Gaming industry booming in Sweden

The huge success of computer game Minecraft, developed by the company Mojang, is a major explanation for the industry’s growth. But other game developers have also had successes, especially those developing games for Facebook and mobile phones, according to Strömbäck of the Swedish Games Industry (Dataspelsbranschen).

In the past four years, the Swedish gaming industry has doubled its turnover, reported financial newspaper E24. In 2010 the industry’s turnover reached 1.2 billion kronor ($178 million).

Many of the largest developers, such as Dice, Ubisoft Massive, and Avalanche Studios, are currently advertising for new staff. But it isn’t always easy to find the appropriate skills at home, Strömbäck revealed.

“We’ve now got members opening offices overseas in order to find more labour,” he said to news agency TT.

Another problem for Swedish game developers is finding funding for their projects, according to Strömbäck.