Level Up has contributed to continued research and cluster collaboration

The Swedish games industry is an internationally successful sector with significant importance for innovation, digitalization, and the cultural and creative industries. For more than 20 years, Skövde has played an important role in supporting the development of the industry. One of the most recent initiatives, the Level Up project, identified several structural challenges, including the need for stronger collaboration between regional game clusters, academia, research organizations, and innovation support systems, as well as increased national coordination around the development of the industry.

“But we have not only identified these challenges – we have also worked actively to address them by establishing and strengthening national networks and support structures for the games industry. We have brought together regional game clusters, universities, research organizations, industry associations, and public sector stakeholders in joint initiatives and strategic collaborations,” explains Marcus Toftedahl.

The project has also worked continuously to highlight the importance of the games industry in discussions related to innovation, talent development, sustainable growth, and the cultural and creative sectors.

“Through seminars, networks, and dialogue with national decision-makers, we have actively contributed to strengthening the understanding of the games industry's role in Sweden’s economy and societal development,” says Toftedahl.

One of the project’s key objectives has been to facilitate funding applications for initiatives that support the continued development of the Swedish games industry.

“We have contributed to applications totaling more than SEK 140 million, of which projects worth SEK 74 million have so far been granted funding,” says Toftedahl.

Two of the approved initiatives are:

• Game Development Research Centre (GDRC), which strengthens Sweden’s research capacity within game development and creates better opportunities for collaboration between academia and the games industry.
• SCORE, a national collaboration initiative where several Swedish game clusters have joined forces in a shared structure for cluster cooperation and joint development.

“These two initiatives are extremely important for the continued development of the industry. One of their strengths is that both universities and game clusters in Blekinge, Malmö, Karlstad, and Skövde are involved in both projects. Naturally, there is also collaboration with other stakeholders, including the Swedish Games Industry association and additional clusters.”

Part of SCORE’s mission is to continue developing national meeting places and policy forums such as SpelAlmedalen, parliamentary seminars, and industry forums held in connection with Sweden Game Conference.

“Sweden is internationally successful in games despite being one of the few countries in the world without a national strategy or dedicated national support for the industry. Establishing stronger structures is crucial if we are to fully realize the enormous potential of the Swedish games industry. It is important to remember that 97 percent of Swedish game companies are solo entrepreneurs or small businesses that need support, particularly in the early stages when it comes to areas such as access to capital.”

The Level Up project will conclude in connection with this year’s edition of SpelAlmedalen during Almedalen Week.

“On June 24 and 25, we will host a combination of seminars and panel discussions. The two sessions will focus on industry-oriented research and the Västra Götaland Region’s model and investments in innovation and development. After that, we will continue working to support the future growth of the Swedish games industry,” concludes Toftedahl.