fbpx

Press release: Expa Game Business Co-operative and Digi & Game Center Recognized as Finland’s First—and the Northernmost in the World—Unreal Authorized Training Center.

Press release: Expa Game Business Co-operative and Digi & Game Center Recognized as Finland’s First—and the Northernmost in the World—Unreal Authorized Training Center.

 

Jyväskylä, Finland — November 21, 2024
Expa Game Business Co-operative
and Digi & Game Center have been officially recognized as an Unreal Authorized Training Center by Epic Games. This marks a big milestone for Finland, as they become the country’s first—and the northernmost Unreal Authorized Training Center (UATC) in the world.

The recognition was achieved in collaboration with Fireframe Studios, a virtual production company founded by Mikko Kodisoja, co-founder of Supercell. Fireframe Studios specializes in real-time technologies like Unreal Engine, focusing on immersive storytelling and advanced in-camera visual effects (ICVFX), blending gaming and filmmaking.

A New Milestone for Finland’s Creative Industries

Since its founding in 2012, Expa Game Business Co-operative has played a pivotal role in supporting game startups, indie developers, and researchers in Central Finland. Together with the Digi & Game Center, launched in 2020, the organization has fostered innovation within Finland’s creative and technological industries.

As an UATC, Expa and Digi & Game Center are expanding their offerings beyond gaming to include training for professionals in industries such as film, architecture, automotive, healthcare, and education. These certified courses aim to help professionals explore the full potential of Unreal Engine; a tool increasingly used across a variety of fields.

The Growing Impact of Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine has established itself as a versatile tool in several industries, enabling advancements in real-time rendering, simulation, and visualization. Its applications include:

     Games: Enhancing interactive storytelling and gameplay.

     Film and Television: Enabling real-time rendering and in-camera visual effects (ICVFX).

     Architecture: Creating immersive and interactive design visualizations.

     Automotive and Manufacturing: Developing immersive product showcases and design simulations.

     Healthcare and Education: Delivering lifelike training environments.

The UATC status ensures that courses provided by Expa and Digi & Game Center meet Epic Games’ quality standards, equipping professionals with the skills to utilize Unreal Engine effectively.

Expa Game Business Co-operative hosts monthly IGDA meetups for everyone interested in the Game industry.

Empowering Creators to Innovate

“This recognition is a significant step for Finland’s creative industries,” said Tuomas Roininen, Vice-chairman of Expa. “Unreal Engine has applications far beyond gaming, and this recognition reflects its growing influence in fields like film, education, and architecture. The training offered here aims to enable professionals to fully leverage its potential”

By offering both local and online training options, Expa and Digi & Game Center aim to make Unreal Engine education accessible to a global audience.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Creativity

Expa’s foundation is built on values of passion, cooperation, and transparency. Since becoming the official IGDA Finland Jyväskylä Hub in 2013, they’ve cultivated a space where collaboration and creativity flourishes. Becoming Finland’s first Unreal Authorized Training Center builds on this legacy, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.

A Step Forward in Education and Innovation

The status as an Unreal Authorized Training Center represents more than just a milestone. It opens the door for professionals across industries to access high-quality Unreal Engine training. For more information about upcoming courses, visit www.expa.fi.

This achievement marks the beginning of new opportunities for collaboration and growth in creativity and innovation.

About Expa Game Business Co-operative

Expa Game Business Co-operative, established in 2012, supports collaboration and innovation in Finland’s game industry. Based in Jyväskylä, Central Finland, Expa operates the Digi & Game Center, a renowned hub for startups and professionals in creative industries. In 2024, Expa was recognized as Finland’s first—and the northernmost in the world—Unreal Authorized Training Center.

Tuomas Roininen, Vice-chairman of Expa
Tuomas Roininen, Vice-chairman of Expa
UE-Logotype-2023-SplashScreen-Vertical-Black

Learn all about Unreal Engine:

https://www.unrealengine.com

Expa logo

Learn all about Game Business Co-operative Expa:

https://expa.fi/

Expa Board Games Meetup 2024 (04.11.2024) – Peliviikko

Expa Board Games Meetup 2024 (04.11.2024) –

The Lonely dice needs some new friends!
Expa Board Games is ON!

