining a strong, fair company culture. The full range of speakers and the schedule will be revealed on the conference website over the summer months.

Ultimately though it’s all about making connections and getting business done and with that in mind we have a free dedicated meeting system for ALL delegates plus a plethora of focused side events to stimulate networking. There'll be the Big Indie Pitch, the curated Investor Connector session, and the famous Global Connects Party.

On top of that, there’s a packed expo to explore, a dedicated recruitment space if you’re looking to hire (or find your next job), plus a live game jam going on during the event.

This year we're also working in tandem with the IGDA which is running its Leadership Day on the Monday before Pocket Gamer Connects kicks off on Tuesday, Wednesday – adding even more value for visitors to Finland’s beautiful capital city. And of course that’s just for starters – we’ll be announcing more activities closer to the date!

Book your tickets now during the Early Bird period to secure your slot AND save money!

IGDA members are entitled to 20% off any ticket, by using code IGDAPARTNER20 when signing up or by following this direct sign-up link.

Get 10% off Games Gathering Odessa

The team at Games Gathering invite you to socialize, relax and network at sea beach at Games Gathering Conference Odessa 2019.

The event will attract more than 800 specialists from the game industry, 30 useful lectures by successful professionals and 25 interesting indie games on Indie Blast exposition.

Registration: http://ggconference.com/en/#registration

IGDA Members get 10% off when signing up using promo code: IGDApartner10

The GameDevBus shuttle service is a unique opportunity for all our visitors a round trip ride between Kiev and Odessa! Ride with speakers and other attendees of the conference

Bus registration: http://ggconference.com/en/bus-registration/

For more information visit the conference website: http://ggconference.com/en/

Get 15% off White Nights in St. Petersburg

White Nights will take place in St. Petersburg on June 19-20 with over 1,800 game industry professionals expected to attend. The program is available on the conference website.

Act fast to get a free booth at Developer Exhibition. It’s an opportunity for developers to meet the right people all in one place. The application deadline is May 29.

The deconstruction workshop, lectures and panel discussions, networking parties and much more are waiting for you in St. Petersburg this summer.

IGDA Finland members get 15% off registering on the website using the promo code IGDAFinland15.

Anyone needing a visa to Russia should review this information: https://wnconf.com/#visa. 

Finnish Game Day '19 in St. Petersburg

Finnish Game Day is an annual event that takes place in St. Petersburg at the Consulate of Finland on June 18th, a day before the White Nights Conference.

The mission of this event is to bring investors, publishers and founders of game studios from Finland, Russia, Eastern Europe and Asia together to explore business opportunities. Leading industry experts will participate in panel discussions on topics like investments in games, publishing and new markets, as well as, Finland as a place to grow game companies. Panelists will share their views about trends in the market and discuss business opportunities.

The Finnish Game Day team will be selecting 15 game studios and startups to receive a package that includes the Finnish Game Day seminar, two standard tickets to the White Nights Conference, a mini-stand in the Play Finland area to promote your games and company, and a networking boat tour along the Neva River and canals all for 200EUR + VAT.

There will be a Warm Up event to FGD19 will be held at Helsinki Games Factory on May 14th at 16.00 where a detailed plan of the events in St. Petersburg will be presented along with a question and answer session.

Warm Up Facebook event

For more information on the events, panelists and traveling to Russia visit: https://finnishgameday.com/fgdtrip19

For those who can’t make it to St. Petersburg, Devs.tv will provide a live stream of the FGD19 panel discussions that will be shown at the Helsinki Games Factory.

Get 10% Off Game Access in Brno

Are you ready to discover Brno? Game Access '19, the largest annual game development conference in the Czech Republic, will take place from May 24-25, 2019, in the Brno Exhibition Centre. Get ready for talks by well-known game industry professionals from Eidos, Tekla Inc, Isomniac Games, Exit Plan, Ubisoft, Redhill, King, EA, Virtuos, Housemarque, Amanita Design, Seriously, and Geewa. There will also be also dozens of new games, unforgettable networking parties, and two amazing musical performances based on games “Mafia” and “Witcher” (tickets sold separately). All of this and more is waiting for you in the heart of Europe.

