An official introduction to the conference, outlining the agenda and key highlights for attendees.

In this talk Kirill will cover trends shaping the future and present of gaming: growth stalling, revenue redistribution, and AI takeover. This is for anyone who wants to know how to survive these challenging times: where to find new users, which countries are growing fastest, and what genres are still trending despite it all.

Pavel Istomin, Publishing Game Producer at Hypercell Games, and Nikolay Shapovalov, Chief Publishing Officer at playducky.com, join Phillip Black, Game Economist & Co-Author at The Deconstructor of Fun, to discuss what it takes to successfully launch and scale games today. They will compare approaches to marketing, publishing, and growth, explore which early signals matter, and discuss how teams decide when to invest, when to scale, and when to walk away.

Cyprus has become home to a growing number of international gaming companies. What needs to happen next for the island to evolve beyond a headquarters destination and develop a sustainable ecosystem for studios, talent, investment and innovation?

In this fireside chat, Tanya Romanyukha, General Manager of TechIsland, speaks with Dr Nicodemos Damianou, Cyprus’s Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy. Together, they will discuss the government’s priorities for the digital and innovation economy, access to talent and funding, and the steps needed to position gaming as a strategic sector for Cyprus.

What can data tell us about the next successful game—and where does investment still require a leap of faith? In this discussion, investors and studio leaders will examine how market signals, prototypes, player testing, financial metrics, and traction shape investment decisions, while creative vision, originality, talent, and instinct remain impossible to reduce to numbers.

Discussion topics

• The evidence: using market data, prototypes, testing, traction, and the metrics to reduce risk

• The leap of faith: backing creative vision, originality, talent, and unproven opportunities.

• From idea to investment: what makes a project or studio investment-ready in 2026.

• Beyond the deal: aligning investor expectations with creative ambition, execution, and long-term growth.

With 3 million wishlists and a spot among Steam’s Top 3 most-wishlisted games, Dear Passengers became a pre-launch breakout without a AAA budget. In this fireside chat hosted by Julia Lebedeva of WN Media, FLEXUS founder Semyon Kozyura shares the story behind the game’s rapid ascent—from the original idea and development decisions to its Steam launch strategy and unexpected viral momentum.

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

Apply now to pitch to our jury:

Join the Raffle sponsored by OHM and win amazing prizes:

• PlayStation 5 Pro
• Nintendo Switch 2
• Meta Quest 3s

Don't forget to leave your business card at the registration!

What to expect:

• Unlimited beer, wine & soft drinks
• A variety of delicious food

Location: Our super-secret party spot—unlocked for Premium badge holders