Tampere region ranks among Finland’s top environments for the thriving game industry. Far removed from outdated stereotypes of teenage gamers and coding nerds, the game industry is a dynamic field with significant societal impact and far-reaching connections across various industries. Business Tampere’s new expert is now offering regional companies support for international growth. Globally, over 3 billion people play video games, and the game industry boasts an international market value of €179 billion, according to a recent report by the Finnish game organization Neogames. For the first time, Finnish game industry revenues exceeded €3 billion in 2021, as highlighted on the organization’s website. Finland clearly punches above its weight among EU countries, where the game industry generates €18.3 billion in revenue. In a national context, the game industry is categorized as a mid-sized sector. Within Finland, Tampere is the clear regional runner-up, estimates Arto Käyhkö, Business Tampere’s customer manager for the game industry. “Tampere’s 60–70 actives in the industry focus primarily on PC and console games, whereas Helsinki and Oulu have a strong emphasis on mobile games. Globally, the game industry is the largest single segment of the entertainment industry,” Käyhkö explains. Käyhkö, who recently joined Business Tampere as a game industry expert, focuses on supporting the internationalization of game companies, fostering creative, technology-driven industries, and providing funding advice. He draws on nearly 20 years of experience in helping game and digital companies expand globally. Käyhkö sees societal dimensions in the gaming industry and considers it an interesting business activity for any region. Photo: Petri Kangas / Business Tampere Aiming for internationalization Arto Käyhkö has a clear goal at Business Tampere: supporting companies in the Tampere region on their path to internationalization. His dual focus involves attracting more foreign investors to the area while helping local businesses expand globally. “A typical Silicon Valley investor billionaire knows very little about the Nordics or Europe, let alone Finland. That’s why we must stay humble and be able to justify every promise we make: why should they invest in a Tampere-based company? Tampere offers strong support for innovation and credibility, thanks to our educational institutions, research centers run by international companies, and a thriving startup ecosystem,” Käyhkö explains. His career has leaned heavily toward international roles. Originally from Helsinki, Käyhkö has lived in Dublin, Zurich, and Stockholm, and at one point, clocked in well over 100 travel days a year. “I’ve also found time for academic pursuits,” he adds, mentioning that his doctoral dissertation is in progress. “‘The Information Flows of the Board and Shareholders of Internationalizing Growth Companies Within the Framework of Finnish Corporate Law’ is the title keeping me entertained on transcontinental flights,” he quips. “What kind of support do internationalizing companies need? Securing investors, keeping them satisfied, and maintaining steady revenue while growing it in a business-driven way are at the core,” Käyhkö outlines before continuing: “The game industry is incredibly exciting, and its entrepreneurs are highly intelligent people. Some of the most fascinating conversations I’ve had about cognitive sciences, player engagement strategies, and adapting business models to specific markets have been with game industry professionals. This field is far more than just teenage gaming and coding by nerds; its players are socioeconomically deeply integrated into society,” Käyhkö remarks, summarizing the identity and community of the game industry. Käyhkö closely follows developments in the gaming industry. He notes that in this rapidly evolving field, phenomena from just five years ago can already be ancient history. Photo: Petri Kangas / Business Tampere Audiovisual economy evolves Tampere’s game industry exemplifies the evolution of the experience economy, where creativity, technology, and entertainment intersect to create value. The sector’s impact extends beyond games themselves, influencing education, research, and even other industries. According to Arto Käyhkö, Business Tampere’s game industry expert, the region is well-positioned to benefit from this shift. “The experience economy isn’t just about entertainment anymore—it’s about creating meaningful, immersive interactions. Gaming companies are at the forefront of this movement, combining cutting-edge technology with storytelling to engage audiences and drive innovation,” Käyhkö explains. In Tampere, this innovative spirit is supported by a robust ecosystem of game developers, research institutions, and startup hubs. “The development of the experience economy is not just a trend—it’s a transformation. And Tampere is ready to lead,” Käyhkö concludes.