PGC Nordics 2026 spotlights AI, D2C and player engagement
Pocket Gamer Connects Nordics 2026 took place in Helsinki and assembled games industry professionals. Recurring topics included artificial intelligence, direct-to-consumer approaches, and player engagement. Conversations acknowledged market uncertainty and layoffs while pointing to Nordic studios' creativity and resilience.
At the Helsinki gathering, speakers treated AI as a practical option rather than a blanket solution. Luke Dicken argued teams should test it where it opens new avenues, not merely because it is trendy, while smaller developers reportedly use it to explore ideas that would otherwise be too costly. The emphasis remained on clear limits and human ownership of creative decisions.
Direct-to-consumer talks stressed that a web shop must be maintained like an evolving product. Daria Berdnikova noted that simply existing does not mean performing well; studios must support stores, refine offers, build loyalty, and localise beyond translation or currency, including payment methods suited to specific markets.
The discussions may shape how studios allocate resources, potentially affecting developers and artists as AI tools become more common. Players could see more direct storefronts, tailored offers, and local payment options, which may alter spending habits and access. For Nordic teams facing layoffs and uncertainty, these approaches could support resilience, though outcomes may depend on implementation and whether human oversight and player trust are maintained.