Traveling to Sweden in May for Nordic Game was a “great opportunity” according to Shenghui Cheng. “We were able to meet with publishers!” And when it came to afterparties, her colleague Elisabeth Altmaier adds, “the local studios and organisations certainly know what they’re doing!” Both attended Nordic as part of Team Honeybeak from the 2024 Games Lift Incubator cohort to showcase their project “ForeFeathers.” 

As a part of the Games Lift Incubator, the trip to Nordic is fully funded for our teams. Rouven Cabanis also attended with his project “Frisia,” as did Triflgard, the trio behind “Pubcrawler.” Several more teams took the trip to Malmö with help from Gamecity Hamburg’s “Road to Nordic” program, for example Duck’n’Run Games with “Light of Atlantis”. If you know Gamecity Hamburg well, you might find even more Games Lift Alumni on the group photo. 

Why did the Games Lift Incubator choose this particular game conference? In an industry where smaller, local events are becoming increasingly important for networking and gaining visibility, Nordic plays a crucial role. It serves as a hub for an international audience and key publishers. It is buzzy, thanks to the vibrant Scandinavian gaming scene. And its proximity makes it accessible by train from Hamburg. 

Idyllic Journey 

Gamecity Hamburg Project Manager Margarete Schneider was delighted to see yet again “what a fantastic group” the Games Lift teams proved to be, and how friendly everyone was with each other – a sentiment thoroughly tested during an unplanned three-hour wait at a small-town train station in Denmark. With the right company, even a train cancellation can be fun. 

In Malmö, the teams made sure to meet up for meals and side events despite busy schedules. Schneider’s side-event recommendation is the WINGS Lounge for targeted networking with Meettomatch and for an “excellent panel with insights into the mindset of publishers.” 

A busy schedule at a conference can be a sign of good preparation. Many workshops in the Games Lift Incubator prepare teams for stuff like this. Expert Steffen Rühl assisted in refining pitches before Nordic. 

Well Planned 

He was not alone. A few weeks before the trip, Games Lift mentor Søren Lass provided insights from his extensive experience as a business development consultant. Lass has attended countless conventions and knows exactly what happens during meetings on both sides of the table – often more than one can remember. Taking thorough notes and documenting agreements was one of many tips that may seem obvious but are easily forgotten when time is tight. 

Lass elaborated on how to set good goals, the actual duration of a 30-minute meeting, and which elements merit preparation in advance. Practice sessions were focused on fine-tuning details – for example, how to take technical glitches in stride. Another important lesson was not to stress out under pressure. Attending conferences is a part of being in the games industry. Reflecting on goals, achievements, and areas for improvement before and after events is part of an ongoing learning process. 

The more detailed the tips became, the more self-evident they were. It’s hardly surprising that teams that appear authentic make a stronger impact but being aware of this can be very beneficial. Successfully Navigating conferences like Nordic entails taking regular breaks, saving your voice, staying hydrated, and not risking blisters by wearing brand-new shoes. The group photo seems to confirm this: relaxed facial expressions and comfortable footwear are clearly visible.