His journey from this initial experience to becoming a leader in the city’s gaming ecosystem showcases Kajaani’s potential as a hub for game developers.
After exploring entrepreneurial opportunities and the gaming industry in Estonia, Joonas felt drawn back to Kajaani. The sense of community, the support available for developers, and the city’s ambitious game development environment convinced him to return.
Today, Joonas leads the GameCity Kajaani project, a collaboration between the City of Kajaani, KAMK, and local businesses aimed at supporting game developers and solidifying Kajaani’s role as a gaming industry pioneer.
The GameCity Kajaani project focuses on multiple goals:
- Supporting new game companies through incubation and acceleration services.
- Encouraging students to become entrepreneurs in the gaming field.
- Creating a thriving environment for game developers in Kajaani.
Notably, a gaming company originally established in Helsinki has already relocated to Kajaani, drawn by the opportunities and sense of community the city offers.
Kajaani has a long history in game industry education. KAMK was the first institution in Finland to launch a degree program in game studies back in 2006. Today, its program is comprehensive, covering everything from coding, game art, and design to production and business development. KAMK also offers a Master’s Degree in Game Business, catering to professionals looking to deepen their expertise in the field.
In addition to education, Kajaani’s game development ecosystem is supported by a vibrant and close-knit community. Developers, students, organizations, and companies regularly collaborate, creating an atmosphere where innovation thrives. Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to grow, Kajaani provides the ideal setting for game developers.
Joonas believes that Kajaani’s manageable size and strong connections between stakeholders make it a unique and effective place for the game industry to develop.
“In Kajaani, it’s easy to meet the right people and collaborate on projects. The city truly supports game developers,” he says.
For Joonas, Kajaani is not just a workplace but a place where he can see real potential for the future of the gaming industry. The combination of education, support, and a welcoming community ensures that Kajaani continues to be a great place for game developers – and perhaps the perfect city for your dream career in the gaming industry.
