Taking the leap as a solo developer in Sweden’s growing game industry
Jacques Diringer left a secure job at the game giant King to follow his dream of creating his own game from scratch. In a Stockholm where the gaming industry is growing rapidly and new companies are launched every year, he now embarks on a more uncertain but creative journey. The path has been both challenging and inspiring, shaped by a vibrant gaming community, new collaborations, and the courage to trade stability for freedom.
– Imagine that you are a fluffy, koala-like creature. Your life is simple and safe. But one day, your world turns upside down. The sky explodes in a blinding flash of light, and when the noise settles, a new, glowing red star hangs above. Panic spreads. You are sent deep into the darkest part of the jungle to uncover the truth. The red star isn’t a star. And what has happened isn’t just about the world you live in – it’s about you, your origins, and the hidden history of your entire species…
This is how Jacques Diringer’s game begins – an adventure where players float weightlessly through the jungle, swing between trees, and develop their skills along the way. But who is Jacques, and what does it take to leave the safety of a stable life and pursue your dream?
– I come from a small village in France. I have a background in computer science but specialized as a rendering engineer. After a stint in London and working in a completely different industry than games, I was hired by King, and my partner and I moved to Stockholm,” Jacques explains.
“Do I want to finish paying back my mortgage at 60 instead of 62, or do I want to take two years of freedom now for myself?”
The decision to go solo and create his own game from scratch was not an obvious one for Jacques.
– At King, I met people from creative fields – artists and designers with vast experience. I was inspired and felt I also wanted to develop that side of myself and try doing everything on my own. The game I’m working on now is an idea I’ve had for a long time – a story I’ve wanted to tell for years.
– To take the leap, I simply asked myself: ‘Do I want to finish paying off my mortgage at 60 instead of 62, or do I want two years of freedom now for myself?’ That’s what finally convinced me.
What challenges have you faced along the way?
– I was lucky in my case, because my skill set covered some of the hardest areas. Graphics and programming are often among the most demanding parts to handle. Before leaving King, I tried to prepare by learning the skills I didn’t yet have. But at the end of the day, you can’t know what you don’t yet know. You just have to plan for the unknown and be ready for the unexpected – and for surprises.
– My friends probably think I’m super annoying, but I ask them for help all the time. There are many experienced game designers in Stockholm’s community who have been able to support me along the way.
A Growing Gaming Ecosystem
The Swedish gaming industry continues to expand. According to the latest report from the industry association Dataspelsbranschen, 2024 was another record year: revenue increased by 6.4 percent to SEK 36.8 billion, and 105 new game companies were launched in Sweden. But in a fast-growing industry with tough competition, the question arises: what should you consider before taking the leap and developing games independently?
– When I worked at King, I was very self-reliant. I almost never asked for help and tried to solve all problems myself. But most of the time, that’s actually a bad idea – you lose a lot of time by not asking others for help. Now that I’m working on my own, I try to break that habit. I don’t want to waste time, so I ask for help whenever I can.
How has Stockholm’s game community influenced your journey as a solo developer?
– Right now, the ecosystem is very vibrant. Many people in the industry are going through tough times and are in the same boat, which creates a kind of solidarity. At the same time, there is a wide range of skills collaborating and complementing each other. That mix is very refreshing. That wasn’t why I entered the game industry in the first place, but it’s probably why I’m staying.
– I should also mention that my journey definitely wouldn’t have been the same without Press Start Game Hub in Flemingsberg. Through them, I’ve gained visibility and marketing opportunities, and I was able to participate in DreamHack – something I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise. I’ve also been able to run early playtests where around a hundred people tried the game. Overall, Stockholm is a great city for solo and indie developers – there are many strong communities, and it’s easy to meet others in the industry, Jacques concludes.
More about Jacques Diringer
Age: 36
Hometown: Stosswihr, France
Current Base: Stockholm, Sweden
Previous Work: Rendering engineer, King
Current Project: Solo-developed indie game Koromi (working title)
Hobbies: Wingfoil, science-fiction, ducks
Favorite Game: Factorio
Community Involvement: Press Start Game Hub
