The games industry is growing at a fast pace in Finland. Neogames, the centre of the industry in Finland, predicts that it will become a major export sector during the next few years.

“Finland’s oldest games firm was established in 1994, so the sector’s history is short. The beginning is good, even if volumes are still relatively small,” says Director KooPee Hiltunen at Neogames.

The turnover of the Finnish computer games industry was about 75 million euros last year. The industry is growing rapidly as are expectations.

“Growth that is faster than the international trend means in practice growth in market share. The games industry is the biggest single content export sector in Finland.”

Young but strong

Although the Finnish games industry is young, the game culture is strong. Companies in the field are genuinely international and they have a good reputation throughout the world. The small domestic market forced companies into international operations right from the outset, because there are not enough domestic circles.

Hiltunen knows many reasons for the strong background. Finland hit the peak of the wave before the entire sector started to grow strongly – thanks to the good infrastructure in the areas of the economy, social conditions and technology.

“The technological expertise in Finland is world class. The professional skill, innovative ability and high motivation of those involved produce good results. The good price/quality ratio is also a benefit for Finland,” Hiltunen says.

Help and support

Neogames is the member organization of the games industry in Finland with 80 companies in the sector belonging to it. It offers various services, such export trips, training, consultation and research. It also develops consciousness and networks in the field.

Its partners include Tekes - Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, and Finpro. Neogames is also a member of Nordic Game and the European Games Developer Federation.

>> www.neogames.fi

Neogames improves the operating potential for Finnish games companies both in Finland and abroad. The picture is of the Nordic stand at the E3 Exhibition in 2006.