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Game pioneers establish studios in Boden
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This week, Boden Business Park is excited to announce that gaming veterans Peter Zetterberg and Thomas Lindgren are opening a new studio, Wanderword, in Boden, Sweden that will develop interactive audiobooks for mobile devices and smart speakers.
In 1993, Zetterberg founded one of Sweden’s first gaming companies, Unique Development Studios (UDS), best known for their racing title, Ignition. In 2007, Zetterberg began work on Microsoft’s Xbox team and has been there ever since eventually working his way up to Director of Operations & Integrations. Thomas Lindgren brings over 20 years of experience working within the Swedish video game industry to the table and currently serves as the chairman for Fatshark, publisher and developer of the successful video game series, Warhammer: Vermintide, as well as for Glorious Games Group and Wanderword.
Born out of passion for video games and storytelling, in 2012, Zetterberg began working on Wanderword whenever he found free time. Wanderword is a patented mobile platform for interactive audiobooks. A Wanderword story can be played on any mobile device or in-home voice enabled device, such as an Amazon Echo or Google Home. Utilizing speech synthesis, advanced speech recognition, rich sound effects, and branching narratives, Wanderword empowers writers to sell or share their stories with active listeners around the world. This excitingly innovative medium reflects Boden’s vision to become a new hub for the digital entertainment and video gaming industry.
“Wanderword fuses the concept of audio books with the immersion of video games. The studio in Boden will spearhead our efforts in this new business. The team will work closely with international and published authors, design engineers and music composers to create immersive interactive audiobooks,” says Zetterberg.
In addition to Wanderword, the Seattle-based game company, House of How, founded and led by former Microsoft engineer, Russ McMackin, will also establish itself in Boden. House of How has been a partner of Microsoft’s Minecraft Marketplace for quite some time. Among many other products and services, McMackin had a hand in the development of Microsoft’s HoloLens. A total of 15 interns are expected to join the two studios in January next year with plans to expand in the near future.
“I grew up in a small town before there was an established game developer industry in Sweden. I know how much talent there truly is outside our larger cities, be it in music, games, art and film. I want to make sure Team Wanderword taps into that pool of passionate talent and help young and aspiring game developers grow and eventually, build their own companies. Giving back to my country is the least I can do at this stage of my career” says Zetterberg, who has been working for Microsoft since 2007 as Director of Studios Operations.
“These establishments are the proof that we are working in the right direction” says Erik Svensson, CEO of Boden Business Agency.
Boden municipality’s tech trip began in 2011 with a major effort focused on the electricity intensive industry. This was followed in 2015 by the construction of Studio Nord. In the following year, a decision had been made to turn Boden into the next big city for the gaming industry. In the fall of 2017, classes in game design and development were being offered at Boden Business Park, in hopes of turning the business park. into a talent factory where young stars can grow, and companies within the gaming industry can develop and expand.
“We notice that the interest increases to establish game studios in Boden and Northern Sweden and that there is a curiosity in the market about what we are creating here,” says Mattias Bergqvist, business developer game industry at Boden Business Agency.
Thomas Lindgren, a veteran in the gaming industry, is also involved in the game initiative that is taking place in Boden. He has also played a huge part in attracting Zetterberg and McMackin.
“To be able to establish a local industry, it must be possible to arrange internships on site and to get support in starting companies, but also to attract experienced game developers to the area. With this establishment, the opportunity is given to all three, says Thomas Lindgren.
“Thomas and Peter are some of the most senior Swedes that we have in the gaming industry and their names together give enormous credibility to what we are building up here,” Mattias Bergqvist concludes.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

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CHIPS confirmed as Clarion Gaming charity partner ahead of appearance at iGB Affiliate Awards
CHIPS, the gambling industry charity which provides bespoke powered wheelchairs to young people whom the National Health Service is unable to support, has been named Clarion Gaming charity partner.
Born out of the gambling industry the registered charity has presented more than 700 wheelchairs, in the process transforming the lives of recipient children and their families. CHIPS Chairs are designed and engineered to meet the specific physiological needs of each recipient and can cost up to £9,000.
Speaking ahead of the prestigious iGB Affiliate Awards, where she will outline the work of CHIPS, co-founder and Trustee Linda Lindsay said: “I am absolutely delighted to be partnering with the team at Clarion Gaming as we work to generate more funds to help children who have been denied the twin gifts of freedom and independence.
“Having worked with so many families I have seen at first hand the stress placed on them when they are informed that their child doesn’t meet the criteria to receive an National Health Service funded powered wheelchair. I’ve met children who can walk three metres which means that they don’t qualify, despite the fact that after four metres they are struggling to stand and even breathe.
“Many of the families CHIPS has helped over the years would not have been able to continue their children’s education with just a heavy pushchair supplied by the NHS but they’ve flourished and regained their independence and dignity with the powered chair that we have been able to provide thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
“I have attended virtually all of the 700+ presentations that we have made and every single one has had a transformative effect. On behalf of my Trustees, all of whom work for free meaning that every penny raised helps fund the purchase of the wheelchairs, I would like to say how excited we are to be working with the iGaming industry and in the process helping more youngsters to get mobile.”
The iGB Affiliate Awards which celebrate the achievements and innovations of the iGaming affiliate community are taking place Thursday 3 July at the Troxy the Grade II-listed Art Deco music venue on Commercial Road in Stepney, London.
