Now, I’m obviously biased, but I do think that we have a great climate for game development in the Nordics. Our work culture is partially built around consensus, and “high ceilings” (i.e. being open to differing opinions), which is a perfect antidote to stifling hierarchies. And great games are made by different people – young and old, square and round – getting together and trusting each other to do magic. Trust is the key here, not formal hierarchies.

(Of course it’s in no way perfect in the Nordics, we certainly have examples of terrible management, but on balance it’s a great culture for creative industries.)

Here’s another important issue that a highly successful Nordic game developer has helped initiate. Now, it’s important that this is only the starting point, and that the juggernauts involved (Sony, Microsoft, Google, et al.) don’t use the positive attention just for greenwashing. This initiative should ideally engage hundreds, if not thousands, of developers and publishers around the world. Big and small, join up!

Speaking of Nordic developers, here’s a great post mortem on a Malmö-developed indie game. It’s a great horror-puzzler. Unfortunately, like so many titles, it wasn’t a financial success. Nonetheless, the team came away with a lot of experiences, and are sharing their insights with the world. Don’t miss this if you’re into game development!

In the past few days I’ve started playing Overwatch again – what an absolutely amazing game it is. Bastion FTW! This article is from 2016, but it has some fantastic learnings and insights that are just as valid today. Granted, it’s a lot easier if you have endless resources, but if you want to create world-class entertainment, start by studying the masters.

Hollywood certainly has a love-hate relationship with the games industry. To its’ own detriment. I think it’s partially due to that movie production is the ultimate hierarchy. Movie studios that want to be in games have to understand that games development is quite different. Maybe only Pixar straddles both worlds. (Read the book!)

It’s not often that we see hardware innovation in the games space. Especially not from a small games studio. Watch the video in the link. Such brilliant, creative design – love the crank! Can’t wait to try it in 2020. :D

I would place Overwatch a lot higher (no surprise there), but I can’t argue with their number one pick. Seeing my own kids playing it for years, it’s a game that certainly has had a profound impact on interactive entertainment.

Big congrats to Danish developer BetaDwarf! Well deserved. I’m constantly impressed by Steffen and his team of almost-done midgets! ;)