IGDA Members get 10% off a conference pass when using promo code: GA19IGDA10

For more information visit the conference website: https://game-access.com

Get 20% off GameDev Days in Tallinn

Creative Mobile and IGDA Estonia invite you to visit Tallinn for the GameDev Days conference on April 11-12.

Founded in 2011, GameDev Days is an annual networking and knowledge sharing event, that attracts technology companies, global platforms, and game developers from the Baltics, Nordics and the rest of Eastern Europe.

Why you should consider attending? 

• Find new clients or strategic partnerships in the Baltic and Nordic regions. 

• Talk to platform representatives to find out about upcoming updates.

• Get inspired by fellow developers, learn about their innovations and technologies and share your experience. 

• Meet new talent to hire or find your dream job at the GameDev Days Careers fair. 

• Friendly atmosphere and cozy environment create pleasant experience for networking and obtaining new knowledge.

More than 70% of our audience are returning year after year, bringing friends and colleagues along. 

Companies who have already confirmed their participation include Google, Wargaming, Ubisoft, Glu Mobile, and Remedy. We guarantee a world-class speaker lineup and high quality of content and networking. 

Check out the conference website for a list of confirmed speakers and discounts on lodging and ferries.

Use promo code IGDAFIN when registering for 20% off of all tickets.

The Inaugural Games Helsinki Conference

Games Helsinki is a one-day mini-conference focusing on console and PC games. It's going to be a small, intimate event with about 100 attendees from the Finnish game dev scene. We'll take over Games Factory for a day of talks, followed by evening of mingling and finishing the night with an afterparty.

For more information see the conference website: https://gameshelsinki.com/

IGDA members get a 10% discount off the ticket price using promocode IGDA when registering. Act fast there were only 25 tickets left at the time of publication.

Get 15% of White Nights in Berlin

The winter edition of White Nights will take place in Berlin on February 12-13, 2019, with over 1,300 attendees expected. The program is already available on the confernece website.

Act fast to get one of 15 free booths at the Developer Exhibition. Participants from all over the world will present their best projects in order to meet industry professionals, find partners, publishers, meet platforms representatives and collect valuable feedback. Every team participating in the showcase will receive a free mini-booth + one free Premium all-access ticket + a good discount for team members. The application deadline is January 25th.

Developers can also take part in the Big Indie Pitch held by Pocket Gamer on Day 2. The unique speed dating format will give each developer some time with experts, meaning entrants will get real feedback from the event and a chance to win prizes! Find out more info and register on the Pocket Gamer website.

There’s still time to grab a 15% discount off your tickets by using the promo code IGDA-Finland. Feel free to contact the White Nights team at welcome@wnconf.com if you have any questions.

Volunteer with IGDA at GDC 2019

Earn an Expo Plus Pass to the 2019 Game Developers Conference with about 12-15 hours of on-site volunteer work with IGDA HQ.

GDC 2019 runs from Monday-Friday, 18-22 March. Volunteers have a required orientation on Tuesday afternoon, 19 March. If you are accepted into the IGDA @ GDC 2019 volunteer program, you are expected to be on-site from the start of orientation (Tuesday, 19 March) through the end of the conference on the evening of Friday, 22 March, during conference hours. Plan accordingly so you have no conflicts during that time.

Last day to submit your application is 16 January 2019 @ 10PM PST (UTC-8)!

See this page for details: https://www.igda.org/page/gdc2019volunteer

IGDA Members Get 20% Discount for PGC London 2019!

IGDA Members get 20% Discount for PGC London 2019!

Message from the event organizer:

Connects London, our biggest game conference yet (Mobile, PC, XR, Blockchain)
 
Can you afford to miss our sixth, biggest, best PG Connects London on January 21-22? An all-new agenda showcasing 25 tracks with 180 sessions from 300 speakers will cater for over 2,500 delegates representing more than 900 companies.

