The Swedish games industry is steadily expanding and breaking new revenue records, according to Swedish Games Industry’s Game Developer Index. Locally, growth is evident with three new studios established in Boden during 2023.
2023 brought changes to Sweden’s game development sector. While some studios announced closures and the media highlighted challenges, the Swedish gaming industry remains strong, with increases in the number of companies, revenue, and employees.
The revenue of the Swedish video game industry reached SEK 34.6 billion in 2023, a 6.4% rise among Swedish-registered companies. Including subsidiaries abroad, the industry generated SEK 90.4 billion, a 4.5% increase. Swedish game companies employed 9,089 people domestically and 15,792 globally, with the latter number showing a slight decline due to divestments. However, 644 new hires in Sweden represent an 8% growth in local employment.
In 2023, 108 new companies were established, bringing the total to 1,010, with 196 studios having five or more employees. Notably, Boden saw the launch of three new gaming companies last year.
Growing Locally in Boden
Sofia Lundström, business developer at Boden Business Park, reflects on the progress:
“We know the industry’s numbers aren’t as dazzling as a few years ago, but it’s encouraging to see new gaming companies starting in Boden. It shows we’re doing the right things at Boden Game Camp.”
One of these new companies is Sparrowland. Mikael Norberg, a game developer at Sparrowland, shared their experience:
“It took us some time to navigate the industry and understand its dynamics – from publishers and investors to launch strategies and financing solutions. That’s why we’re so grateful to have found this community by chance and for the invaluable help.”
Diversity in the Industry
The report highlights continued growth in the number of women in the gaming industry. In 2023, women held 2,150 positions in Swedish gaming companies, representing 23.7% of the workforce – an increase of 173 compared to the previous year.
When the Gaming Industry Association began compiling data in 2004, only 75 women were working in Sweden’s gaming industry. Today, that number exceeds 2,000.
“This increase in diversity is great news,” says Sofia Lundström.
“Diversity and inclusion lead to more creative and innovative games that appeal to broader audiences. Additionally, gender equality creates a fairer work environment and enhances the industry’s attractiveness to future talent, benefiting the labor market in Boden.”
The Game Developer Index maps, reports and analyzes Swedish gaming companies’ operations and international industry trends over the past year by compiling the companies’ annual reports.
