JJ Häll bids farewell to IGDA Finland Chair after 13 years

After 13 years of dedication to the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and its Finnish chapter, JJ Häll has officially announced his departure from the board.

Serving as a volunteer throughout his tenure, Häll spent four years as a board member and another four as Chairperson. His leadership concludes as his second and final term comes to an end.

Kim Kupiainen will take over as the new Chairperson.

JJ Häll’s legacy and achievements

During Häll’s tenure, IGDA Finland celebrated several key achievements, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the Finnish game development community:

• Expansion to New Hubs: The addition of hubs in Porvoo and Ostrobothnia allowed IGDA Finland to better serve developers in these regions.

• 20th Anniversary Celebration: The organization marked two decades of fostering innovation and collaboration in Finland’s gaming industry.

• Launch of IGDA Finland Grant: This initiative was designed to connect game developers, promote professional development, and advocate for the community’s interests.

These accomplishments were made possible by a strong network of approximately 170 volunteers hosting more than 100 events annually, showcasing the strength and unity of the community.

I’ve had mentors and I’ve been a mentor, I’ve had opportunities open for me and I’ve done my damn best to open opportunities for others, I’ve made friends and I’ve introduced new friends.

This is what IGDA Finland is to me; sharing, helping, vibing and of course, the people.

I could list a hundred names here, because you’ve all been a part of my journey and y’all mean the world to me, but it would be a tad impractical.

So know this, if you’ve been a part of this journey of mine, thank you, sincerely. You’ve most certainly left an impression and I can only hope I’ve done the same.

My parents taught me to leave a place in a better condition than it was when I arrived, put the good forward sorta thing. I can’t be certain, but I sure hope that I managed to do that.

JJ Häll

New board members

As Häll steps down, he expressed full confidence in the incoming board, describing it as a team of “all-stars.” The new board members include Emma Varjo, Emma Von Munthe Af Morgenstierne Vantaa, Joeli Niva, Vesa Raudasoja, Jonne Taivassalo, Karoliina Kuutti, and Aleksi Kariniemi.

JJ Häll commented on the new Chair of IGDA Finland, Kim Kupiainen:

“I have 100% faith in him as the person to pick up the mantle of Chair.”

JJ Häll

Kupiainen responded:

Thank you Häll! For your incredible hard work, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the community! The impact you’ve made is huge, and these are certainly no small boots to fill.

It’s no secret as I’ve said this many times already. You’ve been the yin to my yang. Your approach has struck the perfect balance, and I will carry forward a little mantra in my mind: “WWHD” a.k.a. What Would Häll Do?

Here’s to building on the strong foundation you’ve laid and keeping the spirit of this community alive and thriving. You’ve set the bar high, and I’ll do my absolute best to honor your legacy.

Thank you for everything. 

Kim Kupiainen, Chair of IGDA Finland