Planet of Lana Devs Join Nordic Game Speaker Lineup
▼ Summary
– The Nordic Game conference will take place from May 26–29 in Malmö and will feature a new, dedicated AI Track for the first time.
– Newly announced speakers include developers from Wishfully discussing the 30-year development of Planet of Lana and a Raw Fury publisher talking about modern game deals.
– Other sessions will cover topics like motion capture with a Rockstar Games veteran and player-first game design from Windup Games.
– The AI Track will host talks on AI’s role in RPG storytelling, building AI-native studios, and the practical use of AI in game quality assurance.
– The event will also host the Nordic Pitch competition and expects over 3,000 attendees alongside a showcase of more than 100 indie games.
The upcoming Nordic Game conference in Malmö has unveiled a significant expansion to its speaker lineup, introducing a dedicated AI Track for the first time. Scheduled for late May, the event will host developers from the acclaimed studio Wishfully, Adam Stjärnljus and Klas Eriksson, who will share the remarkable three-decade journey behind the creation of Planet of Lana. Their session will focus on the perseverance required to sustain a creative vision over such an extended period.
They are joined by a diverse group of industry experts. Juliette Auverny-Bennetot from Raw Fury and Combined Effect will deliver practical advice on the new rules of game publishing, detailing what publishers seek and how development deals are structured. Trine Laier from Those Eyes studio will explore how subverting standard game mechanics can forge stronger emotional connections with players. Meanwhile, a panel led by industry veteran John Dower will delve into the realities of modern motion capture, offering behind-the-scenes insights from his work with major studios.
These new additions complement previously announced headliners like DICE’s Anna Norrevik, discussing the multi-studio collaboration on Battlefield 6, and Embark Studios’ Gerardo Basurto, analyzing the success of Arc Raiders. The conference will also feature the return of the popular Nordic Pitch competition and the integrated Games Industry Network platform.
A major focal point this year is the inaugural AI Track, curated by ImmerSynth Inc. This dedicated program will feature sessions exploring artificial intelligence’s transformative role. Speakers from Infinity Fiction and advisor John Clark, formerly of Sega Europe, will present on human-led AI in RPGs, arguing that designer oversight is crucial for scaling storytelling and protecting narrative integrity. Other talks include Odd Latent’s CEO on building an AI-native game studio, and Nunu AI’s CEO providing a realistic assessment of AI-driven game testing and what tools are currently effective.
With over 3,000 attendees expected and a showcase of more than 100 indie games, Nordic Game 2026 highlights the continued vitality of the independent development scene. Tickets remain available at a discounted rate until April 30.
(Source: GamesIndustry.biz)