IGDA Satakunta meetup, Thursday 26 February 2026
Creative Crossroads - Artistic Thinking and Game Development as a Form of Artistic Practice
Creative Crossroads is an event organized by IGDA Satakunta that examines artistic thinking as a core dimension of game development, particularly in the age of generative artificial intelligence.
The event takes place on Thursday, 26 February 2026, in Pori, Finland, at Kaupunkiolohuone on the second floor of the IsoKarhu Shopping Centre (Yrjönkatu 14). Doors open at 5:30 PM, the program and live stream run from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, and the venue closes at 9:00 PM.
Entry is free. Participation is possible both on-site and remotely via live stream.
⚠️ Please note: the venue is located on the second floor without an elevator. If you cannot access stairs, you can join the full event via livestream.
As game production processes become increasingly automated and scalable, the role of artistic thinking becomes more central. Artistic thinking refers to the capacity to question assumptions, reframe problems, connect diverse perspectives, and create human-centered and culturally grounded game experiences. Creative Crossroads approaches game development as an artistic practice in which creative reasoning, play, experimentation, and critical reflection are essential.
The program consists of talks, discussion, and curated Game Art Showcase segments. The event brings together game industry professionals, researchers, and artists who share their perspectives and working practices. Speakers include Ville Kirjanen, who addresses artistic thinking as a creative practice; Esa Pavloff-Pelkonen, who examines gaming and play as innovative situational design; and Katriina Heljakka, who reflects on the art of making games and its development over the past two decades. Additional speakers will be announced.
Between the talks, curated Game Art Showcases present selected works by game art practitioners. The focus is on artistic processes and creative thinking in game development. A separate open artist call has been published for the showcases.
The event language is English. The venue is not fully accessible. The live stream will be available on the IGDA Satakunta YouTube channel
Creative Crossroads follows the values and Code of Conduct of IGDA Finland. The event is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, both on-site and online. Harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. If a participant experiences or witnesses inappropriate conduct, they may contact Helena Pavloff-Pelkonen or approach any organizer wearing an IGDA hoodie. The same principles apply to the livestream and moderated chat. Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the IGDA Finland Code of Conduct prior to attending the event: https://tinyurl.com/IGDAFI-CodeOfConduct
The event is organized by IGDA Satakunta, Ars Pori, Pori Entrepreneurship Society (PoriES), and Psyche’s Royale Gaming ry.
More info: INFO Creative Crossroads and 0442407396, satakunta@igda.fi