We’ll cover every key part of the mobile games industry from Live Ops to Game Design and User Acquisition, from Global Expansion to Hypercasual & Instant Messenger Games, from Esports and Influencer Marketing to Cloud Gaming, AI and more, and even tracks for XR, and Switch developers. We also have the return of PC Connects, a dedicated, fully revised, partner conference focused on the fast-changing digital PC gaming space. Plus a brand new Blockchain Connects sister event, with an agenda to explain this new tech and the opportunities for game companies.

Indie developers will have their own dedicated track and pitch events (mobile and PC) and there’ll be an expo to explore, a matchmaking event, investor-developer connection sessions, workshops, Mentor Lounge, and the ever-popular Global Connects party.

Use code IGDAFIN at https://www.pgconnects.com/london/registration

*** 
• 20% discount on ticket rates.
• Indie Showcase table competition – Exclusive limited selection of free expo tables for both days + 2 indie tickets (package is worth $650) are available, winners selected at random once competition closes December 21 [LINK: http://bit.ly/2L2ByKB]

Next Gen Leaders at GDC 2019 Applications Open!

The Next Gen Leaders Program focuses on increasing the inclusivity of the game industry by supporting the retention of under-represented minorities who would otherwise be at risk of leaving the industry. The program is book-ended by two consecutive opportunities to attend the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, including a travel stipend, career-focused workshops, individual mentorship, extensive networking opportunities, and post-GDC discussions.

Applications are open to game developers around the world with 2-8 years of professional experience who identify as a member of an under-represented group and demonstrate a passion for game development.

Please help spread the word and apply today for a chance to join our 2019 cohort at GDC! Applications close on 30 November.

Get -10% off or even -15% off! #XmasJKL - The Game Industry Business Seminar 14th of Nov 2018

#XmasJKL - The Game Industry Business Seminar 14th of Nov 2018

#XmasJKL – The Game Industry and Business Seminar is the annual game business seminar in Jyväskylä, Central Finland. And it is already 4th time already!

Seminar speakers, networking and business in an open, relaxed event.

Learn, share, co-operate!

Organized by Expa Game Business Co-Operative
- Let’s make awesome game business!

Top lineup of spekeakers again with various topics from industry experts like Global Business, Game Development, Human Resources, Adaptive Music Design, Taking over the world with YouTube etc:

Opening words:
The opening words by Suvi Vuojolainen, Business and Marketing Manager, Business Jyväskylä, City of Jyväskylä

Lineup:
- Mika Rahko, Co-Founder, Futureplay
- Lauri Vuohensilta, Hydraulic Press Channel
- Adam Sporka, Adaptive Music Designer, Kingdom Come Deliverance
- Mirella Keto, Head of Organizational Development, Ubisoft RedLynx
- Jussi Immonen, COO, Nitro Games
- Timo Soininen, CEO, Small Giant Games

The event is K18

Check tickest and more event info at the website:
www.xmasjkl.com

Join to the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/321368438598749/

---

IGDA members USE THE CODE get -10% off: IGDAGOESXMAS

Get even -15% with Group Deal sent email for more details: sales@expa.fi

Source:: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/xmasjkl-the-game-industry-seminar-2018-tickets-50903992211

Get 15% off DevGAMM Minsk

DevGAMM returns to Minsk for Belarus’ premier game industry conference on November 15-16. Information regarding the speaker line up, submitting games to the DevGAMM Showcase, speed dating with publishers, DevGAMM Roundtables, the Girls & Games Industry Lunch for women in games, and much more is available on the conference website: https://devgamm.com/

IGDA members get a 15% discount using promo code: IGDA&DevGAMM15

Note: Belarus no longer requires visas for citizens of the EU when arriving by plane, however you need to provide proof of health insurance.

IGDA Finland Mentor Café at Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki

Please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_T5Alg0Bxscc8Zf3SuSpcDb5HTdf-mJbF2QBYoCdl3CFH3w/viewform?usp=sf_link

The IGDA Mentor café is now being brought to Finland for the very first time - At Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki!

In the IGDA Mentor Café at PGC, games industry leaders will share their knowledge and expertise in short, 20 minute mentoring sessions.

