Together with Umeå's indie game developers, eXpression Umeå and Uminova innovation are establishing GAME HUB UMEÅ - an incubator-like community focused on game development and digital experiences. The aim is to create conditions for more creators to meet at the interface between creative and technical industries and to spread inspiration and knowledge within the network.
- The response from creators has been really good and there is a clear need to establish a more structured community. The interaction between the innovation support system and the grassroots movement is an important success factor for creating something long-term. Together with Uminova Innovation, we will develop business development processes tailored to game development and digital experiences," says Emil Hägglund, business developer at eXpression.
Swedish game developers' turnover amounted to SEK 24.5 billion in 2019, according to a recent report from the computer games industry. The figure compares with Sweden's exports of iron ore and paper pulp, both of which were worth around SEK 25 billion in the same year.
The Swedish gaming industry is simply hotter than ever and game development companies like Turborilla, Coldwood Interactive, Zordix and the mega-success Paradox Artic have put Umeå firmly on the map. Paradox Arctic is part of the billion-dollar Paradox Interactive group.
Developing a great game today requires advanced programming, storytelling, animation, music, sound and video. It's a clear mix of cultural, creative and artistic industries and tech. For this reason, eXpression Umeå and Uminova Innovation have chosen to hook arms.
- At Uminova Innovation we are good at helping people build companies with a tech profile. eXpression Umeå is specialized in the creative industries. We believe that together our incubators can help to cement the game development scene, so that together we can help solve common problems and create win-win opportunities," says Fredrik Nyström.
Game Hub Umeå will inspire more people to create computer games and digital experiences, connecting people who can work together and encouraging exploration of tomorrow's technologies. The target audience is game developers, creators, game enthusiasts, techies and innovative new thinkers in digital experiences.
Exploring opportunities for gambling education
Agneta Filén, responsible for the initiative at Umeå Municipality, continues to see great potential in Umeå's gaming industry but believes that the city needs a proper gaming education.
- Umeå has a rich and broad business community with many industries, which is a great strength. The gaming industry fits well into Umeå's profile of creativity and IT. The most important thing for the industry to grow is that Umeå has a gaming education. The industry needs game developers in programming, 3D design, graphics and project management. A games education where companies themselves provide input on structure in cooperation with an education provider would enable a powerful foundation for the entire industry, says Agneta.
