Pocket Gamer Connects Nordics 2026 Draws Record Energy and International Crowds as Helsinki Marks its 11th Industry Landmark

The vibrant gaming hub of Helsinki once again proved its enduring appeal to the international development community this week, playing host to the highly anticipated Pocket Gamer Connects Nordics conference on October 20th and 21st. Marking the 11th time the premier games industry conference series has landed in the Finnish capital, this year’s gathering delivered on all fronts, drawing more than 1,100 passionate attendees who fully immersed themselves in two days of intensive networking, knowledge sharing, and business development.

From the opening hours of the first morning, the main expo area hummed with an unmistakable vitality. Representatives from over 450 companies hailing from 44 different countries packed the venue floors, actively engaging with vendors, pitching services, and exploring cutting-edge booths. This impressive geographic and corporate diversity underscored the growing global footprint of the event, which has firmly established itself as a cornerstone fixture for game makers across the Nordic and Scandinavian territories and far beyond.

True to the character of past gatherings in the region, the entire conference maintained a remarkably cohesive and welcoming energy. Attendees frequently noted the strong communal spirit that defines the local games ecosystem, creating an atmosphere where collaboration and open dialogue came naturally. Whether casual chats in the corridors or high-stakes business meetings on the expo floor, the environment fostered meaningful connections that are bound to influence the regional and international industry landscape for months to come.

Conference tracks and specialized zones proved to be major draws throughout the two-day schedule, with seminar rooms frequently reaching maximum capacity. The venue’s two dedicated track rooms were perpetually packed with professionals eager to absorb the latest insights across a wide variety of themed sessions. Interest was so high that several popular panels resulted in standing-room-only crowds. Among the standout programming elements, the AI Gamechangers Summit captured significant attention, drawing massive audiences keen to understand how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping development workflows, design methodologies, and publishing strategies across the modern games market.

Exhibition spaces also shattered previous benchmarks for the Helsinki installment. The Big Indie Zone experienced its largest footprint yet in the city, remaining vibrant, crowded, and brimming with creative energy from the moment doors opened on day one until the final sessions concluded. Independent developers showcased innovative projects to an appreciative audience of publishers, investors, and fellow creators, generating a palpable sense of excitement around upcoming titles.

Adding to the event’s professional value, the newly introduced round table program proved to be an overwhelming success. These structured discussions were characterized by high attendance, intense focus, and robust exchanges of ideas among peers tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges. Meanwhile, the IGDA Chat Corner provided a welcoming space for community-focused conversations, with its newly introduced ‘Ask Me Anything’ format resonating particularly well with participants looking for candid advice and mentorship from seasoned veterans.

Reflecting on the success of the milestone 11th Helsinki event, Steel Media Chief Operating Officer Dave Bradley shared his enthusiasm for the unique strengths of the local community and the broader international turnout.

"Helsinki always supports and delights – it’s the strength of the region," Bradley said. "And because this year we encouraged game makers from around the Nordics and Scandinavian territories, and the world, to attend, we welcomed 44 countries to our home from home. This was our 11th live event in the city, and it was fantastic to welcome more than 1,100 attendees from over 450 companies to join us for so much good networking and knowledge sharing."

Bradley further highlighted the intangible qualities that make the gathering a vital calendar entry for industry professionals worldwide. "The energy, enthusiasm and appetite for making connections was wonderful to see, and I’m incredibly proud of the Steel Media team, our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and volunteers for bringing it all together," he added. "This is the place to come for a reminder of what makes the games industry such a special, innovative and resilient community."

With the successful conclusion of the Helsinki chapter, the Pocket Gamer Connects team is wasting no time preparing for its next major international stops. Industry professionals looking to maintain their networking momentum will not have to wait long, as the international circuit moves next to the Middle East with the upcoming Pocket Gamer Connects Summit Jordan, scheduled for November 7th and 8th.

Positioned strategically at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, Amman serves as an ideal gateway for the creative wave currently fueling Jordan’s burgeoning games industry, as well as the wider digital transformation sweeping across the MENA region. The upcoming summit is designed to help professionals connect directly with the domestic digital landscape, absorb crucial regional trends, expand their international networks, and immerse themselves in a rapidly growing market. Tickets for the Jordan summit are currently on sale, with prices starting from just $94 for those looking to secure their place at the cross-continental gathering.

Immediately following the Amman conference, the event series travels across the Atlantic to North America for the Pocket Gamer Connects Summit Montreal, taking place on November 10th in conjunction with the Montreal International Games Summit. Attendees hoping to catch the Montreal leg can take advantage of a special 15% discount by using the code MIGS26-PGC15 during registration, ensuring that the relentless pace of global games industry connectivity continues unabated through the autumn season.