The leading games industry conference, Pocket Gamer Connects, returns to Helsinki for the 10th year this October 1-2.

More than 1,500 delegates will gather for two days of networking at every level, from first-time jobseekers to executives from some of the biggest brands in the world.

As part of the event, the Big Screen Gaming Summit expands on PG Connects’ mission to provide a dedicated forum for discussion and content on multiplatform games including web3, PC, console, and XR. This side event features 8 conference tracks with industry leaders, platforms, publishers, and topics that explore the specific struggles and opportunities of each platform.

Ahead of the event we checked in with one of the speakers, Åke André, who is the CEO of Crypto Rogue Games. As a Swedish game developer, André has first-hand experience of the difficulties of lacking crypto market regulations. He will also talk about how to build better user experiences, drawing from lessons he’s learnt from Crypto Rogue’s own ARPG Crystalfall.

BlockchainGamer: Tell us what Crypto Rogue Games is working on at the moment?

André: Crystalfall is a steampunk loot-driven hack’n’slash ARPG.

What’s the state of blockchain gaming in Sweden?

Still in a maturing phase but with a lot more clarity thanks to the new MiCA regulation.

What will you talk about at PG Connects Helsinki?

I will share our journey and the errors we made along the way when working with web3.

What are some key takeaways from your talk?

• Tools and knowledge on how to avoid making some of the costly mistakes when deciding to build a web3 game.
• Better understanding what is complexed and not complexed with web3.
• Overall better understanding regarding the regulatory landscape for studios who want to use web3.
• Better understanding if and how web3 could solve or improve player experience in games.

What do you think will impact the blockchain games industry the most in the coming year?

The biggest impact will and can only happen once we start to see games using blockchain being successful. 

That starts by reclaiming the moral high ground around building games using this technology while keeping the player in focus and asking the most basic question “Is this fun?”.

Åke André is scheduled to speak on October 2nd at 15:20-15:40 in track room 3.

Get your tickets to Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki and Big Screen Gaming Summit today to benefit from our mid-term price rate >>

More than 1,500 attendees will head to Helsinki this October 1-2 for the pair of 2-day games industry conferences that form the heart of Finnish Games Week. Every ticket grants access to BOTH the Big Screen Gaming Summit AND PG Connects Helsinki!

The Big Screen Gaming Summit will run alongside PG Connects Helsinki, expanding on its mission as the world’s leading independent games conference series to provide a dedicated forum for discussion, content, and connections for the PC, console, XR and web3 landscape.

Book now!

Maximise your ROI with multiplatform development

As well as the conference tracks within PG Connects, the Big Screen Gaming Summit will offer bespoke topic-driven tracks featuring insight from industry leaders, platforms, publishers, exploring the specific opportunities and challenges of each platform.

Learn from the best

The 50+ speakers at the Big Screen Gaming Summit are just part of the 170+ total that will deliver world class seminars across both events. Whether you want to learn about the latest user acquisition and monetisation techniques or how to create games to deploy on multiple platforms, we have an expert speaker to offer their insights and the latest industry data.

Could you be one of our expert speakers?

We’re looking for leaders, visionaries and pioneers to share their expertise with our global audience of games professionals. Becoming a speaker gains free VIP entry to the event – including use of our online meeting system – as well as the opportunity to raise visibility, build your brand and contribute to the collective growth and advancement of the games industry.

Apply today!

If you have any questions about speaker opportunities, contact Charlie Scowen at [email protected]

Join us for the Big Screen Gaming Summit, powered by PG Connects, on October 1st and 2nd 2024 in Helsinki to discover the latest trends and future innovations for PC, console, web3, VR and AR.

Already well-known for its focus on mobile games, at this year’s huge Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki, the dedicated Big Screen Gaming Summit will offer a forum for web3, XR, PC, and console gaming discussions, featuring insights from industry leaders on challenges and opportunities for each platform. 

Topics will also include the future of UGC and DLC, funding strategies, emerging technologies and the latest business models. 

The Big Screen Gaming Summit and Pocket Gamer Connects will take place on October 1st and 2nd, 2024 at Wanha Satama, Helsinki.

Web3 gaming in the Nordic region

Now a few years following the initial web3 gaming boom, we’ve seen a significant growth of new Nordic game developers in the blockchain gaming industry, as well as game makers integrating web3 into existing web2 titles. Alongside maturing, the market has also become more diverse, including everything from mobile games with crypto token rewards, to PC games with deep game economies powered by blockchain, to games deploying fully onchain.

However, multiple questions remain. What is considered a successful web3 game? Will we ever see mass adoption of blockchain gaming, and what will drive it? 

Call for speakers: Web3, XR, PC and console experts at the Big Screen Gaming Summit

As we’re gearing up to reveal our first speakers, we’re also reaching out calling for more speakers to take the stage. Do you want to share your insights, market data, and expertise with the global games industry? We’d love to hear from you. 

Join us at PG Connects Helsinki and the Big Screen Gaming Summit, and showcase your knowledge before an international audience of games professionals. Fill in our Google form here to submit your proposal.

Lead a solo seminar or participate in panel debates. Seize this chance to gain industry recognition, engage with leaders and decision-makers, and connect with a dynamic global games community.

