The success story of Kajaani University of Applied Sciences and the business world in the gaming industry has created an entirely new branch of the economy in Kajaani, putting it firmly on the world map. The city now proudly declares: “Kajaani always wins!”
Kajaani has demonstrated that greatness can emerge from small beginnings. How? Let’s press “play.”
Gaming may seem light-hearted for end-users, but the gaming industry itself is highly competitive and a tough industrial sector. “If you succeed in the gaming industry in Kajaani, you can succeed anywhere. We want to be the best in the world. How? Through good leadership, a clear strategy, and bringing together a visionary team,” summarizes Kimmo Nikkanen, who has been involved in several ICT projects and game content development initiatives. He was one of the key persons in initiating Kajaani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Innova, and currently serves as the Development Director at Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK).
Let’s hit “pause.” Today, KAMK leads in gaming education in Finland, and is the only one at the higher education level with such a comprehensive range of courses. “KAMK is so well-known for its successful gaming education that only the best of the gaming promises can fit in here,” says Matti Sarén, the CEO of KAMK. Over two hundred game companies have originated from KAMK.
Kajaani success stories in the gaming world
Behind this success is a story almost echoing of Apple’s beginnings in a garage: when gaming education started at KAMK in 2005, money was not readily available, and encouragement was scarce. “There were a few of us and a bold rector who approved a curriculum created in a single evening. In the early years, we heard quite a bit of laughter about our direction,” recalls Veli-Pekka Piirainen, the current CEO of Critical Force. Now, Critical Force employs over 60 people in Kajaani, the Helsinki metropolitan area, Oulu, Tampere, and around the world. Critical Ops mobile game has been downloaded over a hundred million times in seven years.
KAMK graduates have developed things after finding suitable business partners. Several successful gaming companies, such as Critical Force and recently established Kitka Games, which achieved unprecedented global success with its unique mobile multiplayer game Stumble Guys in 2020, have emerged in Kajaani. “The game has been downloaded 300 million times and is currently one of the most popular in the world. With a team of eight, we reached over 100 million euros in revenue in less than two years,” says Teemu Määttä, the CFO of Kitka Games. Stumble Guys game was aquired by Scopely in 2022.
Let’s click “continue.” Now, in addition to game development, KAMK offers a study orientation in game technology, which leads to an engineering degree, focusing on creating software that facilitates game development. The Northern Game Summit NGS, a gaming industry event, gathers the cream of the crop in Kajaani, and the city invests in growth through strong collaboration networks.
“At KAMK, students learn to create commercial game products, working towards publication, just like in the professional world and in collaboration with businesses,” Piirainen describes the operating model that has led students to stay in Kajaani area for employment. “The gaming industry is actively developed in collaboration with KAMK, gaming companies, the City of Kajaani, and students. We have ambitious plans for the future. There is room for more companies and investors to join the success,” summarizes Risto Hämäläinen, the City’s development director.