Veteran game developers start a new studio: “We want to embark on this journey again”

Daniel and Johan both have more than twenty years of experience in the games industry. From some of the very first cohorts of the game development programs at the University of Skövde, to some of Skövde’s biggest games companies. Over the years, they’ve been part of Lockpick, Pieces Interactive, and Piktiv.

Now, a new adventure awaits. Together, they’ve decided to set out on a journey they’ve taken before:

They’re starting an entirely new game studio.

“This time around, we’ve got over 60 years of games industry experience in the team, plus tons of contacts and know-how. We’re going to run the entire process smarter,” says Johan Hellberg.

Their new studio goes by the name Solid Block of Power. Two and a half full-time roles have been working on their first title since August, and as of the new year, the team is up to three.

So, what’s the game called? Right now, it’s going by the working title Project Mushroom, and development is moving ahead at a rapid pace.

“Our game is a roguelike adventure where players take on the role of a mushroom creature exploring an ancient tree. When you die, you’re reborn in a garden where you can grow your own weapons. Each time you die, there’s a chance to strengthen your character and get further in the game,” explains Daniel Ribera.

Just like in the mid-2000s, Daniel and Johan are part of the Sweden Game Startup program at Science Park Skövde once again. After spending time in other constellations, it’s exciting for them to be back where their careers first took off.

“When we joined the startup program for the first time, it was brand new. It was really the Wild West, but we were a small community that got to watch how the world of games was changing. That experience shaped us, and now we get to do it all over again – only this time we bring more experience to the table,” says Johan Hellberg.

Do you have a different approach today?

“Absolutely. Back then, all we could think about was the end goal – a finished game. Now we value the people we meet and every little step along the way.”

When Johan and Daniel started out, some of the people now enrolled in the startup program weren’t even born yet. Before the writer of this article can bring it up, Daniel addresses the age gap:

“We do feel a bit old in this crowd, but that’s exactly how it should be. It’s really fun to see young talents and how they work. They have a completely different skill set and understanding of how to stand out in marketing these days, and that’s something we’re learning from them. At the same time, we can share our own kind of experience,” says Daniel.

Johan adds:

“Social media barely existed when we began, and now it’s actually possible to create and launch your own game from your bedroom. That just wasn’t possible when we started out. Things keep changing, and it’s important to keep up.”

How do you see the future for Solid Block of Power andProject Mushroom?

“Right now, we’re focused on finding a solid partner to help finance our development. Our goal is to release the game before the summer of 2026. Twenty years ago, we had no idea how any of this worked. Today, we know what publishers and investors need – and we know what we expect from them. We believe our experience is key to building long-term success for our studio.”