Leadership Day: Call for Speakers

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Save the date for Leadership Day by IGDA Finland: September 30, 2024! This international event explores the company structures, team dynamics, and working cultures that make the best games, offering insights to vital but often overlook aspects of game development.

The call for speakers is open. Share your expertise on leadership topics such as team building, change management, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), accessibility, corporate culture, mentoring, CSR (corporate social responsibility), stakeholder management, remote team/company management, community management, conflict resolution, investor/publisher relations, outsourcing, or any leadership topic that you are passionate about. The deadline for applications is June 7, 2024.

Got an idea for a talk, a series of lightning talks, or a panel discussion that needs some fleshing out? Contact us at leadership (at) igda (dot) fi for support.

For more information visit: https://www.igda.fi/leadership-day

Stay Ahead of the Curve with Games Job Fair Spring 2024 LITE

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Games Job Fair Spring 2024 LITE is arriving on April 18-19, with a free entrance, great talks and challenges, new opportunities, and your chance to have your CV and portfolio reviewed by top Finnish games studio, and careers industry recruiters!

Event Highlights:
🎮 Top online presentations
💬 Networking with games studios
💼 New job opportunities
💻 Visibility-boosting Challenges
📔 Onsite CV/Portfolio Reviews by studio recruiters

Join the team in Kamppi, Helsinki for CV and portfolio reviews

Onsite participants joining the day in Helsinki on the 19th of April need only to register on Eventbrite and show up nice and early to have their CVs reviewed by recruiters from Noice, Housemarque, Nitro Games, Varjo, Redhill Games, Games Jobs Finland, and more.

The art portfolio reviews will be done by Ivan Lugovoy, Senior Game Artist at Rovio and Juho Salila, Art Manager at Redhill Games.

As the queue for this onsite career-boosting day will work on a first come, first served basis, please ensure you arrive at the venue on time.

Unity and Sloyd Challenges
The Unity Programming Challenge and Code Review are back! Thomas Winkley will once again be joining the event. After the success of their Sloyd-in-a-Ball snow globe challenge at Games Job Fair Autumn 2023, Sloyd are also joining with a brand new Sloyd challenge and prizes. Be sure to keep an eye on the GFT website and socials for more information.

LinkedIn Live + Discord Combo
The online LinkedIn Live broadcast on the Games Factory Talents LinkedIn page will include a chat with studio representatives and speakers on the GFT Discord server, so join up and get your bearings. Be sure to also hit Attend on the LinkedIn event page and add the event to your calendars so you don’t miss out.

For more on the event, check out GamesJobFair.com.

Espoo GameLAB is inviting you to join their kick-off event on the 11th of January!

/ Espoo GameLAB/

Espoo GameLAB is welcoming everyone to join their upcoming kick-off event on the 11th of January in A Grid, Otaniemi!

We are thrilled to invite you to the kick-off event of the capital region's game hub for small and medium-sized enterprises. To start the year off in a truly epic way, we will be launching the open call for the first Espoo GameLAB period at the event!

What’s this Espoo GameLAB, you ask?
We would like to think that our game lab is a creative playground and launchpad for anyone into games and creative business that will also offer pre-incubator and accelerator services. Whether you're a game wizard, a visionary artist, or just curious about the gaming scene, Espoo GameLAB is the place for you!

 And what about the game hub?
The goal of our game hub is to create new game businesses in the capital region of Finland. Think of it as a vibrant community space buzzing with game enthusiasts and creative minds. It's not just a hub for gamers; it's a hub for collaboration, ideas, and turning gaming dreams into reality.

When and where all this is happening?
We've found the perfect spot to bring our gaming dreams to life, and we can't wait to share it with you. Join us on Thursday, January 11th, 16.00 - 18.00 at the Mordor auditorium, in A Grid (Otakaari 5, Espoo) to hear more!

AGENDA:
- Welcome words by Harri Paananen, Director, Economic Development and Employment,
- City of EspooThe game hub initiative in a nutshell, Daniela Metsäranta, Senior Advisor, Game Industy, City of Espoo
- Espoo GameLAB in all its glory, Jonne Taivassalo, Senior Advisor, Game Industy, City of Espoo
- Q&A 
- Refreshments and snacks

Questions, doubts or just want to say hello?  
Please contact Daniela: daniela.metsaranta@espoo.fi

We look forward to celebrating this exciting moment with you!

