It's Game on! in San Francisco
The Danish games industry is growing rapidly and is widely recognized internationally. At Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, 22 Danish game developers are ready to showcase Denmark's best game productions and innovations.
“The Danish games industry has become much more business-savvy over the last ten years, creating both a huge increase in revenue and exports, but also exemplified by a large increase in international investments and buyouts of Danish developers.”
Danish game development with international reach
Game Developers Conference is the games industry's premier professional event, bringing together the game development community to exchange ideas, solve problems, and shape the future of the industry. Here the Danish game industry is already a force to be reconned with, exporting more than €268m* and with a revenue of more than €429m*. Danish game developers have produced international smash hits such as 'Subway Surfers' co-developed by SYBO and Kiloo that has been downloaded more than 3 billion times and is the most downloaded mobile game in the world. IO Interactive has produced the internationally acclaimed 'Hitman' and developed the award-winning Glacier engine, and Unity has built a democratic technical platform that allows other developers to create games without having to build the entire engine. 'What the Golf' has become another hit in the more niche-oriented market and exemplifies the Danish games industry's knack for being somewhat quirky and anti-authoritarian and putting the good idea front and centre.
On top of entertaining, educating, and facilitating everything from learning experiences to therapeutic objectives in other fields, the industry is also grappling with the challenges that face the planet. For example, in a special edition of 'Subway Surfers' (World Tour Bali Edition), SYBO used the game as a platform for drawing attention to plastic pollution and the need to act. In addition, VR and AR technology also promises to reduce the need to travel for product demonstrations and training sessions.
The industry increasingly crosscuts professional disciplines, contributing to digital transformation in other industries. VR and AR technologies are poignant examples of that. Vestas Wind Systems, the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer, uses VR technology for training their staff, who interact with the huge wind turbines in the virtual dimension. The company KHORA has developed several VR solutions for healthcare, including a VR-based tool for exposure therapy, helping people struggling with hallucinations.
“Danish game developers have a reputation for a strong sense of aesthetics, often resulting in games that are visually striking right off the bat.”
The Danish approach to game development
The Danish game companies all have a unique and creative approach to game development and storytelling. The working culture is defined by self-management and a high level of trust, combined with playful workplaces and a good work-life balance. This attracts many international talents to the Danish video games industry.
For a company like IO Interactive, a great working environment is crucial to their game development processes. They value the work and impact each person brings to the table and listen to everyone's ideas. Slipgate Ironworks and 3D Realms have had a culture of remote work since the beginning, enabling them to employ a global team that can unleash their creativity whenever and wherever.
Danish video game companies also put the players in the centre to make the most fun, interesting, and gripping game experiences for them.
Fair Games invites players into the development process at an early stage, so they can ultimately build an experience that is both for and by the players. Ghost Ship Games also involve the players in the entire development process and strive to get things on the screen as quickly as possible. Flashbulb Games focus on making games with which players can get creative, so no two gaming sessions ever have to be the same.
In-depth and captivating storytelling is also key for many Danish game developers. Bird Island/PortaPlay treats serious topics in their games and believes they can make a difference. Their games are often grounded in reality and draw parallels to present-day themes and events. Kong Orange strives to create digital quality time – entertaining games that stay with the player and become pillars of culture and art.
Dive into these playful cases on the bottom of this page and learn even more about the unique traits of the Danish video games industry.
The Danish companies showcasing their impact on the global games industry at this year's Gamers Development Conference are:
· Playdead
· Eddaheim
· SYBO
· UDU Game
· PortaPlay / Bird Island
· Sirenix
Read more about the Danish delegation at Game Development Conference here.
The partners making the export promotion at Game Developers Conference possible are: Vision Denmark, Danish Producers’ Association, the Danish Chamber of Commerce, The Trade Council in New York, and Creative Denmark.
