Finland Game Talent Fair debuts in Helsinki on April 23

Finland Game Talent Fair debuts in Helsinki on April 23, convening AI, investment, and talent to align on emerging tech and Indie showcase. 

The first-ever Finland Game Talent Fair will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Helsinki City Hall (Pohjoisesplanadi 11–13), bringing together AI experts, investors, game industry professionals, and indie studios for an onsite day focused on industry alignment around emerging technology especially how AI is reshaping production, creativity, and the business of games. 

Organized by Games Factory Talents, the event’s content centers on AI in games and investment decision-making, paired with an indie studios showcase and structured networking designed to connect the people building, funding, and scaling the next wave of game technology. 

What to expect

Attendees can expect a focused, practical program that includes:

• Expert perspectives on AI usage in the game industry today 

• Insights into what investors and publishers look for when choosing games to publish or invest in 

• Participating companies will have mini stands that attendees can network with. 

• An indie studios game showcase, so you can try out their games and discuss about their open roles. 

• Careers Zone matches attendees with career opportunities and gives chance for face to face interviews with the hiring companies in a dedicated room. 

• Individual CV and Portfolio reviews with industry professionals. 

AI in Games 

“AI in games doesn’t have to be a threat to creative work… The best studios treat AI like any other tool: clear rules, ethical sourcing, respect for IP, and human ownership of creative decisions,” the event organizers note, alongside a statement from I

lkka Paananen of Supercell: “AI will boost games not break them.” (Financial Times)

Attendance is limited and registration is required.

Registration to the event is required. There will be only 350 places available, so there is a chance you will not be admitted to attend. Register your ticket in advance on the website. 

Careers Zone offers an opportunity for attendees who are actively looking for a job to create a job seeker profile and book face to face interviews at a dedicated spot at the event. 

Game Talent Fair will feature the presentation of the Great Place to Work in Games Award, handed out onsite a moment dedicated to recognizing a Finnish games company that stands out for how it builds and sustains a great workplace culture, and to spotlight the people practices that help teams thrive as the industry navigates rapid technological change. 

https://gamesfactorytalents.com/game-talent-fair-finland-2026

Get 20% off tickets to Expo Gamers in Croatia

The international games industry event Expo Gamers will take place May 29–30, 2026 in Opatija, Croatia, bringing together developers, publishers, investors and players for a hybrid conference and expo focused on the Adriatic and Balkan markets.

Originally launched as a consumer-focused event with a small business track, the conference has grown into a gathering attracting established industry professionals and expanding business activity. Held on the Croatian coast, it combines a curated conference program with a public-facing exhibition. Organizers expect more than 3,000 attendees, with roughly 40% industry professionals and 60% consumers, creating an environment intended to support both business development and community engagement.

The program includes multiple professional tracks, panels and talks, along with structured networking through the MeetToMatch platform connecting studios with partners and decision-makers across Southeast Europe. The event positions itself as a gateway to regional markets including Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

Applications to speak are open via the website:
https://www.expogamers.com/joinprogram

Alongside the industry program, Expo Gamers also features a consumer expo hall, indie showcase and social events designed to encourage informal interaction between developers and players.

Independent developers may apply to showcase their game in the expo area by March 20, 2026. Accepted teams will be eligible for a discounted Indie Ticket priced at €145.
https://www.expogamers.com/indie

More information about the event and participation details can be found at:
https://www.expogamers.com

IGDA Finland members receive a 20% discount using the promo code 1GD4*EXPO when registering.

Leaderboard 2.0 at Tampere Univeristy on Feburary 27th

Leaderboard 2.0 is a free one-day leadership conference held on February 27th, 2026, at the main campus of Tampere University, bringing together professionals, students, and leaders from the game industry and adjacent creative fields.

The event focuses on contemporary leadership challenges, practical tools, and human-centered approaches to working in creative, knowledge-intensive industries. The program is built around curated panel discussions featuring invited guests from Finland and abroad, offering experience-based insights.

Leaderboard 2.0 runs two parallel tracks: one aimed at industry professionals and leaders, and another designed for university students and early-career developers focusing on self-leadership and employability.

Get your free ticket here

IGDA Finland Member Conference Discounts: GDC & Nordic Game

IGDA Finland members receive exclusive discounts for two of the industry’s leading events:

• GDC (Game Developers Conference) – 10% discount
• Nordic Game Conference – 20% discount

Please note that the organizers have asked that discount codes are not shared publicly.

If you are an active IGDA Finland member and are planning to attend either event, we’re happy to provide you with the appropriate code directly.

Contact us at: members (at) igda (dot) fi

We look forward to seeing many of you at the conferences!

Get 20% off your PGC San Francisco tickets

Pocket Gamer Connects Summit San Francisco 2026 returns on March 9, bringing the global mobile games industry to GDC week!

Helping to maximize the opportunities during an intense week, the format has been streamlined into a high-impact one-day summit focused on mobile and AI — the games industry’s ‘growth engines’ for 2026. The event brings together some of the sector’s most influential senior-level decision-makers for insight-sharing and efficient, deal-driven networking.

In addition to a knowledge-boosting conference content program, main tickets include 5-day MeetToMatch functionality and our event venue even serves as a convenient meeting point, ensuring you start your week’s networking marathon in the most productive way: 715 Harrison, our new central location for 2026, is just two blocks from the Moscone Center and can be used to connect with any MeetToMatch user (even with non-PGC ticket holders).

Regularly attending companies include Tencent, Niantic, Scopely, Roblox, Playstack, Activision, Rovio, and 350+ more, all in one room.

Join 750+ mobile games industry professionals and kickstart your GDC week fully focused on learning and business – and we’re even throwing in a post-summit party to keep those relaxed connections going!

IGDA Finland members get 20% using promocode IGDAFI-SF20 when registering