4 June 13:00-23:00Elite Stadshotellet, Karlstad

Welcome to The Great Summer Pitch!

Thursday, 4th June 2026 | 13:00–23:00

The Great Journey invites game startups and teams to pitch their latest projects to a panel of industry experts and a live audience.

Pitch your game, get expert feedback, gain exposure and compete for up to 100.000 SEK in prizes.

This year’s Summer Pitch is extra special as we celebrate 10 years of supporting indie game developers.

PRICE MONEY *

🏆 Best Pitch:

  • 100 000 SEK
  • Lurkit license (value 40 000 SEK)
  • Additional gaming-goodies från GOE / 8BitDo

🎮 Best Demo / Prototype:

  • 25 000 SEK 
  • Lurkit license (value 40 000 SEK)
  • Northify QA (value 30 000 SEK)
  • Additional gaming-goodies från GOE / 8BitDo


*Eligibility for the prize money requires a registered company. No company yet? Don't sweat it! 🤝 We can help guide you through setting one up.

The Great Journey aims to promote ambitious teams and studios looking to be a part of the growing local games industry in Värmland, Sweden. For more information: https://www.thegreatjourney.se.

Location

The event will be held at Elite Stadshotellet in Karlstad, by the banks of Klarälven, neatly distanced to the central station and the town square. When arriving at the location, follow the west side of the building until you reach the entrance of Vana Spa. The events venue can be found on the second floor in "Franska Salen".

Remember to fetch your badge at the entrance of the venue before the stage session starts at 13:00!

Please note that this event is 18+, and a valid ID may be required for entry.

Storage

An unmanned cloakroom is available, but Elite Statshotellet or The Great Journey are not responsible for your valuables. Do not leave items that could be stolen to lie in the open.

ㅤ

Questions?

info@thegreatjourney.se

© MapTiler © OpenStreetMap contributors

Schedule

12:45

Doors Open

Fetch your badge before the stage sessions starts at 13:00!

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Elite Stadshotellet Karlstad
13:00

Lecture: Midjiwan's Game Design Principles – Six thoughts on game design that I learned from making Polytopia

Award-winning Civ-like Battle of Polytopia champions turn-based strategy and iso-metric maps. First famous on mobile, Polytopia now crosses over to Switch, PC/Mac/Linux and... Teslas. Founder and Designer Felix af Ekenstam shares what he learned the hard way making Polytopia.

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Franska Salen
Felix af Ekenstam
Creator of The Battle of Polytopia | Midjiwan AB
14:00

The Great Summer Pitch 2026

Teams from all over Sweden and Norway will pitch their latest projects to a live audience and a jury from the games industry.

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Franska Salen
16:15

Mingle & Music

Take the chance to network with participants and fellow game devs.

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Franska Salen
17:45

Pitch Dinner

Join us for a relaxing dinner, where we can enjoy the evening at our own pace.

Dinner will be served to all the participants who registered their presence in the form. There will also be an opportunity to buy beverages in the venues own bar. Please remember to fill in your allergens and dietary requirements in the registration.

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Franska Salen
19:00

Anniversary Party

Celebrate and join us for an after party to round off the day at The Great Summer Pitch and celebrate 10 incredible years of The Great Journey!

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Franska Salen
23:00

Event Ending

Elite Stadshotellet Karlstad

Who can attend?

Everyone is welcome to join us  in the audience. Your support and curiosity fuel this community. Cheer on your fellow developers and be inspired.

    Who can submit?

    To be eligible to pitch you must be:

    • 18+ years or older
    • Submit application on time
    • Deliver a pitch on the pitch day

    Rules

    • The pitch need to be in English
    • 5 minutes pitch and 5 minutes Q&A with the panel
    • In order to receive the price money, you must have a registered company, if you don't have this yet, we can help you to set this up.
    • A pitch on the pitch day.

    Best Demo


    Do you have a prototype or demo of your game? Then you can participate for a chance to win 25.000 SEK! This is also an option for teams who want to showcase their game without pitching. A playtest with industry professionals will pick the winner.

    To be eligible to showcase your game you need:

    • A functioning prototype/demo on the pitch day
    • Bring your own tech
    • There is access to an open Wi-Fi

    Important dates

    • March 31 - Pitch Application Opens
    • May 10 - Application Deadline
    • May 15 - Response if Accepted
    • May 31 - Deadline Complimentary Delivery
    • Jun 4 - Pitch Day!

    PITCH APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN. APPLY HERE!

    The Panel 2026

    Selecting the winners is a responsibility we entrust to a panel of respected industry voices. Chosen for their insight and love of the craft, they approach each pitch looking for that unique blend of creativity and heart.

    On the 4th of June we are proud to welcome following industry professionals:

    TBA
    TBA

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    TBA
    TBA

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    TBA
    TBA

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    TBA
    TBA

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    TBA
    TBA

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    Organized by