Click here to register your participation by January 9th:
https://link.webropol.com/s/gamelabkickoff2023

 

Get 15% off from #XmasJKL - The Industry Business Seminar, Fri 10th of Nov + "Day Zero" 9th of Nov

/ Ilokivi/

Get 15% OFF! from #XmasJKL - The Industry Business Seminar, Fri 10th of Nov 2023

Join us for an exciting in-person event, #XmasJKL 2023 – The Finnish Game Industry Business Seminar, on Fri Nov 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM. This seminar will take place at Ilokivi, Keskussairaalantie 2, 40100 Jyväskylä, offering a fantastic opportunity to network and learn from industry experts.

Discover the latest trends and insights in the Finnish game industry, as well as valuable business strategies. Gain valuable knowledge from renowned speakers, engage in interactive discussions, and forge new connections with like-minded professionals.

Whether you’re a game developer, entrepreneur, investor, or simply interested in the gaming world, #XmasJKL 2023 is the place to be. Don’t miss out on this incredible event that promises to inspire, educate, and entertain.

Mark your calendar, and get ready to level up your game industry expertise at #XmasJKL 2023 – The Finnish Game Industry Business Seminar!


Get -15% OFF - USE CODE: XMASLOVESIGDA

Get ticker https://www.xmasjkl.com


“Day Zero“at Digi & Game Center!

We shall have a day before the main event a “Day Zero” networking event at multiple times awarded Coworking space and Ecosystem Digi Game Center (DGC). Digi & Game Center is also the place where IGDA Finland Jyväskylä Hub Meetups happens now days.  The Premises are just 15 min from Matkakeskus by walking or about 5 min walk from Jyväskylä city center .

Get to know the premises and network: 14.00-18.00 (2-6pm)

Sauna at the DGC 20:00-23.00

Read more about: Digi & Game Center

This is day event is open for all, but we would like to know how many is visiting so please do sign via Eventbrite too: Day Zero ticket

Need more details?
Please feel free to contact
Tuomas Roininen, tuomas.roininen (at) expa.fi

Give Your Career an Edge With Games Job Fair Autumn 2023

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf0TRbZG0p8

Ready for new growth and career opportunities from Games Job Fair Autumn 2023?

Join studios such as Redhill Games, Gaijin, FunPlus, GIANTS Software, and many more for 3 days of networking and fresh new fun, career-boosting activities ONLINE & ONSITE on October 25-27. The onsite part of the Hybrid Day takes place once again in Espoo, Helsinki area on October 27th. 

Event Highlights

🎮 Expert talks, panels, workshops
🙋 Dedicated recruitment day
💬 Networking with games studios
💻 Unreal, Unity, and Art Challenges
📔 Creative and Animation Portfolio Reviews
🗺️ Hybrid Day 3 in Espoo + Afterparty at HypeHype HQ

Be sure to keep an eye on the event’s Career Wall as well.

Programming and Art Challenges

The Unreal and Unity Programming Challenges are back, and there are new, fun prompts to work on. Show us your coding skills and win prizes!

Redhill Games are hosting a VFX Art Challenge where you get to create a complete projectile effect that fits either of the two provided character’s visual theme.

If you want to take a swing at something different, Sloyd brings us the Sloyd in-a-Ball Render Challenge. Create your own snow globe using the Sloyd tool, and showcase your rendering, material design, and environment art skills!

Animation and Creative Portfolio Reviews

The event’s familiar Creative Portfolio Review is being held as usual, but now you get the brand new Animation Portfolio Review! Adam Turnbull, Principal Animator at NetEase Games, will be reviewing animation portfolios and works!

New Workshops

Arja Martikainen of GamesJobs.FI and Barona, is hosting a super fun onsite workshop on the event’s hybrid day, October 27th. During “Play & Learn the Basics Through a 1-Hour Roleplay - The Do's and Don'ts of Interviewing With a Games Studio,” participants get to dust off their acting skills and step in the shoes of those involved in interviews with games studios.

