The Story Behind the Creation of GTC Café

My primary occupation is game development. In late October 2022, we relocated to Helsinki after receiving an invitation from Business Finland for our game project, Vinar.

In January 2023, a television advertisement on a Finnish network caught our attention. It depicted a short animation about Geppetto, the father of Pinocchio. When Pinocchio leaves, Geppetto becomes deeply sad and isolated. This ad, initiated by the Red Cross, urged people to step forward and help foster community connections.

This deeply resonated with us. Upon further research, we discovered that over half of Helsinki’s adult population lives alone, often lacking opportunities for meaningful social interactions.

We began to think about how we could contribute to creating a more connected community. As game developers, we realized that while video games are enjoyable, they often lack the personal, face-to-face connections that traditional games and shared activities can provide.

Thus, the idea for GTC Café was born—a space where people of all ages, from children to the elderly, can gather, play, create, and form meaningful connections through art, culture, and games.

After months of effort and investment, we opened GTC Café in May 2023.

Since its inception, GTC Café has become a hub for connection, creativity, and fun. We’ve hosted countless events and workshops, including:

Mafia Game Nights
Chess and Backgammon Tournaments
Weekly Kahoot Quizzes
Speed Dating Events
Doll Painting Workshops
Canvas Painting Workshops
Jewelry Making Workshops
Stand-Up Comedy Nights
Live Music Performances
Tea Time Gatherings for Women
Art Exhibitions for Local Creators
Our mission is simple but profound: to provide a space where everyone in Helsinki, regardless of age or background, can find joy, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging.

We invite you to join us in this journey of connection and creativity. Your presence at GTC Café is always valued and cherished.

Warm regards,
GTC Café