Yahaha Studios, headquartered in Espoo, recently announced an impressive funding achievement of nearly 45 million euros over three rounds. The Espoo-based studio, led by industry veterans, is set to launch a user-generated content social platform described as a gaming metaverse in Europe and North America. The platform aims to democratise content creation by providing developers with open and modular online game development services. Yahaha Studios’ co-founder, Chris Zhu, emphasises the inclusivity of their platform, enabling creators of all levels to connect and share their creations.
Investors, recognising the potential of the metaverse, played a significant role in surpassing Yahaha Studios’ initial funding target. The metaverse concept, popularized by tech giants like Microsoft and Facebook, envisions a fully realized virtual world parallel to the physical one, offering new possibilities for social and commercial activities.
Other Finnish studios are also making waves in the gaming industry. Return Entertainment, a Helsinki-based studio, secured 5.3 million euros in funding, focusing on cloud-native gaming for cross-playability between different devices. Social First, founded by industry veterans Kim Soares and Mikko Kähärä, raised over two million euros to create highly social multiplayer games designed for lasting and meaningful experiences.
In the realm of serious gaming, Aalto University researchers developed a virtual reality-based game to detect symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The game, implemented by Peili Vision, offers a more objective and engaging method to measure attentional performance in everyday scenarios.
Dodreams is investing 1.2 million euros to merge games and online videos, aiming to enhance the streaming experience for its flagship title, Drive Ahead! The studio envisions a “unified entertainment experience” that broadens audience and player engagement through shared gameplay moments.
As Finnish game developers continue to innovate, reimagine, and consolidate in the industry, the evolution of cloud-native gaming, serious gaming applications, and enhanced streaming experiences indicates a dynamic future for Finland’s gaming landscape. The industry, having shaped global hits like Angry Birds and Clash of Clans, continues to explore new frontiers, blending creativity with technology to redefine gaming experiences.