What Makes The Finnish Game Industry So Special

Malena Rose Features

Volume 27, issue 25

When people think of gaming giants, they often think of Japan or the U.S.—but the Nordics, and especially Finland, are quietly crushing it. From Angry Birds to Clash of Clans, Finnish studios have made some of the most-played games in the world. But what really makes the Finnish game industry amazing isn’t just the games—it’s the people behind them.

If you’ve ever been to an IGDA (International Game Developers Association) meeting in Finland, you know what I mean. The vibe is not “every developer for themselves,” but more like “how can I help you?” It’s surprisingly common for someone you’ve just met to introduce you to their contacts—just because they want to see you succeed. No gatekeeping, no ego. Just heart.

This supportive energy is something that defines the entire Nordic scene. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the industry for years, people are open, respectful, and genuinely excited to connect.

Finnish game industry is more about giving than taking | © Malena Rose (INSIDER)

And here’s the cherry on top: the Finnish government actually wants game devs to thrive. There’s real funding available, through programs like Business Finland or education paths that support creative tech.

XAMK is the perfect example for that. The Game Design program here is free for anyone in the EU, the environment is inclusive, supportive and honestly feels more like a big family than a University sector.

Because of the great support that you get in Finnland, studios can take risks, experiment, and innovate—without worrying as much about where the next paycheck comes from.

On top of that, the community is super inclusive. There’s a strong focus on diversity and creating safe, welcoming spaces for everyone. That’s not just talk—it shows in the way events are run, teams are built, and ideas are shared.

In short, Finland doesn’t just make great games. It’s building a great culture around making games. One where kindness, creativity, and collaboration matter just as much as code.

So if you’re a game dev, or just dreaming of becoming one – there’s honestly no better place to be than right here 🙂

Malena Rose
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