Back again to Malmo, Sweden for the 9th edition of the Nordic Game conference. And, once again, a solid conference and event – both for learning and biz/networking. Maybe it’s the snow, but I always feel at home ;)

Having been to the region so often, it is wonderful to see how the game industry is evolving across the Nordics. In particular, the indie scene continues to thrive, evidenced in part by the packed IndieNight pre-event and party. Or, more importantly, there is an exploding startup culture. For example, Finland alone is boasting several dozen new studios, and has attracted over 50million Euros in seed/venture funding. Hmm, an Angry Bird effect on the region perhaps?

Further case in point, after the conference a bunch of us took to the train across to Copenhagen to attend the housewarming party for Hapti.co, a new studio spawned out of IO.

I’m already excited to fly back for the 10th edition next May! Meanwhile, here are some photos from this year:


At the pre exec summit, Ilari Kuittinen (Housemarque), Osckar Burman (Easy Studios/EA) and Cherie Lutz (Microsoft) debate core versus casual.


Daniel Kaplan (Mojang) loading up on the pickled herring.


A small corner of IndieNight action. Was hard to just move around and get at the games!


The brothers reunite: Nathan Vella (Capy) and Dino Patti (Playdead).


Nathan Vella (Capy) lectures on marketing for indies.


Jay Ranki (Remedy) digging deep on agile.


Fame and glory (and grants) at the annual Nordic Game Awards.


David McCarthy (GREE) belting out during intense karaoke action. Oddly, it was mostly the Brits signing…


Nathan (Edge), Phil Fish (Polytron) and Nathan Vella (Capy) at the post awards party.


Phil Fish (Polytron) on games as design.


Jamie King bets on black during the Hapti.co housewarming party.


Blue-shirted Thomas Howalt (Hapti.co) explains the need for well designed furniture in establishing studio culture. Jonathan Jacques-Belletete (Eidos), Yves Bordeleaux (Cyanide), Jamie King, David Brulotte (Quebec gov) listen attentively.


Post party drinks at Ruby’s. Mmm, moonshine from a jar!


End of night shawarma! Yves Bordeleaux (Cyanide), Jonathan Jacques-Belletete (Eidos), David Brulotte (Quebec gov), Jamie King, and the shawarma guy all survived a night of fun in Copenhagen.