Arctic Game & Nordsken Present: SKEÅ: CREATIVE CONNECT

Skellefteå, Sweden – 7 May 2025

SKEÅ: CREATIVE CONNECT welcomes back studios such as Arrowhead Game Studios, Goodbye Kansas, and many individuals with connections to Skellefteå. The event celebrates this legacy and looks ahead to the next chapter of creative development in northern Sweden. It is presented by Arctic Game and Nordsken, in close collaboration with Luleå University of Technology, Visual Magic, Film i Västerbotten, and Edelviks folkhögskola.

Featured Speakers

• Johan Pilestedt, Chief Creative Officer, Arrowhead Game Studios (originally founded in Skellefteå)
• Frida Nerdal, Senior Compositor, Industrial Light & Magic Canada (born and raised in Skellefteå)
• Philip Engström, VFX Supervisor, Important Looking Pirates (Emmy winner, Shōgun; LTU alumnus)
• Jonas Lawes, Creative Director, Size the Frame (Skellefteå-based film studio)

“SKEÅ: CREATIVE CONNECT is about showing that Skellefteå has a vibrant creative industry. Many initiatives started here, and we want to reconnect, strengthen collaborations, and look forward together.” – Tim Leinert, Business Developer, Arctic Game

The conference day will be moderated by Adam Kline from Try New Things.

Event Schedule

Monday, May 26 | 18:00–21:00
Inspirational Meetup & Local Game Playtesting @ Café På Bit
Evening of talks, networking, and hands-on playtesting of locally developed games.

Tuesday, May 27 | 11:00–16:30
Campus Gradshow – Luleå University of Technology (LTU) & Visual Magic
Discover future talent and student projects in game development and VFX.

Wednesday, May 28 | 09:00–16:30
SKEÅ: CREATIVE CONNECT Conference
A full day of talks, panels, and discussions focused on the future of games, film, and cross-disciplinary creativity. 

We invite participants from across industries to join us in finding shared interests and new opportunities for collaboration. 

Continue the Week
Thursday, May 29 – Nordsken Festival
A large public festival celebrating games, digital culture, and creativity.

Friday–Saturday, May 30–31 – VAFF: Västerbotten Film Festival
Film screenings, lectures, and networking opportunities for filmmakers and creatives.

More information and free registration:
https://skellefteasciencecity.confetti.events/ske-creative-connect

Contact
Tim Leinert: tim.leinert@arcticgame.se