In this panel discussion, marketing leaders dive into what actually works for mobile game growth in 2026. We’ll talk about life after cheap performance UA, why creative and brand matter more than ever, and what’s unique about scaling games in Turkey and MENA. Expect a candid conversation on channels, org structure, collaboration with product, and how to build growth that survives both platform changes and budget cuts.

What is it?
A small, informal meetup for just 15 participants. Pavel Ryaykkonen, founder of GameXCap, will walk you through this new investment model in games industry and share how it works in practice.

What will we talk about?
— how game projects raise funding today
— where GameXCap fits into this landscape
— who it’s for and what opportunities it opens up

A practical discussion on how devs are turning AI into real products with traction and revenue. We’ll look at what’s working now, how founders are using AI to build faster and smarter, and which monetization models are proving viable in 2026.

Can a stylised AA or indie title really stand up to giant franchises and still find meaningful revenue and audience? In this session, PlaySide’s Ozgur Ozalp uses Mouse: P.I. as a concrete lens to explore how smaller studios can compete through distinct visual identity, sharp marketing hooks and disciplined pre‑launch validation. We’ll talk about which KPIs actually matter before release (wishlists, trailer and demo traction, store interest), how to position a stylised game so it feels premium rather than niche, and what AA/indie teams can realistically copy or adapt from Mouse: P.I. for their own projects.

A session where indie developers present their projects to get feedback, explore opportunities, and connect with potential partners, publishers, and investors.

Meet our first jury members:

Stick around for the Indie Pitch Awards Ceremony, where we’ll honor the most exciting indie projects of the day. All participants are invited as our judges announce the winners and present the awards.

Continue the conversations of the day at the WN Istanbul Networking Dinner — an informal evening gathering designed for relaxed networking and new connections within the industry.

Meet founders, studio leaders, publishers, investors, and other decision-makers from the global games industry. Exchange perspectives and build relationships that often begin with a simple conversation over great food and drinks!