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.

Not just “VCs talk about the market”, but a 360‑view of how studios from Turkey/MENA/Eurasia actually get funded now:

• equity VC vs publisher deals vs hybrid models vs strategic/corporate money

• what each type of investor expects, and what they’re actually funding in 2026 (content vs tools vs AI vs platforms)

• what founders from Turkey/MENA need to do differently to be legible to international capital.

Istanbul is no longer an “emerging market” – it’s a global powerhouse where global studios open offices and local teams build products for the world. In this roundtable, we bring together leaders from international companies expanding into Türkiye and founders from Turkey and MENA who are already operating on a global stage. We’ll look at what attracts global brands to Istanbul, what Turkish and MENA teams do differently when they build export‑first games and apps, and how both sides can collaborate more effectively – from co‑dev and outsourcing to shared IP and joint ventures.

A practical discussion on how teams in Istanbul are turning AI into real products with traction and revenue — from mobile games to consumer apps. 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.