Observed Signal · Oct 21, 2026 · Conference · Source: PocketGamer.biz · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Agree IP Terms Early, Cut AI Hype: PGC Nordics Lessons
PGC Nordics 2026 in Helsinki featured insights from industry experts on IP collaborations, AI hype, live ops, and direct-to-consumer strategy. Katharina Schmidt of Stash advised agreeing on IP usage rights and scope early in collaborations. Dr Luke Dicken, former head of AI at Take-Two, cautioned against both dismissing AI and overhyping it, suggesting a focus on practical value like contextual recaps. Urška Leskovar of Outfit7 argued that adding more content to live games isn't always beneficial; players need a reason to care, not just more tasks. Ola Dokun of Xsolla emphasized that a webshop isn't the same as a D2C strategy and advised planning for changing economics. The event highlighted the importance of strategic, measured approaches over reactive ones.
The article provides practical insights from recognized industry experts on important topics like IP collaborations, AI adoption, live ops strategies, and D2C monetization, which are relevant to game developers and publishers in the mobile gaming and ad monetization space.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- PGC Nordics took place in Helsinki on October 20-21, 2026.
- Katharina Schmidt of Stash advised agreeing on IP usage rights and approvals early in collaborations.
- Dr Luke Dicken, former head of AI at Take-Two Interactive, warned against both dismissing and overhyping AI.
- Urška Leskovar of Outfit7 suggested that adding more content to live games isn't always the right response to engagement drops.
- Ola Dokun of Xsolla stated that having a webshop isn't the same as having a D2C strategy.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“Dr Luke Dicken, former head of AI at Take-Two Interactive.”
“Ola Dokun, VP of strategic insights & market intelligence at Xsolla.”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Xsolla acquires GamePix: unlocking the future of Web and AI gaming
Xsolla has announced the acquisition of GamePix, a move aimed at advancing Web and AI gaming. The announcement was made on October 29, 2026.
EA Co-Founder Bing Gordon on Mobile Miss, Zynga, AI
In an interview, EA co-founder Bing Gordon reflects on why EA missed the mobile gaming boom, attributing it to risk aversion and slow decision-making. He contrasts this with Zynga's rapid experimentation and success in social gaming. Gordon discusses lessons learned, including the importance of social loops and product management. He also comments on the current investment climate, noting that venture capital has shifted towards enterprise and AI. He advocates for 'AI fluent' staff in game development, but cautions against one-shot game design, emphasizing human judgment in iterative creation. The interview coincides with the launch of his book 'Everybody Wins'.
Gamescom Asia 2026 Sets Records for Attendance and Showfloor
Gamescom Asia, held in Bangkok and merged with Thailand Game Show, celebrated its most international edition in 2026, attracting 219,546 attendees from 113 countries. The event, spanning October 29 to November 1 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, featured 335 exhibitors from 29 countries (64% international) and 582 playable titles, including 347 from indie developers. The business area saw 6,923 visitors from 78 countries, a 24% increase from the previous year, and the Xsolla-sponsored Invest Circle connected 509 developers, publishers, and investors. The conference boasted 81 speakers from 27 countries, with a keynote by id Software co-founder John Romero. Livestreams generated nearly 34 million views. Organizers highlighted Southeast Asia's growing importance as a market for game deals, positioning the event as a regional hub for the industry.
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