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Budding game studios level up in Finland
Espoo has enlisted the help of the game industry, students, entrepreneurs, educational institutions and other community actors in setting up a new gaming hub.
AdobeThe Finnish city of Espoo is paving the way for budding game studios with a new gaming hub concept.
The gaming hub will be located in Otaniemi, Espoo, and provide office space, accelerator services and a network of digital creatives for the next wave of potential gaming giants. The long-term goal is to bolster Finland’s standing as a world-class centre of expertise in the game industry.
“Espoo can remain at the forefront by investing in expertise, international attractiveness and the green transition,” said Marika Lostedt, head of business development services at Espoo. “We are taking a bold step towards strengthening innovation and co-operation in the game industry as part of the Game hub for SMEs in the Capital Region project.”
Central to the project is the Espoo Game LAB game development programme kicking off in Otaniemi in March. The biannual programme offers participants the opportunity to develop games and acquire the skills necessary to set up their own gaming ventures or secure positions within the industry.
Alan Wake II, released in October 2023, has been praised by critics and gamers alike.
RemedyEspoo already boats an impressive line-up of Finnish game companies, notably Angry Birds creator Rovio and Remedy, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Alan Wake series. Remedy, in particular, has been in the limelight recently with its latest release, Alan Wake II, raking up accolades. The game clinched the Best Game title and seven other awards at the recent Arab Game Awards. In addition, TIME magazine named it the best video game of 2023.
While established players continue to dominate headlines, there's excitement brewing for Finnish newcomers like Order of Meta. Founded in 2021 and based in Helsinki, the game studio recently announced a significant milestone – the closure of a 3.3-million-US dollar funding round led by GEM Capital, with backing from Korea Investment Partners, Play Ventures and The Games Fund.
Order of Meta is developing its first title, Cargo Hunters, which is scheduled for soft launch in the summer of 2024. It’s a free-to-play mobile game set in a post-apocalyptic world where players must find a way to survive while fighting for vital resources.