Redhill Games are hosting one for the audio folks this time. Rob Carr, Mission Scripter & Senior Audio Designer, will head “The Art of Sound Design;” an hour long, detailed overview on how sounds are made for video games and movies.

Make sure to click on the links and register for the workshops above!

The Legal Employment Clinic by Maria Jauhiainen, expert lawyer with Game Makers of Finland, returns, so be sure to check out their booth onsite.

More HypeHype’s Afterparty Goodness + Surprise Activity

HypeHype is welcoming attendees of Games Job Fair back for the October event. Enjoy drinks and snacks in the good company of peers, and get that competitive spirit going for a special fun activity the studio has planned for the hybrid day.

How to Join

Just fill out this registration form and remember to pay for your ticket when you are taken to Eventbrite. All applications are screened, and all approved talents receive further instructions by email. Don’t forget to join the Games Factory Talents Discord server and get to know the community.

Use the code "IGDA" if you're a member to get a 15% discount! Only 100 tickets available, so act fast!

For more on the event, check out GamesJobFair.com.

IGDA Finland Leadership Day 2023 - Get your tickets now!

/ BioRex/

We invite you to join us on our fifth Leadership Day on the 11th of September at BioRex Helsinki!

Leadership Day by IGDA Finland is an international event about how we build companies, teams and working cultures to build better games. Games companies, their inner workings and cultures are some of the least documented aspects of game development. Yet we and our work are all defined by these choices every single day. Join us in learning and challenging the cutting edge of leadership in games from some of the brightest minds in the industry!

Speakers

Saara Bergström
Next Games / Netflix

Mika Tammenkoski
Metacore

Jaakko Kylmäoja
Fingersoft

Jinesha Gandhi
Redhill Games

Wanda O Rly
Psyon Games

Aki Kanerva
Virtual Air Guitar

Sponsors

For more info visit our event page

IGDA Future at Assembly 2023

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As previous year, we are delighted to welcome you to the workshops and seminars at Assembly 2023, organized by IGDA Future program of IGDA Finland!


To sign up for the workshops, feel free to use this form, but also ad hoc attendance is possible.

Check full program of Assembly Creative Zone and welcome to the party of the year!

Join the IGDA Game Accessibility SIG's European Conference

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The IGDA Game Accessibility Special Interest Group volunteers have worked since 2003 to aid the game industry in making games accessible for all, regardless of impairments or other limitations. The European conference is a hybrid event taking place in London and online April 24-25. Tickets for the streamed content and networking in Discord are free, but it’s possible to make a donation when getting your ticket.

For more information visit the IGDA Game Accessibility SIG webpage or the conference registration page:

Head to Tallinn for the GDWC Awards Ceremony

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And the winner is….

The finalists for the Game Development World Championships (GDWC) are set and the winners will be announced at the GDWC Awards Show taking place at Erinevate Tubade Klubi in Tallinn, Estonia on April 22nd from 18:00-22:00 EEST.

IGDA Finland members get 50% off the ticket price when using promocode: 50off
Tickets can be bought here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-game-development-world-championship-2022-tickets-566168875347

Show your support for the finalists and network at the event. For those you can’t attend, the event will be live streamed on GWDC’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thegdwc

For more information on the awards ceremony and the finalists check out: https://thegdwc.com/awards/

Address: Erinevate Tubade Klubi, Telliskivi 60-A1 10412, Tallinn, Estonia

IGDA Finland Support Shirt Competition 2023 together with upcoming birthday party!

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IGDA Finland support shirt competition is back and this year we´re celebrating in collaboration with IGDA Finland’s 20th birthday!

IGDA Finland invites you to participate and showcase your creativity by designing a unique support shirt for this year's special occasion. The winner will be revealed on 27.5 at IGDA Finland´s 20th birthday and the top 3 will be getting tickets and their traveling expenses covered the event!