Every Months first Monday 16-21 at Digi & Game Center, Matarankatu 2 40100 Jyväskylä

 

The event is non alcoholic, snacks are welcome

#ExpaBoardGames is open for all to meet and hangout

 

The event is FREE and open for all

Be there – Socialize – Get Expa!

Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulun ja Peliosuuskunta Expan pitkäjänteinen yhteistyö on virallistettu kumppanuudella

Expa-x-jamk

Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulun ja Peliosuuskunta Expan pitkäjänteinen yhteistyö on virallistettu kumppanuudella

 

Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulu (Jamk) on tehnyt pitkäjänteistä yhteistyötä Peliosuuskunta Expan (Expa) kanssa jo yli 10 vuotta. Yhteistyön yhtenä konkreettisena tuloksena on käynnistetty Digi & Game Center (DGC) vuonna 2020 sekä siitä lähtien DGC:n digi- ja pelialan ekosysteemiä on myös yhteiskehitetty ja laajennettu yhdessä yhä monialaisempien osaajien kohtaamis- ja kehittämispaikaksi.  Pelialan koulutuksen toteuttamisessa ja TKI-toiminnan tulosten saavuttamisessa nämä viimeiset kolme vuotta DGC:ssä ovat olleet onnistuneita ja sitä myöten haluamme entisestään tiivistää yhteistyötä Expan kanssa maksullisen kumppanuuden kautta niin, että alueella on jatkossakin elinvoimainen peliala, jolla on vetovoiman lisäksi myös pitovoimaa.

Kumppanuus palvelee erityisesti Jamkin kansainvälisen englanninkielisen Business Information Technology (Game Production) pelialan Bachelor tutkinto-ohjelmaa, joka on myös yksi harvoista ammattikorkeakoulujen tutkinto-ohjelmista, joka on omistettu yksinomaan pelien kehittämiseen ja tuotantoon. Edellä mainittuun tutkinto-ohjelmaan oli vuonna 2020 ensimmäinen haku, ja tänä vuonna se oli Jamkin vetovoimaisin kv-tutkinto-ohjelma. Tämä itsessään kuvaa hyvin pelialaan kohdentuvasta mielenkiinnosta ja kasvusta sekä siitä, että alaan liittyvät osaamiset ovat tätä päivää ja ennen kaikkea tulevaisuutta. Kumppanuuden avulla tehdään muun muassa systemaattisempaa markkinointinäkyvyyttä ja omia tapahtumia, jotka tukevat Jamkin koulutuksen ja TKI-toiminnan laadukasta toteutusta. 

Kumppanuus tukee myös Jamkin strategianmukaista työtä liittyen peliteknologioiden ja e-urheilun asiantuntijayhteisön kehittämistä uudeksi nousevaksi alaksi. Tämän strategiatyön tarkoituksena on edistää peliteknologioiden laaja-alaista käyttöönottoa toimialasta riippumatta sekä luoda e-urheilun ympärille uusia liiketoimintamalleja ja osaamista (yrittäjyys, valmennus, hyvinvointi, johtaminen, koulutus). Näiden tavoitteiden saavuttamisessa yhteistyöllä Expan ja muiden DGC:n toimijoiden kanssa on merkitystä. Lisäksi Jamk on myös investoinut DGC:n tiloihin green room studiotilan, VR ja PlayStation Lounge-tilan ja GamePit by Jamkin toinen e-urheilutiloista löytyy myös DGC:ltä. Nämä tilat ja niihin liittyvät toiminnot myös osaltaan edistävät Jamkin strategian toteutumista sekä ovat osana kumppanuutta.

Jamk ja Expa ovat siis toisilleen tutut, mutta tämän maksullisen kumppanuuden myötä olemme ottaneet toveruutta ammatillisemman ja tavoitteellisemman tason käyttöömme. Tämän myötä odotamme tähän mennessä tehdystä yhteistyöstä vielä entistä enemmän vaikuttavampaa ja tuloksellista työtä. Joka tapauksessa menestystä ja onnistumisia on varmasti tiedossa. 

