How an international gaming success was created in Boden

In a few years, Sävast in Boden has become a hot spot for game developers from all over the world. How did it happen? And what does investing in the game industry mean for Norrbotten, when it comes to retaining young people and attracting new talent? This episode of Let's talk podcast is about game development.

– This idea of ​​having to flee from Norrbotten as it used to be, I would say that is quite outdated and passé, says Emil Sandberg, business developer for the gaming industry in Boden.

One of those who has succeeded there is Simon Strömberg from Kalix. A few years ago he took the game development course at Boden Business Park. Today he is still there – but as studio manager for the international game studio Wanderword.

– It was a dream somewhere in the back of my mind, but I didn't expect it to come true when I was 23 years old, says Simon in Let's talk.

The gaming industry is growing explosively in Sweden. In 2019, Swedish game developers generated a turnover of SEK 19,2 billion.

- The gaming industry is an actual industry and there are actual jobs, says Emil Sandberg and sees a future where this growing industry can become a natural career choice for Norrbotten youth - just like the mining, forestry or steel industries have been.

The gaming education, which now has 130 students from all over Sweden and also from other countries, was just the beginning. Now an incubator for the gaming industry is taking shape – in collaboration with, among others, the Norrbotten Region.

Don't miss episode 3 of Let's talk – about the successful venture in Sävast and the visions for the future.

Episode 3: How an international gaming success was created in Boden (Spotify)

Episode 3: How an international gaming success was created in Boden