IGDA_Digihub16.png

Prize

  • Top 3 gets tickets to the birthday party + travel expenses covered
  • 350€ Gift card (S/K group/amazon/verkkokauppa)
  • T-shirt with their design

File specs

  • Min 300dpi
  • 4000x4000px in .PNG
  • Max 10MB
IGDA_Digihub16.png

Rules

  • Includes IGDA Finland text somehow
  • Includes “20” somehow
  • Includes artist signature (highly recommended)
  • If you use the original IGDA logo, don’t edit it.
  • Max 3 submissions
  • Must be located in Finland
  • Avoid using other companies' IP
  • AI Art is not allowed

Schedule:

  • Submission time: 3.4 - 30.4

  • Voting time: 2.5 - 14.5

  • The winner will be revealed on 27.5 at IGDA Finland´s 20th birthday and the top 3 will be getting tickets to the event + travel expenses covered, shirts will be available immediately after that.

 

Volunteers:

  • Art: Noora Jokela

  • Copywriting: Emma Vantaa & Niko Pyrhönen

  • Website + forms: Emma Vantaa & Chris Hong

  • Social media: Emma Vantaa

  • Project lead: Niko Pyrhönen

  • Art lead: Egor Sandalnev

  • Art: Elise Juutila

  • Art: Chris Hong

More interested in the birthday party? Get your tickets now!

Games Job Fair Spring 2023 Brings More Challenges, Talks, Workshops!

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Let your career blossom at Games Job Fair Spring 2023 The spring iteration of the games industry recruitment, networking, and career-building event brings new speakers, more challenges with fun prizes, and brand new workshops! 

Join the event online on April 26-28th and Onsite in Espoo, Innopoli campus on April 28th, the last day of the event followed by the afterparty! 

Meet up online or in person with fellow game developers and studio reps, expand your professional network, build your knowledge and skill set.

Event Highlights
🙋 Networking with hiring games studios
🎙️ Career-building talks, panels, workshops
💻 Unreal, Unity, UX, and Art Challenges
📔 Creative Portfolio Review
🗺️ Hybrid Day in Espoo + Afterparty at HypeHype HQ

Programming, Art and UX Challenges

ATTENTION Developers, Artists, and UI/UX Designers.
We bring you fresh challenges to showcase your technical skills. Please check the details and participate in:

Art Challenges sponsored by Redhill Games, Metacore, and Savage Game Studios
Unreal Engine Challenge sponsored by Epic Games, Housemarque, and Savage Game Studios
Unity Programming Challenge sponsored by Unity, PHZ Fullstack 
UX Challenge sponsored by Redhill Games 

*If you’re a junior based in Finland, Redhill Games-sponsored Art and UX Challenges include the chance at a paid 6-month internship with the studio!”

Brand New Workshops for Those Joining Onsite on April 28th 
Games Job Fair Spring 2023 aims to offer more hands-on training by industry experts that includes:

Tileable Material Creation by Syed Safeer Abbas Rizvi, Senior Environment Artist at Redhill Games, will help you plan a manageable pipeline of material creation for games on Substance Designer

Towards Equal Worklife by Milla Pennanen, Game Makers of Finland, will focus on the challenges of today's working life & how to overcome them. 

Seeking Mentorship by Salla Hiiskoski, the Mentorship Program Lead of We in Games Finland, will give you the tools to clarify & articulate your goals & get tips to find the right mentor.

Legal Employment Clinic by Maria Jauhiainen, an expert lawyer with Game Makers of Finland, will provide you advice on matters related to employment in Finland, contacts, IP rights, NDAs etc. (you will get a chance to book a slot after the 12th of April via the PINE event platform). 

*Please remember to sign up, as spaces are limited

Afterparty at HypeHype’s HQ, Kamppi on April 28th
HypeHype is graciously hosting the Games Job Fair Spring 2023 afterparty at their new office space in Kamppi. It’s a great opportunity to socialize with peers over pizzas and drinks.

How to Join
Just fill out this registration form. All applications are screened, and all approved talents receive further instructions by email. Don’t forget to join the Games Factory Talents Discord server and get to know the community.

For more on the event, check out GamesJobFair.com.


Education for Game Industry Harassment contact persons!

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The Finnish game industry organizations are arranging a training event for everybody who might have to deal with harassment cases at work or volunteer work.

The event is organized in cooperation with Sexpo Foundation. The specialist on the topic will be Tommi Paalanen, Executive Director at Sexpo Foundation.