Industry leaders share valuable knowledge, skills and advice in IGDA Mentor Cafés, “giving back” to anyone in the community who is seeking mentorship. Mentees will receive valuable advice and new connections to the industry! Topics can be related to anything in the games industry.

The IGDA Finland Mentor Café will be held on the 11th of September at 10AM and 11AM at the PGC Helsinki venue. Each Mentor Café session will last one hour.

The IGDA Finland Mentor Café team will match make mentors and mentees with each other and provide them with materials to get the most out of their session.

The IGDA Finland Mentor Café is sponsored by Game Analytics. A big thank you to Pocket Gamer Connects for providing the venue! 

Any additional questions can be sent to minna.eloranta@igda.fi.

CALL FOR GAME ART POSTERS @PGCHelsinki

IGDA Finland will have a booth at Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki on 11-12th of September. IGDA members are invited to have their game art pieces presented as posters at IGDA Finland booth. To sign up your work please fill in the following form:

https://goo.gl/forms/5kDItZzBdxcL5lWv1

Monetization in Games by Aalto ENT & IGDA Finland

19.10.2018 - SAVE THE DATE!

Aalto ENT and IGDA Finland are co-organizing the Monetization in Games seminar in Espoo, Finland on October 19. Finland is a top country in games and is now bringing together international experts to talk about how to monetize effectively and ethically. Join us on this learning mission with the Doom creator “John Romero”, Maarten Noyons, Michail Katkoff and Oscar Clark – either in person or via our free live stream!

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/events/276407792954825/

FREE Bus Ride to Connects Helsinki 2018!

(NOTE: THE BUS TICKET DOES NOT INCLUDE ENTRY TO THE CONFERENCE – you will need a conference ticket to get access to the event(s). There are discounted and even free options available)

IGDA Finland and Pocket Gamer want everyone to have a chance to take part in upcoming #PGCHelsinki event, no matter your location, and to make everything more accessible and convenient for our friends outside the Helsinki area we are organizing bus rides from hubs all around the country. The buses, provided by Pocket Gamer, are completely free of charge - you just need to register on the form below and turn up!

We will need to know for the total numbers for the buses so please register by Friday August 31 to grab your seat. First come - first served!

Buses will go from Jyväskylä & Tampere, Turku, and Kouvola & Kotka, please register here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-bus-ride-to-connects-helsinki-2018-tickets-48922369123

More info on the conference: www.pgconnects.com/helsinki & www.pgconnects.com/helsinki/blockchain-gamer-connects

Get a Free Demo Space at PGC Helsinki

Attention Indie Developers! Pocket Gamer is raffling off the last of the free Showcase Tables for the Big Indie Zone at PGC Helsinki. That's right, FREE! Clearly the hot weather has melted their brains. 

Winners will get the following: 

1. One display table in the Big Indie Zone, inc two chairs and one power socket
2. Two standard conference passes
3. Access to all conference content
4. Access to the Global Connects Party
5. Access to all non-exclusive/invitation-only fringe events

Just enter your details in this form before July 31st.

And if you're not an indie developer, July 31 is the last day to purchase early bird tickets.  

Get 15% off The Big Indie Fest at ReVersed

The four-day Big Indie Fest @ ReVersed will unite the best of the indie game developers from central and southern Europe with publishers, service providers, media and other games industry professionals. Organizers expect over 500 trade visitors to attend the show in 2018 with a strong focus on developers (over 70%). An additional 4,000 consumers are anticipated for the final two days, offering game developers and publishers a chance to promote directly to players and gather feedback.

The 2018 event will take place in the incredible surroundings of Vienna’s museums quarter (formerly the imperial stables) in the very heart of the city, providing easy access for attendees both locally and from across Europe. Spread across two full halls, the Ovalhall and Arena21, and boasting fringe events in the surrounding spaces, ReVersed 2018 is twice the size of last year's event.

IGDA Finland members can use promo code IGDAF when registering for 15% off their ticket.

For more information visit the conference website: http://www.reversed.at/