What happens when one of the world's leading industrial groups steps onto the playing field together with Skövde's game developers?

From February 27 to March 2, Volvo Game Jam was organized for the second time, the last time being in autumn 2024. A unique collaboration between Volvo, University of Skövde, Science Park Skövde, Balthazar and Greenhouse Skaraborg. A game jam with a clear mission, a concrete target audience and a larger purpose than just creating a game.

This is where gaming meets smart industry and Skövde's collaboration model shows time and again why the city is one of Sweden's strongest gaming cities.

A game jam with a real mission

Unlike traditional game jams, where participants often work with free frames, the Volvo Game Jam was based on a concrete task. Over 72 intense hours, participants had to develop a game prototype for the target group of 12-15 year olds, on the theme of "sustainability hunt".

- "It's unique to have such a large industrial partner as an initiator with such a clear direction. It allows gaming students to work with their skills in a different context than the traditional gaming industry," says Jesper Englin, project manager for Limbo at Drivhuset Skaraborg.

Volvo was not looking for solutions to specific production challenges. Instead, it was about sparking interest, gaining new perspectives and exploring how gaming skills could be used in a broader context.

- The Volvo Game Jam is an opportunity for us to meet the students and work together on real-life issues, and of course to give them an image of Volvo as a relevant employer. At the same time, the target audience for the games is young teenagers. By letting them test the prototypes, we want to arouse curiosity about technology, sustainability and the industry's transition and show that the transport industry of the future is something they can influence themselves," says Maria Hillerström, Communications Manager, Volvo Group Skövde.

From idea to prototype in a weekend

Over the weekend, around 50 students, alumni and start-up game studios worked in ten teams to develop their game prototypes. The development was largely done remotely, but with continuous support from mentors in the gaming industry, startup companies and coaches connected to Science Park Skövde.

- It's an opportunity to get coaching from experienced entrepreneurs and game developers, build networks and take both projects and your own skills to the next level," says Jesper.

When the participants gathered at Volvo on Monday afternoon for the jury's assessments, anticipation was in the air.

The group Snusmumrikarna with game developer students Philip Nguyen, Jessica Camen and Xandar Silvarö developed a prototype for a four-person game where players compete to collect pledges to save the world. A playful competition with a clear sustainability message.

- We have learned that you can do a lot in two days, says Xandar, who also says that their focus has been on learning lessons and that the ambition is not to win the game jam.

It was as much about the process as the result. Testing, daring and raising your own competence.

A little further away was another group: Lei Jernstedt, Elaine Jong, Dimitra Kolovou, Tristan Blankenfjell and Max Jonsson. Their game idea revolved around a factory that produced vital products but also released emissions and hazardous waste. The player's task was to optimize production so that emissions and waste are reduced, without the factory stopping delivering.

A challenge that reflects the industry's real balancing act.

- It has been a great challenge to plan the time in the project, we have learned not to get in over our heads, says Elaine Jernstedt, graphic designer in the project.

- I am very grateful for the cooperation with the others in the group, it has been very fun and educational, says Tristan Blankenfjell.

Serious games and new rules

Volvo Game Jam operates within the framework of so-called serious games, games with a more practical and realistic purpose than traditional entertainment.

But it's also about showing that gaming skills are not just for the gaming industry.

Skövde is already one of Sweden's leading gaming cities and has a good international reputation. It has a unique ecosystem where education, incubators, start-up companies and established players work closely together. Distances are short, both physically and between people. This makes collaboration fast, natural and efficient.

The Volvo Game Jam is another example of how this environment works in practice. Curious to know more about the gaming industry in Skövde? Read our Skövde stories about games!