🕓 WHEN: The event takes place on Wednesday, 30.11.2022, from 12.30 - 16.00
🌍 WHERE: Maria03, Helsinki Online: IGDA Finland Twitch

Coffee will be served at the venue, so make sure to register before the 27th. However if you’re more interested in talks, you’re entirely welcome to listen without registration!

More information and registration:
https://www.eventbrite.fi/e/education-for-game-industry-harassment-contact-persons-tickets-457315491947

See you there! 🙌

IGDA Helsinki Xmas Party with Rovio

/ Maxine Helsinki/

WINTER HAS ARRIVED! and so has the traditional Xmas party of IGDA Helsinki sponsored by ROVIO!

As always, second Tuesday of the month from 17:00 onwards, we gather at Maxine to share thoughts and connect with our community. This special Xmas themed Meetup is done in collaboration with Rovio Entertainment and they have THREE interesting talks prepared for us, starting at 18:00 📣 Tuesday 13th of December!

Heini Kaihu is Rovio’s Chief Sustainability Officer. She has been with the company since 2012, having held positions such as Head of Studio (Games) as well as Head of HR. Before joining Rovio, Heini had a long career at Sulake, where she worked across the organisation in various leadership positions such as EVP Product and a member of the Leadership Team. Her dedication drives her to continuously improve on the positive impact game companies have on social and environmental sustainability.

Topic: What does sustainability mean for gaming companies? Trends and a little peek into the future.

Petri Hyökyranta is Rovio’s Chief Technology Officer. He has been with the company since 2011. During his career, he has been part of several digital business initiatives for different sized companies in different maturity stages. In many of these, he has held an instrumental role leading work, building teams and structures and turning business requirements into new long-term business and production systems. He has experience from multiple different operational models, including working as a service provider, with service providers and with partly or fully outsourced resources.

Topic: Rovio’s Beacon platform: what is it and how it helps us craft joy to players.

Miika Tams is the Head of Studio at Rovio’s Puzzle studio (and loving it!). He’s a true industry veteran, with over 23 years of games experience behind him, including PC, consoles, mobile and F2P since day one.

Topic: A year in the life of the Rovio Puzzle studio: Games, campaigns, growth and all the other cool stuff we've seen during the past year.

News from Chat Corner! 💬 This has been a really popular and liked part of our Meetups, so why not make it better? If you have any topics you'd like to have in Chat Corner or suggestions for icebreaker games, check this link and leave us some feedback!

See you in three weeks! 💥

WHAT:
IGDA Helsinki Xmas Party with Rovio

WHEN:
13.12.
Doors open at 17:00
Chat Corner is open between 17:00 - 20:00
Seminar starts at 18:00

WHERE:
Maxine, Kamppi shopping center, 6th floor (Elevators next to the Jungle Juice Bar at the bottom floor)

BUT I WANNA DEMO MY GAME:
Click this here link and let’s get in touch!

TL;DR:
- Xmas Party with Rovio
- Seminar by Heini Kaihu, Petri Hyökyranta and Miika Tams starts at 18:00
- Chat Corner is open!

Game Design seminar at IGDA Helsinki meetup with Ubisoft Redlynx

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This Meetup is done in collaboration with Ubisoft RedLynx and they have prepared a game design seminar by Isaque Sanches, starting at 18:00!

In his design-oriented talk, Isaque Sanches from Ubisoft RedLynx will explore common reasons why game prototypes often are ill-adjusted to their envisioned projects and propose a few tips on how to avoid those pitfalls.

Isaque Sanches is a Senior Game Designer at Ubisoft RedLynx.
He has worked on games of various genres, sizes (indie, AA, AAA), audiences, and platforms (PC, console, mobile, XR) and began his career in game development as a programmer.

WHAT:
IGDA Helsinki November Meetup with Ubisoft RedLynx

WHEN:
08.11.
Doors open at 17:00
Isaque Sanches talk “Your Prototype Sucks, Here's Why” 18:00
Chat Corner is open between 17:00 - 20:00

WHERE:
Maxine, Kamppi shopping center, 6th floor

BUT I WANNA DEMO MY GAME:
Click this here link and let’s get in touch!

