ReportDataspelsbranschen
Game Developer Index: Sweden 2020
1 Jan 20204 pages~5 min full read
The Swedish game industry generated EUR 2.29 billion in revenue in 2019, marking a 23 percent year-over-year increase and the eleventh consecutive year of sector-wide profitability.
See it on page 1Investment activity surged significantly, with 39 transactions totaling over EUR 400 million in 2019, followed by 21 transactions valued at EUR 1 billion between January and October 2020.
See it on page 1The industry workforce grew to 8,578 full-time positions by the end of 2019, with 5,599 of those employees based in Sweden and women representing 22 percent of the total headcount.
See it on page 4The sector’s 15 largest companies contributed EUR 550 million in corporate profit taxes and over EUR 100 million in social security fees during 2019.
See it on page 1The number of active game development companies in Sweden reached 442 by the end of 2019, representing a 15 percent increase from the previous year.
See it on page 1Industry growth is currently constrained by challenges in accessing specialized talent and navigating complex digital market regulations.
See it on page 3The Swedish game development industry demonstrates robust economic expansion and sustained profitability, functioning as a highly globalized export sector. By analyzing annual accounts from Swedish-registered companies, the industry reports a significant revenue increase to EUR 2.29 billion in 2019, representing a 23 percent growth over the previous year. This marks the eleventh consecutive year of total sector profitability, supported by a 15 percent increase in the number of active companies, which reached 442 by the end of 2019.
Employment trends reflect this upward trajectory, with the workforce growing by 8 percent to a total of 8,578 full-time positions. Of these, 5,599 employees are based within Sweden. While the industry continues to scale, gender diversity remains a focal point, with women comprising 22 percent of the total workforce. The sector’s economic impact extends to significant tax contributions, as the 15 largest companies alone provided EUR 550 million in corporate profit taxes and over EUR 100 million in additional social security fees.
Investment activity highlights the industry's maturity and attractiveness to capital. During 2019, the market saw 39 transactions involving investments and acquisitions totaling over EUR 400 million, with Swedish firms acting as the primary buyer in the majority of cases. This momentum accelerated into 2020, with 21 transactions recorded between January and October valued at EUR 1 billion. Despite these successes, the industry identifies ongoing challenges, particularly regarding the access to specialized talent and the navigation of complex digital market regulations. Future growth is expected to rely on regional clusters, incubators, and a continued commitment to increasing workforce diversity to maintain global competitiveness.
