With the 10th anniversary special edition of Pocket Gamer Connects London just a couple of weeks away, we thought it was time to explore the 29-track conference schedule. This January 22nd and 23rd, more than 200 world-class expert speakers will bring you the hottest trends and latest innovations in the global games industry.
You’ll have access to two days of cutting-edge talks, seminars and panel discussions with some of the world's leading authorities covering everything from monetisation and growth strategies, to web3, blockchain and the metaverse.
Don't miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to meet and learn from some of the most exciting companies, brands and individuals in the games industry - tickets are available now.
Between now and when the venue doors open, we’ll share what each track is about, as well as the talented individuals that will lead the sessions.
The Digital Policy Decoded track sponsored by Reaktor
Monday, January 22nd
Stay informed in the ever-evolving media realm following the enactment of pivotal regulations such as the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act. Adapt your strategies to comply with these transformative legislations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their implications on digital services and market dynamics. Stay ahead by navigating the complex landscape shaped by these regulatory milestones.
14:10 Levelling up in the new era: Unlocking Success Amidst Evolving Marketing & Privacy Regulation
- Jussi Enroos, Lead Developer at Reaktor
Join us to unravel practical strategies to transform regulation challenges into opportunities for player engagement. Discover innovative approaches to capture and retain users while respecting their privacy, turning regulatory compliance into a competitive advantage.
14:30 The Future of Online Safety in Games
- John Brunning, Lawyer at Fieldfisher
A practical guide on how the new online safety regimes in Europe (UK Online Safety Bill and EU DSA) will impact the games industry and the top five things for games devs need to focus on.
14:50 Mobile Gaming Revolution: Tackling UA Challenges & Pioneering Future Opportunities
- Jussi Ultima, CEO & Co-Founder at Zaibatsu Interactive
- Peter Gerson, Head of Global Player Engagement Solutions at Keywords Studios
- Itai Cohen, SVP Marketing & Strategy at Digital Turbine
- Jacki Vause, CEO & Founder at Dimoso
- Philip Gontier, CRO at Smadex
- Valerio Sudrio, Director of Product Management at Usercentrics
The mobile games market is changing. We are facing new challenges in UA, where player engagement plays a more significant role in the future. How to respond to these challenges and turn regulatory compliance into opportunities to create alternative revenue streams, gather data, and attract players in ways we haven't used before.
15:30 The Past, Present & Future of PEGI age Ratings
- George Osborn, Editor at Video Games Industry Memo
- Ian Rice, Director General at Games Rating Authority
The PEGI age rating system turned 20 last year, celebrating two decades as one of the world's most recognised age rating systems. But how has it evolved over the past two decades? What changes have been made to game ratings since PEGI was first introduced? And where do ratings go - and what roles will they play - in an increasingly regulated online world?
The IP Unlocked track
Tuesday, January 23rd
Delve into the intricate landscape of licensing and navigating the potential pitfalls associated with working with intellectual property. Uncover the key strategies for harnessing the immense global influence wielded by major franchises. Whether it's unlocking opportunities or sidestepping challenges, gain insights into maximising the power and potential inherent in intellectual property collaborations, and understand the dynamics shaping the expansive world of big franchises.
14:10 Beyond Game Brand: Scaling an Evergreen IP
- Markus Vahtola, CMO at Fingersoft
Keen on understanding the dynamics of sustaining and evolving a successful gaming brand in the dynamic gaming market? Join the session for insights on growing and maintaining a longstanding intellectual property such as Hill Climb Racing. Venture beyond the conventional branding strategies and empower your audience.
14:30 From Game Franchise to hit TV Animation – The Scriptwriting Challenges of Castlevania: Nocturne
- Clive Bradley, Screenwriter & Executive Producer, Film & TV
- Dave Bradley, COO at Steel Media
14:50 Mastering the IP Game
- Adam Collier, Senior Brand Manager at SYBO
- Charlie Scowen, Events Content Coordinator at Steel Media Ltd
The mobile gaming industry is on the hunt to build the next generation of iconic intellectual property. But it’s survival of the fittest. Between standing out or finding lasting success, the ever-changing landscape creates a volatile battle to win.
With over four billion lifetime downloads and 150 million monthly active players, SYBO’s hit endless runner game Subway Surfers has cracked the code of creating indelible IP that has delighted audiences for over a decade.
Join Adam Collier, Senior Brand Manager at SYBO, as he discusses what it takes for IP to resonate with today’s audiences, what types of IP partnerships work in-game, and what key areas of opportunity for gaming IP lie ahead in 2024.
15:10 Licensing Logic: Is Working With External IP Worth It?
- Jonty Cowan, Legal Director at Wiggin
- Simon Hade, CxO at Space Ape Games
- Owen Rees, Head of Licensing at Games Workshop
- Anna Mostyn-Williams, Senior Director of Commercial at Jagex
Establishing your own IP can be tricky in today's landscape, so some publishers are eyeing up external entertainment and game franchises to give them an edge in the market. This expert panel delves into the opportunities and challenges of working with IPs and licence holders, whether it's worth the cost and what the production process looks like.
Fringe events, parties and networking
As well as two full days of unmissable conference content, whether you're a publisher, developer, investor or indie we've sessions, networking and fringe events designed to give you a conference experience you won't forget. Plus access to our Kick Off and Global Connects parties, where the real networking really happens.
And in addition to all those amazing live opportunities, every one of our 2,500+ attendees gets full access to the event's online meeting scheduler, MeetToMatch. As well as connecting you with decision makers from more than 900 companies, you can organise your appointments at the event itself.
