What next for Finland's games industry?

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This week, Finland’s trade association Neogames released the long-awaited report on the state of the country’s games industry. You can check out our coverage here.

Despite a record year for the Supercell (worth noting it did change how it calculates revenue), total turnover decreased from €3 billion ($3.5bn) in 2022 to €2.85bn ($3.3bn) in 2024. Operating results (profit) also fell from  €800 million ($931.5m) in 2023 and shrank to €400m ($465.8m) in 2024.

The sector is now a mature one - and there’s historically been nothing harder than repeating success. In the current market, launching a new mobile game is as tough as it's ever been too, while access to investment has been low.

Future prospects

Though it’s easy to look outward, clearly Finland’s games industry has felt the same challenges as the rest of the world, but with the added pressure and spotlight of being a star of the games sector. Companies of all sizes in the country have felt the heat.

But there are green shoots - notably the global mobile games market at large returning to growth. There is a wave of new startups and projects that could help raise Finland’s future prospects, outside of the stalwarts. Bit Odd raised $18 million last year, Future Run picked up investment for Riot Ball, and Seven Stars secured funding for "the next generation of puzzle games".

HypeHype is looking to make waves with its UGC platform, that’s now in global testing. Phantom Gamelabs is working on co-op RPG Riftbusters, in a space which backer Supercell appears adamant is the next big thing on mobile.

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I once wrote how Finland was the games startup capital of the world, back when Supercell had emerged with hits like Clash of Clans and Hay Day, and new studios had easy access to investment. 

Since then, Finland’s industry has grown significantly, becoming a hub for talent that can chart a path forward for the next decade.

Tight community

If there’s one thing Finland has been particularly good at historically, which has helped power its success, it’s sharing knowledge and learnings. The country remains home to the largest IGDA chapter in the world, while leaders regularly meet each month. Where else do you get that sense of community?

There’s introspection taking place privately and publicly on the state of the market. On October 7th to 8th, Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki will return, offering a chance for Finland and the wider Nordic region to have honest conversations about the current market’s challenges.

The conference will provide a place to exchange learnings and discuss the hot new trends powering growth that could shape the next decade.

Want to join the discussion? PGC Helsinki tickets are currently available at Mid Term rates with savings of up to £200 (€230). See you at the show!