Meet Minwoo Lee, the Studio General Manager from South Korea, with over two decades of experience navigating the global games industry. Working across Asia and Europe, Minwoo sought a child-friendly environment and promising career prospects, ultimately leading him to Helsinki, Finland, nine years ago. Today, he values the dynamic Finnish gaming ecosystem and successfully guides his own games studio within a global network.
Career Insights: Minwoo’s journey into entrepreneurship stemmed from his desire to establish a company with a global appeal. Drawing from his experiences in well-known global gaming companies in Helsinki, he found the confidence to build his studio in Finland. The unique blend of talent and creativity in the Finnish gaming sphere captivated him, making his work dynamic and exciting.
Mobile Games Industry Dynamics: The ever-evolving nature of the mobile games industry is what Minwoo cherishes the most. The rapid pace of innovation and creative development provides constant opportunities for dynamic and new business ventures. To him, the key to successful mobile products lies in the delicate balance between data guidance and creative innovation.
Finnish Work Culture: Contrasting his experiences in other countries, Minwoo notes the welcoming atmosphere and the safety of the creative environment in Finland. Regardless of company size or structure, he has always felt embraced by the Finnish culture, which values thoughtful thinking, social alignment, and equal opportunities for all.
Daily Routine: Minwoo’s typical day starts with breakfast and attending to his cat’s needs. His mornings are more relaxed with a teenage daughter, followed by a day at the office. Evenings may involve calls with international colleagues, but Minwoo finds time to relax, often indulging in Netflix or games. Embracing the Finnish winter, he maintains a healthy lifestyle, incorporating exercise into his routine.
Finnish Joys: What Minwoo enjoys most about Finland is its interactions with people. Building friendships over saunas, shared meals, and debates about local treats like salmiakki are highlights of his Finnish experience. He appreciates the uniqueness of Finnish culture, where true connections unfold gradually, revealing the true nature of individuals.
Mobile Games in Finland: Minwoo highlights the uniqueness of the Finnish mobile games industry, where a relatively small number of developers consistently deliver innovative and successful products. The key, he believes, lies in the density of talent and the focused work culture that eliminates the need for excessive overtime.
Advice for Those Considering Finland: Dispelling concerns about the dark and cold winters, Minwoo encourages people to explore the many joys Finland offers. The Finnish games industry, in particular, welcomes new talent, and Minwoo suggests networking within the well-established industry to find promising opportunities.
Espoo Living: Residing in Espoo, Minwoo appreciates the calm, family-friendly environment just 20 minutes from Helsinki. The proximity to nature, with the forest and sea at his doorstep, adds to the unique charm of living in this Finnish city.
Finnish Hobbies: Beyond work, Minwoo has immersed himself in the local music scene, discovering and enjoying Finnish metal bands and musicians, making his leisure time in Finland both enriching and culturally vibrant.