Tämä kyseinen kumppanuus on molemmille osapuolille ylpeyden aihe. Tämän ylpeyden voi huomata helposti käymällä DGC:n tiloissa, jossa Jamkin logo näkyy monessa eri paikassa. Haluamme yhdessä auttaa alueen pelialaa kasvamaan. On tärkeää, että tuomme aktiivisesti saavuttamamme askeleet myös muiden tietoisuuteen. Siksi julkaisemme yhdessä muutaman artikkelin vuodessa.

Pelialalle töihin pääseminen voi olla haastavaa, siksi Expa haluaa auttaa BIT-opiskelijoita löytämään ensimmäisiä harjoittelu- sekä työpaikkojaan. Kilpailu alalla on todella kovaa ja Jamkin opiskelijat taistelevat samoista paikoista kansainvälisten tulevaisuuden tähtien kanssa. Yksi kumppanuuden alaisista tapahtumista on rekrytointitapahtuma kolmannen vuoden BIT-opiskelijoille, jonka toteuttajana Expa toimii.

Tämän lisäksi Expa sekä Jamk toteuttavat yhteistyössä oman Game Jamin ensimmäisen sekä toisen vuoden opiskelijoille. Game Jameissa on tarkoituksena tehdä julkaisukelpoinen peli 48 tunnissa. Aikataulu on tiukka, joten se opettaa opiskelijoille työelämässä tarvittavia tärkeitä taitoja, kuten aikatauluttamista, tiimityöskentelyä sekä prototypiointia. Valmiit tuotokset esitellään, joten opiskelijat oppivat myös pitchaamista.

 

Pandemian väistyttyä Peliosuuskunta Expa järjestää vastedes myös #XmasJKL-seminaarin vuosittain. Kyseessä on pelialan business-seminaari, jonka tarkoituksena on verkostoituminen ja asiantuntijapuheenvuorojen kuuleminen. Tässä tapahtumassa on aiempina vuosina nähty suomalaisen pelialan kovimpia nimiä. Tapahtuma järjestetään myös opiskelijoita silmällä pitäen, joten Expa tuo kansainväliset ammattilaiset suoraan opiskelijoiden luo. Tapahtumassa opiskelijat pääsevät mm. kysymään neuvoja ja esittelemään ideoitaan näille ammattilaisille.

 
DGC Event
Jamkin pelilinjan opiskelijoille järjestetty pelialan rekrytointitapahtuma Digi & Game Centerillä

The long-term cooperation between Jamk University of Applied Sciences and Peliosuuskunta Expa – Jyväskylä Game Industry Hub has been formalized with a partnership

 

Jamk University of Applied Sciences (Jamk) has been in long-term cooperation with Peliosuuskunta Expa (Expa) for more than 10 years. One concrete result of the cooperation is the launch of the Digi & Game Center (DGC) in 2020, and since then the digital and game industry ecosystem of the DGC has also been jointly developed and expanded into a meeting and development place for more and more multidisciplinary talents. The past three years at DGC have been successful in the implementation of game education activities and in achieving the results of R&D activities, and to that extent we want to further strengthen cooperation with Expa through a paid partnership so that the region will continue to have a vibrant gaming industry that has not only attraction but also sustainability.

The partnership especially serves Jamk’s international English-language Business Information Technology (BIT) bachelor’s degree program in the game industry. BIT is also the first and one of the few bachelor’s level programmes among Universities of Applied Sciences dedicated solely to video game development and production. The first application for the above-mentioned degree program was in 2020, and this year it was Jamk’s most attractive international bachelor’s degree program. This describes well the interest and growth in the gaming industry and the fact that the skills related to the industry are needed now and in the future. With the help of the partnership, among other things, there will be more systematic marketing visibility and own events, which support the high-quality implementation of Jamk’s education and R&D activities.

The partnership also supports Jamk’s strategic work related to the development of gaming technologies and esports community of experts. The purpose of this strategy work is to promote the wide-ranging introduction of game technologies, regardless of industry, and to create new business models and know-how around esports (entrepreneurship, coaching, well-being, management, education). Cooperation with Expa and other organizations in the DGC business ecosystem is important in achieving these goals. In addition, Jamk has also invested in DGC’s green room studio space, VR and PlayStation Lounge space, and GamePit Matara esports space, which can also be found at DGC. These facilities and related functions also contribute to the realization of Jamk’s strategy and are part of the partnership.