TL;DR:
- November Meetup x Ubisoft RedLynx
- Seminar by Isaque Sanches starts at 18:00
- Chat Corner is open!

GAME WAVE FESTIVAL 2022 - Special 20% discount for IGDA members!

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Join Game Wave Festival 2022 with 20% discount on the ticket for IGDA members by using the code FINIGDA22!

GWF22 is an international hybrid games industry business event package that balances education, business and fun in equal measure. This year the event is taking place on November 28-29 in Tallinn, Estonia (Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel) and welcoming everyone to enjoy game development content in the luxury seaside resort. As a part of the program, IGDA Finland will host IGDA Finland Mentor Café to which you are most welcome to join as a mentor, a mentee or both!

If you are interested to join as a speaker, there is still time to submit your proposal:

https://www.gamewave.eu/

Welcome to Tallinn!

Register for Games Job Fair Autumn 2022

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Connect, Discover, and Evolve through Games Job Fair Autumn 2022. The event will take place from October 26-28.

Join ONLINE for FREE with the option to attend a last day onsite in Helsinki! Connect with studios such as Remedy, FunPlus, InnoGames, Trailmix Games, justDice, Sunday, and more!

Highlights:
🎮 Job openings in gamedev
🎙️ Talks, panels, review sessions
💻 Programming & Art challenges
🙋 Networking with peers, studios
🗺️ Onsite meet-up in Helsinki

Attend diverse games industry talks and discussions by leading professionals, up your job searching game, showcase your talent for recruiters to see through competitions, and connect with other developers and studios.

Please see the detailed event agenda and don’t forget to register!

See the full event details at: GamesJobFair.com

Come and celebrate Fingersoft's 10th birthday at our IGDA Helsinki October meetup!

/ Ravintola Maxine/

IGDA Helsinki Meetup invites you all to celebrate this journey together! Join the birthday party at Maxine 11.10. 🥂

Doors will open at 17:00 and the seminar starts at 18:00

Seminar:
Daniel Rantala - 10 years of Hill Climb Racing
Business Development Director, Fingersoft

WHAT:
IGDA Helsinki October Meetup With Fingersoft

WHEN:
11.10. Doors open at 17:00 Chat Corner is open 17:00-20:00

WHERE:
Maxine, Kamppi shopping center, 6th floor

BUT I WANNA DEMO MY GAME:
Click this here link and let’s get in touch!

TL;DR:
- October Meetup x Fingersoft 10 years birthday!
- Daniel Rantala giving a speech
- Chat Corner is open!

IGDA Finland presents: Game Music performed by a Symphony Orchestral

/ Musiikkitalo/

IGDA Finland is not just a community, we also care for the artistry that goes into making games like the wonderful music that can be heard in games. Now, for the first time ever, IGDA Finland has the opportunity to support an orchestra that is performing many of the classic compositions and songs we all are so familiar with.

During the evening you will hear music from games such as The Last of Us, Mega Man, Final Fantasy and Bloodborne and a bunch of others!

WHAT:
Game music symphony orchestra!
Tickets for IGDA members at a special price, the supply is limited so buy while they last!
Ticket prices: 25,50-62.60€

WHEN:
Saturday 1. October 2022
19.00-20.00 (Duration 2 hours)

WHERE:
Musiikkitalo, Konserttisali
Mannerheimintie 13 A, Helsinki

Get your tickets now:
https://lnkd.in/gf343UcQ

For more information (In Finnish):
https://lnkd.in/gxV6UTk3

IGDA Helsinki September Meetup / Housemarque

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It's a new week, it's a new Meetup!

September came, so now it’s about time for the next IGDA Meetup. Tomorrow 13.9. Maxine's doors open at 17:00 and we welcome you to meet old and new friends! Thanks to Housemarque for sponsoring this event ✨

There are no seminars this time but our Chat corner is open until 20:00!

Let’s see you at Maxine! ⭐️

WHAT:
IGDA Helsinki September Meetup
With Housemarque

WHEN:
13.9.
Doors open at 17:00
Chat Corner is open 17:00-20:00

WHERE:
Maxine, Kamppi shopping center, 6th floor

TL;DR:
- September Meetup x Housemarque
- No seminars this time
- Loved Chat Corner is open!