When we talk about Danish exports and innovation, most people would probably mention Ozempic/Wegovy, LEGO, Scandi Noir or Danish Michelin-star cuisine such as Noma.
But what if I told you that one of Denmark’s most creative and globally impactful industries is being severely overlooked?
🎮 Denmark's gaming industry is stronger than you think.
Globally, gaming generates more revenue than the movie, TV, and music industries combined. In Denmark, the gaming industry’s revenue surpasses that of the movie, TV, AND advertising industries combined — and gaming exports are estimated to be twice as high. According to the newest published figures from the Danish Producer Association the total revenue for the Danish gaming industry was about €490 million - with around two-thirds coming from exports.
Yet, the industry is still fighting for the recognition it deserves.
From the world-renowned Hitman and Limbo to Deep Rock Galactic, What the Car? and Subway Surfers. Danish games are being played and loved around the world. And many would probably not even know that these games are Danish. The industry creates jobs, attracts international investment, and exports Danish creativity and culture. And yet, it rarely gets mentioned alongside film, music, or tech.
Why?
Part of the reason may lie in something very Danish: humility. Danes are often too humble when it comes to owning their successes. And I am sure that the same mindset is prevalent in the Danish gaming industry. Furthermore, it seems like many developers are more focused on building great games than branding themselves and their work - which makes sense. Another challenge is public opinion. Gaming still carries its share of stigma — especially among those who deem it childish. And the debate around whether gaming is valuable screen time or just digital distraction is still a very hot topic. Or maybe the ones shaping the conversation — in media and politics — do not actually know that much about it?
Thus, the industry needs and deserves voices that can show off how truly innovative and world class we are in little Denmark. That is one of the things I hope this little project can help with.
👣A Step Forward, Still Miles to Go
There are promising political steps being taken. For instance, in 2024, the Danish Minister of Culture established NIMBI Gamelab – The Danish Institute for Game Development, initally backed by €4.53 million in funding from 2024 to 2027 to support Danish game developers. But as a point of comparison: in 2026, the Danish movie and TV industry have been allocated €16.75 million per year to support domestic production of movie and tv-series.
This does not paint the full picture of cultural funding in Denmark, but it offers a snapshot of how far the gaming industry still has to go in gaining equal recognition — politically and culturally.
2024 was a positive year for the Danish gaming industry. The industry association Games Denmark was founded to represent independent developers, major companies, investors, and publishers. They have set an ambitious goal: to double the industry’s revenue to just below €1 billion within five years — and create 50 percent more jobs.
Convincing those in power to truly believe in the Danish gaming industry will take a long and steady push — the kind of uphill battle that does not shift opinion overnight. But it feels like we have reached a moment in time where the momentum is finally here.
🕹️ What is Patch Notes from Denmark?
I am a former journalist — and lifelong gamer — finally diving deep into something I genuinely care about: the Danish games industry.
This newsletter is my way of exploring the eco-system, the stories, people, and perspectives behind the games — from global hits to niche experiments. And yes, it is a little (maybe a lot) nerdy.
I am hoping that Patch Notes from Denmark will consist of:
🎙️ Interviews with developers, producers, creatives and founders
🕵️ Behind-the-scenes insights from both big studios and fascinating indie projects
📚 Personal stories about how people got into the games industry
🇩🇰 Perspectives on Denmark’s place in global gaming culture
⚖️ Reflections on recognition — and why gaming still flies under the radar in Denmark
🧠 Deep dives into ideas, challenges, and trends in Danish game development
📣 And maybe most importantly: A call to shift the narrative — together.
Even though this newsletter is rooted in Denmark, I believe the themes are global — from creative ambition and cultural recognition to the political realities of making games in a world that still does not fully understand them.
I have an ambition of publishing twice a month — or when I got something on my mind.
👾 Who’s it for?
Gamers. Developers. Policymakers. Parents. Culture nerds.
And anyone who wants to understand the person in their life who never shuts up about games.
Good stuff, Bo!
You should swing by and visit the Aarhus based studios some day - Got an Aarhus-sæt with your name on it ;)
Love this, Bo. You've got such a good eye for what's often left unsaid — not just in the games, but in the people making them. I'm so glad you’ve decided to share more of these stories. The industry — and we as readers — need this kind of grounded curiosity. Can’t wait for what’s next.