Nordic Game 2026 was full of smiles, but they hid a very tough reality. The industry is in a period of difficult transition.
The indie conference Nordic Game recently took place in Malmö, featuring a multinational presence with countries like Germany, Ukraine, and Moldova showcasing their games. The event saw Moldovan game Lootbound winning the People's Choice Award, while Ukrainian developer The Future Entertainment Company presented DDoD, a popular roguelike shooter.
Parallel to Nordic Game, Pocket Gamer Connects Summit Malmö also attracted visitors, highlighting the industry's interest in such events. Despite the positive atmosphere, discussions mainly revolved around the challenges posed by an oversaturated market with limited financial resources.
During a VC panel, investor Jason Della Rocca emphasized the importance of understanding what VCs seek in potential investments, pointing out the changing landscape of game company acquisitions. Griffin Gaming Partners' $100 million fund targeting AA titles signals a shift towards alternative investment models in the industry.