My Adventures with Windows Game Development: From Side Project to 6 Million Downloads
Mon 16 Nov 2026 IJK, Helmond
Over the past decade I’ve built more than 50 Windows games—from Sudoku to Rummi (Rummikub)—together reaching over 6 million downloads and attracting thousands of daily players. What started as a small side project slowly grew into a long-running adventure full of experiments, mistakes, unexpected successes, and a lot of XAML and C#.
In this session, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my Windows game development journey. You’ll learn how I got started, how my architecture evolved, and how I build games quickly using UWP and the switch to WinUI, MSIX, NativeAOT. I’ll share practical tips on designing gameplay, handling input and animations, shipping updates, and keeping players happy.
We’ll also look at the business side: what worked (and didn’t) in monetization, how to optimize your store presence, and how to grow a player base without a marketing budget. Whether you’re curious about building your first game or looking for inspiration for your next side project, you’ll walk away with concrete techniques, lessons learned, and a spark to start your own adventure.
Schedule
- 17:30 - 18:30 Walk-in & Dinner
- 18:30 - 19:15 Part I
- 19:15 - 19:30 Break
- 19:30 - 20:15 Part II
- 20:15 - 21:00 Drinks and socializing
Capacity
- Maximum:
- 120
Sign up
You can sign up or cancel for this free Event until Thursday 12 Nov 2026 15:00.
Event Host
Event Host
Speaker
Fons Sonnemans
Reflection IT
Fons Sonnemans is a well-known speaker at conferences and seminars and also a Microsoft MVP. He is known for his up-to-date and expert knowledge of the latest Microsoft technologies. He has been using Microsoft .NET technology intensively since 2001, because it allows him to apply his knowledge and experience to business critical situations. As a trainer, speaker, coach and developer at Reflection IT, he likes to share this knowledge and experience on a daily basis. Fons Sonnemans also has a passion for developing Windows apps. He has created numerous apps, some of which are very successful.
IJK, Helmond
Vlamovenweg 4
5708 HZ Helmond
Building
De Brink
For more information, see the map on the website of Brainport Human Campus: Plattegrond Brainport Human Campus
Transport
There are free parking spaces at IJK.
