Bringing Sustainability to the Forefront at Nordic Game 2025

We were proud to take part in an inspiring and insightful panel at this year’s Nordic Game conference, bringing together leading voices to discuss how the games industry can become a driving force for climate action and sustainability.

Our session, Supporting Sustainable Practices in the Games Industry, was expertly moderated by Elina Tyynelä (Neogames Finland) and featured panellists Sam Barratt (UN Environment Programme), Joni Lappalainen (Dreamloop Games), Marlene Tamlin (Dataspelbranschen), and Mathilde Yagoubi-Thery (Game Only). Together, they tackled the big question: what does sustainability mean for games – and how can we embed it into everyday practice?

From carbon footprints to player influence, the discussion made one thing clear: the sector’s unique reach and creativity give it powerful tools to shape a more sustainable future.

Marlene offered a useful framework: the footprint (reducing negative impacts like energy use and hardware demands), the handprint (driving positive change through innovation), and the voice (influencing millions of players). She reminded us that what we say – and don’t say – in our games, platforms and workplaces all sends a message.

Joni spoke candidly about the challenges SMEs face in prioritising sustainability among competing pressures – and the urgent need for funding and support. Mathilde shared that studios are already making bold choices to cut travel, emissions and waste. Sam called for optimism, leadership and pragmatism – emphasising that climate work isn’t just important, it’s do-able.

Crucially, everyone agreed: collaboration is key. STRATEGIES has worked closely with the Sustainable Games Alliance (SGA) and other partners to help unify efforts, share tools and build momentum behind emerging standards. That spirit of collective learning and action was present throughout the session.

With the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive setting a clear direction of travel, and more studios now tracking and reporting their impacts, the opportunity is real. From industry-wide metrics to in-game storytelling, we’re seeing sustainability embedded into the culture of game development – not as an add-on, but as a core value.

It was a privilege to share our work and hear from others who are helping to transform the sector. We’re grateful to our panellists, partners and audience for being part of the conversation – and we’re excited for what’s next.

Image: Panel of speakers at Nordic Game Conference 2025