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/

Volunteers' help needed for Finnish Game Awards event!

Etsitään viittä tai kuutta vapaaehtoista, tehtävinä tapahtuman esivalmistelut tapahtumapäivänä (rollupien ym. laittelua, plaseerauskorttien laittelua), osallistujien sisäänkirjaaminen ja ohjaaminen tilassa, palkintojenjaossa avustaminen, rollupien ym. materiaalien purku tilaisuuden päätteeksi ja muut tapahtuman aikana mahdollisesti ilmenevät, vastaavanlaiset juoksevat tehtävät. Oma-aloitteisuus ehdottomasti plussaa.

The Finnish Game Awards tapahtuu torstaina 25.4. Ravintola Bankissa. Vapaaehtoisten olisi mieluusti päästävä paikalle jo n. klo 14. Itse tilaisuus alkaa klo 18, ja päättyy viimeistään klo 01:00. Tyylikäs, siisti pukeutuminen (puku). Vapaaehtoiset ruokitaan, ja heille järjestetään todennäköisesti jälkikäteen myös oma pieni karonkka.

PÄIVITYS 26.3.2019: Vapaaehtoiset tapahtumaan ovat löytyneet, kiitos kaikille mielenkiinnosta!
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Looking for five or six volunteers to help in the preparations of The Finnish Game Awards on the day of the gala, to help set up rollups etc., to check in guests and answer their questions, to assist in the awards ceremony and finally help take down our materials and clear the space once the event is over.

The Finnish Game Awards takes place in Restaurant Bank on Thursday, 25th April. It would be great if the volunteers could arrive already around 14:00. The event itself begins at 18:00 and will finish by 1:00. Dress nicely (suit). Volunteers will be fed during the evening and will most likely have a little thank you get together arranged for them sometime after the gala.

UPDATE 26.3.2019: Volunteers have been found for the event, a huge thank you to everyone for your interest!

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.

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 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.

Finnish Game Industry Harassment Task Force Forming

The Finnish Game Industry is committed to keeping our community safe for everyone and has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment in all of its forms. We already have the code of conduct (http://www.neogames.fi/the-finnish-game-industry-code-of-conduct/) but there is more we can do.

For that reason organisations and operations of game industry have decided to form a task force that will deal with harassment issues: share information, knowledge, give assistance and create general guidelines and procedures for incidents and harassment. Neogames, IGDA Finland, Finnish Game Developers Association, Finnish Game Jam and Women in Games Finland are having their representatives in the task force; event organisers are represented by Northern Game Summit. 

The task force will have their first meeting in coming weeks. More info about the topic will be available in game industry channels after the meeting.

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

Intuitive Digital Workflow with Loish!

We wish to invite you to one of a kind digital art seminar with Loish!

On Saturday, the 8th of September we are privileged to have Loish presenting her unique approach in art creation and visual language at University of Turku.

Meet the artist, learn about the best practices in digital art production and above all HAVE FUN in creative discussion with loish and fellow creatives!

We are aiming to organize free transport for students from bigger cities in Finland, who wish to attend the workshop. More information about bus rides will be announced later on.

We have limited amount of spots so be fast and GET YOUR TICKET TODAY!
https://loishworkshop.eventbrite.com

Event is organized and supported by University of Turku, The Hive - Turku Game Hub, IGDA Finland and IGDA Game Art SIG.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Language used at workshop: English

Availability: 200 people

Note for students: attending the seminar will provide you with 2 ECTS.

Get 15% off White Nights St. Petersburg

The next White Nights conference will be held on June 28-29, 2018 in St. Petersburg. Over 1,600 attendees are expected. 

The program is available on the conference website. The conference will additionally feature workshops held by Google, Facebook and iOS representatives. Pre-registratin for these sessions is required on the conference website. 

The Developer Exhibition will once again be held as a part of the White Nights, where over 150 talented teams from all over the world will showcase their best games in order to meet leading publishers, representatives of platforms, investors and to receive valuable feedback from industry gurus and fellow colleagues. Best of the best will receive a trophy and great prizes at the Indie Game Cup Awards Ceremony. We are accepting applications for the Developer Exhibition (https://goo.gl/forms/k0R7cpmJPFuO3r633) and for the Indie Game Cup until June 8, 2018. 

The agenda also includes great networking events: a pre-party sponsored by Unreal Engine to be held on the day preceding the event and the main all-night party on the huge sailing ship The Flying Dutchman at the end of the first day.

IGDA Finland members get 15% off the ticket price by using promo code IGDA-Finland on the conference website.

Information on obtaining Russian visa is on the conference website. 

Get 20% off the Helsinki Game Music Festival

The Helsinki Game Music Festival is a one-day event dedicated to video game music and features performances the Game Music Collective and more!

The festival kicks off at 14:00 at the Helsinki Hall of Culture on May 5th. 

