Game Track project paves the way for indie developers toward game entrepreneurship

Nocturnal Tales’ first game project is titled They Come at Daylight. The concept, created in early 2025, stems from the need to create a completely unique game that strongly reflects the storytelling style of its creators. According to Raitanen, the game combines point-and-click mechanics with a visual novel format, while also aiming to challenge the conventions of typical horror games. At the core lies a strong narrative that turns the genre’s usual structures upside down – although the game is set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story’s nighttime segments deepen the narrative and guide the gameplay rhythm, but the gloomy things begin to happen only after sunrise.

The collaboration between the future game developers began early in their studies, well before the actual game project started. Their shared interests and similar working style created a solid foundation for their dream of launching a game studio. Their division of tasks has also evolved naturally: while they plan and build the game together, Raitanen focuses more on technical implementation and narrative design, while Koivuniemi works as the game artist and handles visual details. Their chemistry and mutual understanding are also apparent during the interview – the conversation flows easily, ideas and thoughts bounce effortlessly back and forth, and a relaxed atmosphere fills their shared workspace at Rajakatu.

Support and Momentum from Game Track

Participating in the Game Track program has pushed the project forward throughout the autumn, providing structure and motivation. The duo says that a busy summer and a few unfortunate setbacks slowed progress earlier in the fall, but the regular Game Track meetings offered practical coaching for game development and provided also the push they needed to work consistently.

Despite minor delays, their goal has always been clear: the company will be founded right after graduation. “We tackled the challenges caused by the short break together, and now the pace is picking up,” says Raitanen. “Game Track has offered weekly support for our thinking – we’ve received advice on how things work in practice and what we need to consider,” Koivuniemi adds.

Nocturnal Tales’ small workspace has helped the project progress, as working outside the home makes it easier to focus. Raitanen and Koivuniemi have aimed to make the office an inspiring and comfortable place to work. Their personalities and sense of humor are also present: personal meme collections taped to the walls and dark-themed decorations reflect their creative minds. Raitanen also proudly shows the tea station – an essential part of the indie studio’s daily life.

(Day)light Ahead

One of the biggest milestones this autumn was XmasJKL, a game industry event held in Jyväskylä in November, where the demo version of They Come at Daylight was showcased both at the Day Zero pre-event and on the main event day. Although both Raitanen and Koivuniemi had presented game projects earlier during their studies, pitching this project felt different.

Koivuniemi adds that fine-tuning these details strengthened the feeling that the demo is becoming a real, polished product to be genuinely proud of. Presenting the game at the event also sparked an unexpected amount of interest, questions, and positive feedback.

As the game project progresses, the future of Nocturnal Tales has become even clearer. Their next major goal is to release the demo version of They Come at Daylight on Steam in early 2026. Plans for the coming year also include completing their degrees and officially establishing the company. Although there is still much work ahead, the confidence in their voices is unmistakable – there is room to build a future in the game industry calmly and with determination. 

They also share encouraging words for future Game Track applicants. According to Raitanen, one should apply even if their game idea is still raw or the direction is unclear. Koivuniemi echoes this encouragement: “Game Track fits naturally into what we’re doing. The mentors offer new perspectives that help you see your own ideas more clearly.”

In game development, as in storytelling, the journey often begins with a single choice that gradually grows into a coherent path. It’s a path worth following.

Nocturnal Tales on Instagram

Game Track – Career Paths to Game Industry

Game Track is approx. a five-month long program aimed at strengthening participants' employability and entrepreneurial skills in the game industry. Participants work in self-directed teams under the guidance of experts, developing new game product ideas or continuing to build on existing concepts.

The Game Track program primarily seeks junior-level game developers who either need support and momentum at the beginning of their careers or want to establish their own company. The program's activities and workshops will mainly take place on-site in Jyväskylä, but remote participation will also be facilitated to allow participants from across the Central Finland region to take part.

The project is coordinated by Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences and it is is co-funded by the European Union, with the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) of Central Finland acting as the funding authority.

The project duration is 1.5.2025–31.5.2027.

Application period for the second Game Track program opens in January 2026.