I’ve always believed that one of the most valuable skills you can develop is the ability to communicate, not just speaking, but expressing ideas with clarity, intention, and emotional intelligence. As a Spanish speaker who has lived in England for a little over a year, I feel eloquent in my native language, but I’m still refining my communication in English. Since I’m currently looking for a job, this is something I’m actively working on.
With that in mind, I decided to attend a GameTech networking event, a space where communication isn’t optional but essential. That’s how I ended up at Pocket Gamer Connects London 2026, and I’d like to share my experience in case you’re considering attending in the future.
This is just one perspective among more than 2,400 attendees, but I hope it helps you make a more informed decision.
Storytime
Pocket Gamer Connects takes place in Old Street, in London’s financial district, at The Brewery, a large, multi‑level venue that feels like a labyrinth when you first arrive. There are maps on the walls, but honestly, the best strategy is to walk around confidently and let the space reveal itself.
I arrived a bit late and had planned to attend several meetings, but finding the room tracks on the first day was an odyssey. I eventually dropped my agenda and focused on exploring the venue to understand the flow of the event.
The Business Area
I started in the business section, where most of the stands were located. Around 80% of the proposals were marketing‑focused: PR, data analysis, user acquisition, branding, A/B testing, retention tools, and campaign optimization. The talks reflected this too, many sessions were clearly aligned with the products companies wanted to showcase.
Among these companies, I discovered Raptor, and I had the chance to speak with their CEO, Rana Rahman. His company create kickass multichannel campaigns which reach and engage with audiences building community for ambitious brands, but what impressed me most was him: warm, kind, and genuinely human. He listened, shared insights, and made the interaction feel natural. I’d love to communicate with that level of ease someday.
Tech & Creative Tools
Only about 10% of the proposals were related to content creation or technical tools. One that stood out was Ludo AI, which develops AI‑powered tools to support creative processes in game development, from ideation to prototyping for indie developers.
Another highlight was CRIWARE, a Japanese company working on LipSync and interactive audio technology. Since I’m developing an AI‑driven animation project, I immediately understood the potential of what they’re building. In a sea of marketing solutions, they felt refreshingly innovative.
Game Showcase
There was also a section dedicated to game developers. My favorites were:
- Soccerverse a blockchain‑based game with a systemic, economic approach that feels different from typical blockchain titles.
- Cosmic Race: Galactic Showdown a visually stunning project from a team in India. I played it, and the design, aesthetics, and experience were exceptional.
Career Zone & Aurora
The Career Zone mostly featured senior‑level openings, which is important to know if you’re a recent graduate. I also visited Aurora, a space dedicated to honoring women in the video game industry. I loved that this initiative existed.
Final Thoughts on the Experience
If you’re a company looking to sell or buy, this is an excellent place to do business. But if you’re a recent graduate seeking inspiration or connections in your specific field, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, unless you simply want to experience what attending a large industry event feels like.
For me, it was a great place to start. I was curious, I asked questions, I played games, I connected with wonderful people, and I grew my confidence. I’ll definitely be attending more events like this in England — and hopefully across Europe too. The Annecy Film Festival is waiting for me
Insights and Practial Advices
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Buying tickets: Prices increase as the date approaches. If you’re a student or an indie developer, there are discounts, but I encourage you to get your tickets early.
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Use the event platform: You can build your schedule and request one‑on‑one meetings. You literally have access to book appointments with any attendee, but slots fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
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Arrive early: Get there early and explore the venue so you can get familiar with the space.
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The more specific your goal, the better: I firmly believe that if you want things to happen, you need intention, and at these events, you need it even more. Knowing who you want to talk to, what you’re looking for, and the impression you want to make will help you create meaningful connections for yourself and your company.
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This is a business‑focused event: It’s companies selling to companies. If you have a product for the industry, it can be extremely worthwhile or if you have a game and want to find investment or visibility can be a good option too.
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Going with someone helps with social anxiety: Having emotional support can make the experience lighter. If you go alone, you’ll still find people willing to talk, but many attendees want to meet as many people as possible, so it can feel a bit intense.
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The job fair is for senior profiles: If you’re a recently graduated, don’t expect many real opportunities. You might connect with someone building something you’d like to join, but you’ll need to be proactive.
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Enjoy the parties: Many people connect better at social events than at the main conference. I didn’t attend any, but I think they can be a great opportunity to meet people, maybe even better than the event itself. Next time, I might go to the parties.