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].

Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan returns on November 9th and 10th, 2024, offering you a chance to gain insights into the world’s fastest-growing games market: MENA.

You can secure your Super Early Bird ticket today – saving you up to £300 – to guarantee your spot and discover what makes this such a vibrant video games hub and network with the global industry.

The growth and potential of MENA

The MENA region continues to be the fastest-growing market in games, and Jordan is a fantastic entry point to it. With a young, well-educated population and welcoming tourist culture, as well as proximity to other territories in the region, along with significant government investment, Jordan is the perfect place to take your first steps in MENA.

According to a report by the Market Studies Unit of the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (Intaj), total spending on digital games in Jordan reached $82.5 million in 2023. A total of $6.6 million was spent on in-game advertising, with mobile games dominating at $45 million and online games contributing $6.5 million. 

The MENA-3 (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt) video games market is set to grow 8.2% in 2024 to $2.1 billion in revenue, according to Niko Partners. It’s forecast to reach $2.9 billion by 2028.

This is in line with Newzoo’s latest Games Report and Forecast. The MENA region overall experienced a 4.7% increase in revenue year-over-year to $7.1 billion in 2023, representing 4.7% of global games revenue.

What can you expect at PG Connects Jordan 2024? 

From insightful keynote speeches and interactive panel discussions to hands-on workshops and networking opportunities, the event promises to be a hub of innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Gain valuable insights from industry veterans, discover the latest games industry trends, and make connections that could propel your business to new heights.

Registered attendees will be able to take advantage of our exclusive networking MeetToMatch platform to find business partners. Enjoy networking opportunities like the Very Big Indie Pitch, Investor Connector session and Publisher SpeedMatch.

For indie developers, there is a dedicated expo area, The Big Indie Zone to showcase your games to fellow attendees. This zone is perfect for investors in search of their next focus and publishers looking for new talent.

PLUS! Don’t miss out on our EXCLUSIVE COMPETITION for indie developers to win a FREE TICKET or EXPO Table (including 2x tickets) with which to attend the conference. To enter, all you have to do is fill out a simple form and we’ll do the rest. Enter the competition here.

Seize the benefits of our Super Early Bird offer and secure your spot at the PG Connects Jordan conference this November with the best possible value ticket.

Don’t miss out on savings of up to £300 – book your tickets before June 28th. Prices will increase after this date, so act now to ensure you don’t miss the chance to grab your tickets at their lowest price! Tickets are available via the official event website. 

Be part of this world-class experience

Pocket Gamer Connects events offer an unparalleled platform to share your expertise with the games community worldwide.

We invite renowned game makers, investors, and industry leaders to lead sessions at our upcoming shows.

If you have industry insights to offer and are excited about presenting at our conferences, please fill out our speaker submission form here. If you have further questions, you can contact Charlie Scowen, [email protected]. 

Sponsorship opportunities

If you’re interested in showcasing your brand to the global mobile games industry, explore our diverse sponsorship opportunities or discuss other engagement avenues with our B2B sales team. For more information, please contact Lisa Bisset at [email protected] or Chris James 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!

The leading games industry conference Pocket Gamer Connects returns to the heartland of mobile gaming that is Helsinki, Finland, this October 1st and 2nd. No other event puts you in touch with the global games industry like our Connects conferences.

Tickets are available now at Super Early Bird prices, with savings up to £490! Book now!

With so much to offer across both days, here are our top 10 reasons why you can’t afford to miss out on THE B2B event for the global games industry this October.

1) Finnish Games Week

Proud to be part of Finnish Games Week: The two-day PG Connects conference is the core of the week-long Finnish Games Week that also includes the IGDA Finland Leadership Day and W Love Games.

2) A global audience

Network with 1,500+ attendees: Connect with the entire games industry ecosystem from students and indie studios to the media, international investors, publishers and platform holders.

3) Expert speakers

Learn from 200+ Expert speakers: Hear from some of the world’s leading authorities from the games industry as they share their expertise and insights.

4) 16 conference tracks

Explore the latest industry trends: 16 conference tracks deliver cutting-edge content covering the hottest topics such as cross-platform development, practical uses of game tech, recruitment, AI and web3.

5) Attendee feedback

Join our global community: When asked, 96% of attendees said they would visit our events again. 97% of attendees also told us they would recommend us to a colleague.

6) Online networking

Find your perfect contacts: Our MeetToMatch meeting scheduler is FREE to all attendees, with unlimited meeting invitations. You also get a personal and company online profile so others can find you too.

7) The Big Indie Zone

Discover or demo indie games: The Big Indie Zone expo space is entirely dedicated to indie developers so they can showcase their latest work to an international audience.

8) Fringe events

Take part in fabulous fringe events: The very finest curated networking opportunities such as The Very Big Indie Pitch, Investor Connector, Publisher SpeedMatch and more.

9) The Global Connects Party

Network after dark: Whether you want to work or play, the day doesn’t end when the sun goes down, thanks to the Global Connects Party on the evening of day one.

10) 10 years of PG Connects

Celebrate 10 years of PG Connects: Bringing together the global games industry with more than 50,000 attendees from 60+ countries since 2014. 

Save up to £490 with Super Early Bird ticket prices

We have ticket types to suit anyone working in the games industry – or those who want to. We offer tickets for Student Developers, Indie Developers, Indie Expo Tables, Developers, Publishers, Standard Professionals, and VIPs.

Super Early Bird ticket prices are available right now for a limited time only! Book your place today and save up to £490 on the leading B2B conference for the global games industry.