So Jamk and Expa are familiar with each other, but with this paid partnership we have taken the friendship to a more professional and goal-oriented level. With this, we expect even more impressive and successful work from the cooperation made so far. In any case, there will be success.

This partnership is a source of pride for both parties. This pride can easily be seen by visiting the premises of DGC, where the logo of Jamk is visible in many different places. Together, we want to help grow the gaming industry in the region. It is important that we actively make others aware of the progress we have made. For this reason, we publish a few articles together each year.

Getting a job in the gaming industry can be challenging, which is why Expa wants to help BIT students find their first internships and jobs. The competition in the industry is tough, and Jamk students are competing for the same positions as international future stars. One of the events under this partnership is a recruitment event for third-year BIT students, which Expa will be organizing annually.

In addition to this, Expa and Jamk together will  organize their own Game Jam for first and second-year students. The goal of these Game Jams is to create a publishable game in 48 hours. The schedule is tight, so it teaches students important skills needed in their professional careers, such as scheduling, teamwork and prototyping. The finished products will be showcased, so students will also learn pitching skills.

 

Now that the pandemic has subsided, Expa will also host the #XmasJKL seminar annually. This is a business seminar for the gaming industry aimed at networking and listening to expert speeches. In previous years, some of the biggest names in the Finnish gaming industry have attended this event. The event is also geared towards students, so Expa brings international professionals directly to them. At the event, students can ask for advice and present their ideas to these professionals.

 

Hanna Hauvala

Certified Project Manager (IPMA Level C® -certificate)

Team Leader (Game technologies and esports)

School of Business

Jamk University of Applied Sciences

Learn all about Jamk:

 

 

https://www.jamk.fi/en

Learn all about Expa Game Business Co-operative:

https://expa.fi/

Game Audio Awards 2023

Game Audio Awards 2023

Last Friday, on the 10th of March, Game Audio Awards were held for the first time in a few years. The last time it was organized was in 2020. This caused some electricity in the air, as the event was eagerly anticipated.

 

The event was held at Hotel Lasaretti in Oulu, Finland. The event is the biggest of its kind in all of Europe.

 

The evening started with toasts when entering the hall. After taking seats at the preselected tables, the show started. First, they showed a clip of Lukas Stasevskij, who is a part of Game Music Collective, playing a song from the Last of Us with a cello. The video was filmed in war-torn Kyiv in Ukraine. This setup caused massive goosebumps. Lukas has been all over Finnish and international media for the last year for the work he has done for Ukraine.

 

Next up were speeches from the event’s sponsors: Housemarque and Fingersoft. Especially Ville Rauma’s speech concerning the importance of entertainment in these stressful and difficult times was a good reminder for all of us. That is what the whole event is basically for: to come together in a well-organized event, enjoy great food and drinks, get to know new people, and celebrate last year’s very diverse game music and audio design.

The Jury in 2023 consisted of six highly awarded individuals: Rob Krekel, Panu Riikonen, Ville Sorsa, Panu Aaltio, Kristofer Eng, and Joel Schoch. The jury members have individually participated in the music and audio departments of games/franchises such as The Last of Us, Uncharted, and Control. They also have lots of experience working in the film industry.

 

The category of best game sound design had ten nominees: Angry Birds Journey, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022), The Callisto Protocol, Dome Keeper, Dying Light 2 Stay Human, The Forest Quartet, MARVEL SNAP, Metal: Hellsinger, Oakenfold and Total War: Warhammer III. 

 

Eventually, the winner was published and it was: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)

 

 

Dave Rowe from Infinity Ward
Dave Rowe from Infinity Ward was present remotely and gave a thank-you speech to the audience.

The second category was the best Game music. It also had ten nominees: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022), Card Shark, Chorus, Dying Light 2 Stay Human, Floodland, Friends & Dragons, Horizon Forbidden West, Metal: Hellsinger, Trek to Yomi and Vampire Survivors.

 

The winner of this category was: Metal: Hellsinger.

