workshops
KEY INFO
The XP Game Summit is proud to be hosting 2 expert-led workshops this year – each priced at $299 CAD. Click below to register today.
The workshops will take place June 11 – registration is at 9:30AM, with the workshop running from 10AM – 4PM. There will be a break for lunch (included) at 12:30PM.
Workshop #1: Building Game IPs & Brands – Critical Decisions
| Led by | Christian Fonnesbech, CEO & Head of IP at Leverage  |
| Overview | Explore the key pillars of creating valuable and lasting game IPs and brands in this hands-on workshop. Together, we’ll tackle real-world challenges like crafting uniqueness, ensuring ownability, building emotional connections with players, and positioning against competitors. This collaborative session invites participants to apply insights to their own projects, with open discussions that respect confidentiality. |
| Who Should Attend? | Game developers and publishers aiming to drive long-term value for their games. |
| Key Takeaways | - Understand the interplay between creativity, market demands, and sustainable value-building. - Identify and navigate the unique challenges of building and positioning IPs in competitive landscapes. - Gain actionable insights to strengthen the emotional and market resonance of your projects. |
| Session Format | Interactive workshop designed to spark collaboration and strategic thinking. |
| About the Instructor: | Christian Fonnesbech, Head of IP at Leverage, specializes in building lasting game IPs and global brands. With clients like Bandai Namco, Supermassive, and Raw Fury, Christian focuses on transforming artistic vision into enduring, world-class properties. Previously, he led IP development at Nordisk Games and directed over 35 game projects spanning entertainment, learning, and advertising. |
Workshop #2: Game UX and Cognitive Science Masterclass
| Led by | Celia Hodent, UX Expert and Former Director of UX at Epic Games (Fortnite) |
| Overview | Creating games that captivate players is challenging in a competitive market. This hands-on workshop explores how cognitive science and UX principles can give your team a critical edge. Learn how the human brain perceives, learns, and engages with games, and apply this understanding to craft experiences that are both usable and emotionally resonant. |
| Who Should Attend? | Game designers, artists, gameplay/UI programmers, producers, junior UX practitioners, and anyone looking to improve their understanding of UX and cognitive science. |
| Key Takeaways | - Understand the main characteristics and limitations of the human brain (in terms of perception, attention, memory, motivation, and emotion), and how they impact game development. - Learn what makes a game engaging (in terms of motivation, emotion, and game flow) and how to foster these components in your game. - Have a clear and concrete understanding of what having a UX mindset and developing a UX strategy entail. |
| Workshop Structure | Part 1: Cognitive Science (2.5–3 hours) - Understand brain capabilities and limitations with real-world examples from games. Part 2: Usability and Engageability (3–5 hours) - Break down usability principles (e.g., intuitive design, accessibility) and engageability factors (e.g., motivation, onboarding). Optional: UX Strategy (30 min–2 hours) - User research, analytics, and ethical considerations, including strategies for indie studios and free-to-play games. |
| Session Format | This interactive workshop adapts to attendee expertise and specific challenges, ensuring practical, tailored learning. |
| Testimonial | “Celia Hodent truly opened our eyes on how gamers perceive information and what drives them to play. Her excellent examples sparked many conversations around our studio, from UI layouts to player onboarding. We look forward to bringing her back!” — Brian Allgeier, Director of Experience, Insomniac Games This session offers invaluable insights into UX and cognitive science, empowering teams to build more intuitive, engaging games. |
| About the Instructor: | Celia Hodent, PhD in psychology, is recognized as a leader in the application of user experience and cognitive science in the game industry. Through her 16-year experience in game studios (Ubisoft, LucasArts, & director of UX at Epic Games), she has contributed in advancing the topics of UX strategy, inclusion, and ethics in games. Author of the critically acclaimed book The Gamer’s Brain, Celia is the founder of the Game UX Summit & Ethical Games, and works today as an independent consultant. |