For more information visit the event website: 
https://gameharmony.com/concerts/helsinki-game-music-festival/

IGDA members get 20% all ticket categories when using the link below: 
https://gameharmony.com/igda

Please note: Normal prices are 39, 49, 59, and 69 Euros and the discount will automatically be applied when clicking the link.  

20% off for Game Music Collective concert in Turku!

GREAT NEWS EVERYONE!

Game Music Collective is giving to IGDA members 20% off from VIP tickets at their TURKU gig in Logomo!

It includes concert and after-party 🎮😎🥂

https://holvi.com/shop/exclam-digital/product/ff4ed93f9b634abf906c18c43cfe590f/

Use code: IGDAVIPxGMC, for receiving 33e VIP ticket

Menestyksekkään ensikonserttinsa innoittamana, Game Music Collective lähtee Suomen-kiertueelle ja saapuu myös Logomoon. Konsertissa nähdään ja kuullaan täysipainoinen pelimusiikkikokemus toteutettuna isolla orkesterilla sekä mieskuorolla.

Konsertissa soitetaan musiikkia mm. seuraavista pelisarjoista: Final Fantasy, Destiny, Chrono Trigger, Elder Scrolls, Undertale, Halo, Secret of Mana, Angry Birds, Journey, Mega Man ja Kingdom Hearts. Konserttien visualisoinneista vastaa kotimaisiin kärkinimiin kuuluva videotaiteiilija VJ Sellekhanks. VIP-lippu takaa paikan VIP-alueelta konsertissa, vain VIP-lippulaisille järjestetyn afterpartyn Logomossa konsertin jälkeen yhdessä muusikoiden kanssa sekä pelimusiikkiaiheisen paneelikeskustelun ennen Game Music Collectiven konserttia.

Get 10% off your ticket to Game Access

Game Access is an annual game industry conference that will take place in Brno, Czech Republic on 1-2 June, 2018. The conference is expected to attract more than 1000 game developers to the Brno Exhibition Center (BVV). The event also features an indie showcase that is accepting applications until April 30, 2018, 23:59 CEST

IGDA Finland members get a 10% discounts on standard and premium tickets. 

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

ReVersed Submissions Closing Soon

The Big Indie Fest at ReVersed is an indie developer focus gaming event taking place in Vienna this summer from July 5-8. Game submissions for the event will be closing March 31st.

The Big Indie Fest is open to alpha, beta, and even early published games, so don’t hesitate to sign up even if you just have a demo you’d like to present; as long as it’s playable.

If your game is selected your team will get:

    Access to exclusive meeting system
    Access to all talks & workshops
    One table: 1,2 x 0,80m
    Up to 4 chairs
    In case of VR: 2 – 3m²
    Power strip

For more information visit: http://www.reversed.at/developers/

Reboot Develop Reduced by 10%

Reboot Develop 2018 is taking place in the historical city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, from 19th to 21st of April. In its fifth year, it solidifies its position as a worldwide game industry event with continued growth. This year's conference promises more than 1500+ attendees from 600+ international companies representing an intriguing mix of big established game development studios as well as 100+ indie studios, countless representatives of investors and publishers as well as most of the key tech companies from the game industry.

IGDA Finland members get 10% off standard tickets using promocode: REBOOTFINLAND2018

Visit the conference website for more information: http://www.rebootdevelop.hr/

Get 20% off Game Dev Days in Tallinn

Game Dev Days is right around the corner and IGDA Members get 20% off standard tickets using promo code IGDAFIN. Game Dev Days is a great knowledge sharing event where business meets creativity.

Attention Indies! The deadline for submitting your game to the Game Village is March 15th.  Game Village is the conference's indie project showcase and competition where developers can present their latest games and get feedback from experts and conference attendees. The best project will be selected during the show and be awarded by a special prize and automatically qualify for Casual Connect's Indie Prize competition. 

The Game Village package includes: 2 Standard conference passes, demo space to showcase their game, and access to the workshops.

Check out the conference website for more information: https://gamedev.ee

Join the Quo Vadis Conference Volunteer Crew

Are you looking for a job in the gaming industry and want to make contacts to developer studios, related companies? Are you a video game enthusiast and want to get an exclusive behind the scenes look at the industry? Are you interested in event management look behind the curtain of a big B2B and B2C event?

Why don't you join Quo Vadis as a volunteer? Volunteers welcome attendees, assist with registration, provide directions, scan badges, hand out headsets, greet speakers and make sure they are all set for their talk, provide technical support in some cases, and keep the conference clean.

Quo Vadis takes place in Berlin from April 24-25, 2018. The priority volunteer sign-up ends on February 16, 2018 at 23:59 CEST. 

To learn more and sign up visit: http://bit.ly/QuoVadisVolunteers18