Elvira Björkman receiving the price for best game music 2023.
Elvira Björkman giving a thank-you speech on behalf of Metal: Hellsinger.

The evening had some live music as well. Producer/Oboist Saku Mattila and Guitarist Ossi Maristo from Game Music Collective played some songs for us.

 

Ossi Maristo and Saku Mattila from Game Music Collective
Ossi Maristo and Saku Mattila from Game Music Collective.

After the official part of the event was over, we got to enjoy some more live music, this time from Lasse Junnila. Also, during the set people were enjoying the music and socializing at the same time. These kinds of events are great for networking.

Jyväskylä Game industry people
People from Jyväskylä's Game industry. From left to right: Tuomas Roininen (Empires Not Vampires Entertainment, Game Business Co-operative Expa), Matti Ollila (Game Business Co-operative Expa), Mika Simula (Fingersoft) and Henri Kähkönen (Microdose).

Game Audio Awards (GAA)

  • An event that focuses on Audio and Music departments of the games
  • Was arranged for the 8th time in 2023
  • Biggest of its’ kind in all of Europe

Learn more about Game Audio Awards

https://gameaudioawards.com/

 

Learn all about Game Business Co-operative Expa:

https://expa.fi/

 

Peliosuuskunta Expa hallitushaku 2021

Expa-board-search

Come & Boost the JKL Game Industry scene!

 

Expa logo
Digi & Game Center Logo
IGDA Jyväskylä Logo

Hae Peliosuuskunta Expan hallitukseen!

 
Peliosuuskunta Expan uusi hallitus muodostetaan tulevassa osuuskuntakokousessa kesäkuun aikana ja nyt SINULLA on mahdollisuus hakeutua hallitukseen!
 
Hallituskausi on 2 vuotta (elämäntilanteet huomioidaan, mikäli on tarvetta irtaantua aikaisemmin pois), mahdollisuus tärkeään roolini olla vaikuttamassa Keski-Suomen peli – ja digialan kehitykseen.
 
Mielenkiintoisia mahdollisuuksia ja vaikutusta suoraan näköalapaikalta. Aivan poikkeuksellisen hieno tilaisuus saada omaan cv:hen erikoismerkintä ja kokemusta hallitustyöskentelystä yrityksessä. Vanha hallitus toimii uuden hallituksen advisorina.
 
Tehtäviä tarjolla mm :
 
  • Puheenjohtaja / Chairman
  • Varapuheenjohtaja / Vice Chairman
  • Rahastonhoitaja ja sihteeri / Treasurer and Secretary
  • Markkinointi- ja viestintä vastaava / Marketing and Communications representative
  • Tapahtumavastaava / Event representative
  • Rahoitus- ja hankevastaava / Project funding representative
  • Jäsen ja sidosryhmävastaava / Member and Stakeholder representative
  • Tekninenvastaava / Techincal representative
 
Kehitetään Suomen pelialan ekosysteemiä Keski-Suomessa kaikki yhdessä!
– vastaa 1.6. mennessä
 
Hakulomake:
 
Tietoa hallituksesta ja rooleista, sekä eduista:
 
Hae reippaasti mukaan!
 
 
Best regards:
Tuomas Roininen
 
Chairman of the Board
Peliosuuskunta Expa
email: tu*************@ex**.fi

Tutustu Peliosuuskunta Expaan

https://www.expa.fi

Tutustu Digi & Game Centeriin:

https://www.digigamecenter.org

Welcome to Digi & Game Center – Expa – Swag Shop!

DGC shop

Boom! 💥

Now the much asked Digi & Game Center and Peliosuuskunta Expa Swag products are available in our Shop. (+ Expa, IGDAJKL and other cool stuff)

Use the opening discount -15% SALE!
 

Welcome to Digi & Game Center – Expa – Swag Shop!

 
Find your Awesome Digi & Game Center ecosystem Fan Swag like T-shirts, Hoodies, Bags, Mugs, Caps etc here.. 

Here you will find cool products that can help You to support the development of the digital and gaming ecosystem in Central Finland.

These products can be used to represent the Digi & Game Center ecosystem of Jyväskylä and Central Finland. 💖
 
 

 

a person with dgc hoodie
a person with dgc hoodie