Speaker perks include:

• Complimentary event ticket
• Enhanced visibility and exposure
• Valuable networking opportunities
• Full access to all conference areas, including exclusive VIP sections
• Use of the MeetToMatch online meeting platform
• Develop your public speaking and presentation skills
• Establish or build your expertise in the global games industry
• Elevate your personal brand by sharing your knowledge
• Contribute to the growth and advancement of the games industry

To apply, please fill out the speaker submission form. Alternatively, you can contact Charlie Scowen at [email protected].

Join us on October 1st and 2nd 2024 to discover the latest trends and future innovations for PC, console, web3, VR and AR.

While already well-known for its focus on mobile games, at this year’s huge Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki, the dedicated Big Screen Gaming Summit will offer a forum for web3, XR, PC, and console discussions, featuring insights from industry leaders on challenges and opportunities for each platform. 

Topics include the future of UGC and DLC, funding strategies, emerging platforms and the hottest new business models. The Big Screen Gaming Summit will be free to all attendees of PG Connects, and vice versa, with one ticket granting access to both events.

The Big Screen Gaming Summit and Pocket Gamer Connects will take place on October 1st and 2nd, 2024 at Wanha Satama, Helsinki. You can register for tickets right here. They form part of the Finnish Games Week, which also features the Leadership Day 2024 by IGDA Finland and the W Love Games 2024 conference.

Discover a growing global market

In 2023, the global PC and console games market reached $94 billion in revenue, up 3.1% from the previous year, according to data from Newzoo.

The market research firm anticipates that future player growth on these platforms will come from emerging markets including Latin America, Central and Southern Asia, Southeast Asia, and MENA. Unity’s 2024 Gaming Report, meanwhile, noted a 40% rise in multiplatform games from 2021 to 2023.

Finland, home to mobile giants Supercell and Rovio, also excels in PC and console games with top studios like Housemarque and Remedy Entertainment. In terms of web3 gaming, it’s home to prominent developers including Quicksave, Empires not Vampires, Black Block, Tribo Games, and more.

Combined with a vibrant Nordic games sector experienced in development across all platforms, Helsinki is the perfect destination to get valuable insights from across the industry.

A dedicated stage of expert content

Talks, panels and roundtables for PC and console professionals will cover all aspects of the business, from game creation to monetisation strategies. The eight dedicated conference tracks will be delivered by world-class experts:

• State of Play: PC & Console: Facts, figures and insights from the latest developments in the PC and console markets
• Extended Play: UGC & Live Service: Explore the worlds of live service games and user-generated content delivering endless gameplay experiences
• Distribution + Discovery: Expert advice on making your game stand out on the distribution services such as Steam
• Applied Gaming: Explore how businesses are using games technology to assist with professional development outside of the industry
• Game Maker Insights: Case studies from the frontline, covering the likes of game design, audio, character design, UX and narrative
• Practical AI: Explore AI’s role in game development to enhance player experiences, optimise performance, and efficiently create dynamic, immersive virtual worlds
• Future Formats: Journey to the future of games as we discuss the new technologies set to transform our industry
• Web3 Wonders: What’s next for the blockchain games scene? Dive deeper into the techniques and strategies that are shaping this growing market

Calling all PC and console indies

If you’re an indie developer, we want to hear from you! Join us for The Very Big Indie Pitch (PC + Console Edition) on Wednesday, October 2nd from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm (local time).

All indie developers are invited to present a five minute pitch with a panel of experts who will also offer feedback about your game and pitch.

Spots are limited, so make sure to apply for your spot here!
If you’re an indie and you aren’t taking part in the Very Big Indie Pitch, you can also use this form for a chance to get a free ticket to the show.

Big savings on tickets for a limited time!

There is still time to take advantage of our Early Bird Ticket offer, with savings over £300. Act fast; this special offer won’t last. Book now.

Call for speakers: Web3, XR, PC and console experts at PG Connects Helsinki 2024

We’re getting ready to reveal our first speakers, but there are spots left on stage.

Want to share your insights, market data, and expertise with the global games industry? Join us at PG Connects Helsinki and the Big Screen Gaming Summit, and showcase your knowledge before an international audience of games professionals. Fill in our Google form here to submit your proposal.

Lead a solo seminar or participate in panel debates. Seize this chance to gain industry recognition, engage with leaders and decision-makers, and connect with a dynamic global games community.

Speaker perks:

• Complimentary event ticket
• Enhanced visibility and exposure
• Valuable networking opportunities
• Full access to all conference areas, including exclusive VIP sections
• Use of the MeetToMatch online meeting platform
• Develop your public speaking and presentation skills
• Establish or build your expertise in the global games industry
• Elevate your personal brand by sharing your knowledge
• Contribute to the growth and advancement of the games industry

If you’re an expert eager to share your knowledge with the wider industry, we want to hear from you. To apply, please fill out the speaker submission form. Alternatively, you can contact Charlie Scowen at [email protected].

Sponsorship opportunities

Want to showcase your brand to the global mobile games industry? Explore our varied sponsorship opportunities, reserve your spot in the expo area, or discuss other engagement options with the B2B games community. Contact: Lisa Bissett at [email protected].

Don’t miss the Big Screen Gaming Summit at PG Connects Helsinki on October 1st and 2nd, 2024 at Wanha Satama. Book now!