“Studying in Umeå gives you a unique opportunity”
We asked Head of Education Joel Fällbom: Why is Futuregames Umeå the perfect place to study gamedev?

why is umeå a perfect breeding ground for the games industry?
“By working closely with established local studios and talent, world-class guest lecturers, and the international network of Futuregames schools, our aim is to be one of the building blocks that just might make Umeå the epicenter of the northern game development scene”
Joel Fällbom
Umeå is the perfect hub for any creativity-driven industry. The mix of traditional gaming companies, a flourishing indie scene, and startups, combined with cutting-edge research in the industrial field and med-tech working with VR, AR, and XR solutions spearheaded by game developers, makes it possible for potential students to not only get an education in the north but also settle down and build a future.
The companies and the university have a strong global reach that perfectly matches our goal of being an international school attracting talent from all over the world. By working closely with established local studios and talent, world-class guest lecturers, and the international network of Futuregames schools, our aim is to be one of the building blocks that just might make Umeå the epicenter of the northern game development scene.
“A perfect breeding ground”
Umeå has always been a place where art and technology meet, making it a perfect breeding ground for the games industry. The history of the Umeå game development scene can be traced back to the 90s with Daydream Software. Over the years, pioneers such as Zordix / Maximum Entertainment, Paradox Arctic, Level 8, Coldwood, and Turborilla built the foundation that has opened the way for the next generation of game developers, driven by a strong indie scene, established studios, entrepreneurship, and the dream of combining game development with a northern lifestyle. The region made its intentions clear last year during the Arctic Game Dev Conference, where representatives from the local municipality, industry, and government alike declared their intentions of making Umeå into the next big gaming hub.
“The ideal hub for technology and game development”
Umeå has the perfect mix of established studios, up-and-coming indies, and immersive industries, making it the ideal hub for technology and game development. Studying at Futuregame Umeå gives you a unique opportunity to learn from an international network of game developers and industry veterans alike. It also offers you the chance to experience city life with nightlife, university activities, art, culture, and conventions while still being close to nature and the northern lifestyle.
Whether you dream of a career in a larger city after graduation or finding a spot at local companies such as Turborilla or Kinda Brave Entertainment, Umeå could be the place for you!
At Futuregames Umeå, you will have the opportunity to apply for two of our specialization educations:
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Late applications now open for fall 2025
Late applications are now open for our Higher Vocational Education (YH) programs starting fall 2025. Apply to study game development and tech with Futuregames!
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