Inside the Swedish games industry

Illustration by a student: A stylised 1950s-style diner scene with a woman drinking a milkshake and a burger in front of her, while delivery riders pass by outside.

Sweden: A Small Country with a Giant Footprint in the Games Industry

News | Published May 20 2025

Sweden may be a relatively small country in terms of population, but when it comes to the games industry, its impact is anything but minor. Over the past two decades, Sweden has emerged as one of the world’s most influential hubs for game development, boasting globally recognised studios, a thriving indie scene, and a strong pipeline of talent.

A Legacy of Global Hits

Sweden’s influence on gaming began taking shape in the early 2000s, but it was titles like Minecraft (developed by Mojang) and Battlefield (from DICE) that catapulted Swedish game development onto the world stage. Today, internationally renowned companies such as Avalanche Studios, Paradox Interactive, King (creator of Candy Crush Saga), Embracer Group, and Hazelight Studios continue to put Sweden on the map as both creative and commercial powerhouses.

A Thriving Ecosystem

According to the Swedish Game Developer Index, Sweden is home to over 700 active game companies – a number that continues to grow each year. The industry is characterised by a collaborative culture and a well-developed ecosystem where large studios, start-ups, and indie developers coexist and innovate. Government support, investor interest, and a culture that embraces creativity have helped make Sweden fertile ground for new studios to thrive.

Education also plays an important role, with specialised schools like The Game Assembly helping ensure that studios have access to skilled graduates trained under real industry conditions.

Why It Matters for You

Founded in Sweden in 2008, TGA has grown alongside one of the world’s most respected games industries. TGA UK builds on that experience, with a focus on team-based learning and strong ties to the games industry. As a future student, you’ll step into a model designed to reflect how real games are made.