Like all events, PGC was of course hit by covid back in 2020, but rather than wait it out you jumped into digital events. Did that help you when the time came to build back bigger (to borrow a post-pandemic phrase)? During the years 2020 and 2021, we somehow took the entire machinery of a games industry conference and moved it online. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, but we embraced the opportunity to innovate by transitioning to digital events. Looking back, I think we can be very proud of that. We ran 10 online Pocket Gamer Connects events that each lasted a week. I myself hosted about 100 hours of online tracks during lockdown! By the end of the pandemic, seemingly everyone and their dog had a Zoom masterclass on their calendar. But we were the first team to really roll out a full online experience with networking and knowledge-sharing using video meetings, MeetToMatch, Discord and more. We experimented with a lot of options during
lockdown. We even had a morning video yoga session at one point! We certainly found ways to move our Big Indie Pitch pitching competition online. This proactive approach allowed us to maintain momentum and keep our community engaged during a difficult period. It meant that Pocket Gamer Connects was still in people’s consciousnesses when the time was right to return to live events. The positive response to our digital offerings
confirmed the strong demand for in-person events, laying the groundwork for a successful return to physical gatherings. The industry was clearly very ready to return to live events – there’s something about meeting people in person that’s great for business and hard to replicate online – but people seemed genuinely grateful that the community had been there online between April 2020 and November 2021.
If you could go back and give some advice to the younger, more attractive team working on the first PGC London, what would it be? More attractive?! Speak for yourself – I’ve matured like fine wine! We’re in our prime! But seriously, reflecting on our journey, the advice we’d offer to our 2014 selves is simple: Enjoy every moment. And take more photos! The early days of PGC were filled with challenges and uncertainties but also excitement and a sense of pioneering spirit. There was a lot to do, so we were constantly busy. Capturing those moments and savouring the experience would have been invaluable, reminding us of how far we’ve come and the incredible community we’ve built together.
How did the anniversary event compare to the others? Best ever? It was certainly the biggest ever
in terms of attending companies. The feedback has been extremely complimentary, and social media was alight with people sharing their positive experiences. That’s very gratifying. At such a troubling time in the
industry, the anniversary event was a beacon of opportunity. It captured the positivity we really all needed to feel. The introduction of the Careers Zone in association with Games Factory Talents and sponsorship from Supercell and Metacore was a highlight, providing tangible support to attendees amidst widespread layoffs. Planning the event was a fun process, filled with
nostalgia and reflection, as we engaged with the PGC community to collect stories and memories. Our #PGCStories videos have been great. This collective reminiscing not only enriched the anniversary event but also reinforced the profound impact PGC has had on individuals and the industry as a whole
After ten years and dozens of events, what keeps you going? What excites you about what you have planned for PGC in 2024 and beyond? We’ve got some great activities lined up for 2024. We’re going back to Dubai, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, as well as San Francisco and Helsinki, so with six full conferences on the books, that’s one every couple of months, so we’ll be kept busy. Plus, we’ll be running the Mobile Games Awards in the autumn, and our traditional Top 50 Mobile Game Makers countdown event will return. We’re relaunching our
PocketGamer.biz mobile b2b
industry website this year, too – watch out for news about that. I think what keeps us going is the sheer energy
and passion of the PGC community. Witnessing first-hand the connections made, knowledge shared, and opportunities created at each event is incredibly rewarding. Looking further down the line, we’re excited about
exploring new territories, introducing innovative event elements, and continuing to support the growth and evolution of the games industry. The prospect of bringing together even more enthusiastic individuals to share in the Pocket Gamer Connects experience motivates us to push boundaries and ensure that PGC remains at the forefront of industry events.
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