The post CHIPS confirmed as Clarion Gaming charity partner ahead of appearance at iGB Affiliate Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Allwyn and Formula 1® celebrate power of community by launching F1® Allwyn Global Community Award
- Brand-new F1® Allwyn Global Community Award will recognise and spotlight community-focused initiatives from across the world of Formula 1, with first winner to be presented at the Formula 1® Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2025.
- Allwyn to donate €100,000 to each winning initiative at four races this season.
Allwyn, the multi-national lottery-led entertainment company, and Formula 1 have today announced the launch of the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award. For the first time ever, community-focused initiatives across the world of Formula 1 will be spotlighted and celebrated on a global stage to showcase their positive impact on society. As well as global recognition, winning initiatives will each receive a €100,000 donation from Allwyn to further transform communities around the world.
Winners must demonstrate a meaningful contribution to society away from the racetrack, which could include advancements in education, culture, wellbeing or sustainability. For each race, the local promoter will identify Formula 1-linked community initiatives such as those run by teams, partners and media, which have had an impact in their country. A panel of three judges from Allwyn, Formula 1 and a local representative will agree the winner, who, in addition to the donation, will receive a trophy and a chance to visit a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The creation of the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award is part of the multi-year partnership between Formula 1 and Allwyn, reflecting a shared commitment to driving positive change and giving back to the communities in which they operate. The first recipient will be presented with the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award ahead of the Formula 1® Heineken Dutch Grand Prix on 31 August. Three additional winners will be chosen later this season, recognising local initiatives at the home of Formula 1 races in the US (Austin and Las Vegas) and Mexico.
Allwyn’s ambition is to extend the Award to cover more races in the 2026 season and further celebrate projects which make a meaningful difference.
Robert Chvátal, Group CEO of Allwyn said: “Championing positive community impact is at the heart of what we do at Allwyn. Our partnership with Formula 1 is the perfect chance to demonstrate our commitment to communities through the creation of this inspiring F1® Allwyn Global Community Award, supporting the very best community initiatives around the world and bringing them to a huge global audience.”
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1 said: “It is a pillar of our sport to leave a positive legacy where we race and for many years, we’ve worked with the promoters and regional organisations to do just that, from inviting children from local schools to the track to encourage them to consider a role in motorsport, through to funding education initiatives and welcoming local community outlets and charities to be part of the event. Every year 24 incredible venues open their doors to host us, and we are met with fantastic passion and love at the track and throughout the entire city, so I am very proud to launch the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award as part of our mission. We will give the local initiatives that go the extra mile for making their communities and make the world a better place the recognition and global platform they deserve.”
The F1® Allwyn Global Community Award will be presented at the following Grands Prix in 2025:
- Formula 1® Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2025 – 29 – 31 August 2025
- Formula 1® MSC Cruises USA Grand Prix 2025 – 17- 19 October 2025
- Formula 1® Gran Premio De La Cuidad De Mexico 2025 – 24 – 26 October 2025
- Formula 1® Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 – 20 – 22 November 2025
The post Allwyn and Formula 1® celebrate power of community by launching F1® Allwyn Global Community Award appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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HIPTHER Launches FREQ404: Tune in for a Sonic Journey of Balance by Sound and Error by Design
HIPTHER, the renowned online media and event organiser for Gaming and Tech, is turning up the volume – quite literally – with a powerful new initiative that brings music, identity, and community together. Meet FREQ404: an electrifying monthly music mix curated by HIPTHER’s very own Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, under the HPT.R profile.
From the stage to the strategy room, the creative spark of Zoltan and his wife, Betty Tűndik Kiszner Szilágyi, Co-Founders of HIPTHER, has always been a driving force behind the brand. But long before the conferences and curated content, Zoltan was better known to many as DJ Hawkie – a curator of soundwaves and moods. With performances at iconic venues like Ministry of Sound London (during iGB 2014), his passion for electronic music has always been loud and clear.
Now, with FREQ404, he returns to his roots, remixing electronic music and innovation in true HIPTHER fashion.
“My first sessions were live back in 2005–2006, and I recorded my first mix in 2008. Over the years, I’ve dropped the occasional annual mix, but something always pulled me back to the decks. With FREQ404, that pull is now a purpose. To reconnect with the roots, the rhythm, and the community. This time, it’s monthly. This time, it’s staying.” — Zoltan Tuendik a.k.a. HPT.R
The #hipthers are known for their passion for life, wellness, and connection – fostering innovation, sustainability, and movement. Now, they celebrate these pillars with their community and the world through a shared musical experience.
“Error by Design. Balance by Sound.”
HPT.R broadcasts FREQ404 from the glitch in the system, delivering monthly sonic transmissions that blend progressive, techno, vocal house, and deep electronic cuts. Each mix is a journey – hypnotic, immersive, and impossible to ignore.
This isn’t just background music. It’s a frequency for those who feel the pulse of innovation and want to ride its beat.
Why FREQ404?
Because sometimes, the best signals come from the errors in the system. And because music is a companion and inspiration throughout our everyday lives.
From the edge of the digital frontier, HPT.R is setting the tone for a new kind of HIPTHER vibe – one that unites tech, culture, and energy across borders.
🔗 Follow and listen now on Mixcloud and Spotify.
📡 New mix every month. Stay tuned – this is only the beginning.
The post HIPTHER Launches FREQ404: Tune in for a Sonic Journey of Balance by Sound and Error by Design appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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