Program
Game Track is a five-month 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 program runs five days a week, with an estimated weekly workload of 35 hours.
The program is designed for unemployed jobseekers, career changers, junior developers, and recent graduates from game industry education programs. Our goal is not only to provide training and support for emerging game professionals, but also to help game students transition into the Central Finland job market—either by founding their own company or by being employed by a game industry business.
Game Track in Practice:
- Strengthening Business Skills
In addition to developing a game product, the program focuses on building participants’ abilities in business planning, commercialization, funding acquisition, and other skills essential to running a game industry business.
- Expert Guidance and Coaching
Participants receive team-specific mentoring and coaching on-site at least three days a week. The program also includes a study trip to a game industry event, as well as lectures and guest visits from industry professionals.
- Monthly Review Sessions
In the monthly Gate review sessions, teams receive feedback from Game Track experts and game industry professionals. These sessions also serve as valuable networking opportunities, creating contacts and potential partnerships.
Upcoming Implementations
The Game Track program will be organized three times between 2025 and 2027. Guided activities and workspaces for participants will be located at the Digi & Game Center in Jyväskylä. Participation in the program is free of charge.
1st
Fall 2025
Implementation:
09/2025−01/2026
2nd
Early 2026
Implementation:
03/2026−08/2026
3rd
Fall 2026
Implementation:
10/2026−02/2027
For Applicants
Great to hear you're interested in the Game Track program! Below, you'll find answers to some frequently asked questions. If you need more information, feel free to contact our project manager Hanna by email at [email protected].
How does the program support employment in the game industry?
The Game Track program develops the skills needed in the game industry, such as game development, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. Participants also have the opportunity to connect and network with industry professionals and companies, further increasing their employment prospects in the field.
In addition, the program helps strengthen expertise in employment and entrepreneurship services related to the game industry. By raising awareness of game entrepreneurship and funding opportunities, the program also enhances the regional support capacity in Central Finland from the perspective of business services.
Is this a labor market training program?
No, Game Track is not an official labor market training program. Participation is open to everyone, free of charge, and completely voluntary. However, we encourage unemployed jobseekers to contact their employment services (such as their personal career coach) to ensure there are no obstacles to joining the program.
Can I earn study credits from participating?
Game Track is not a degree-awarding program, so it does not directly provide study credits (ECTS).
How can I apply?
The application process for Game Track begins by filling out a preliminary information form. The form collects details about your background, skills, and motivation to pursue employment in the game industry. You can also attach a CV, portfolio, or other proof of your skills.
Each program edition accepts 20 participants. All applicants will be informed about the selection process and its results well in advance of the program's start date.
Is participation full-time?
In the Game Track program, participants work autonomously five days a week, up to a maximum of 7 hours per day. Although the weekly workload is approximately 35 hours, participation is not mandatory on a full-time basis. Game Track activities are entirely voluntary and can be adapted to each individual's life situation.
The goal of participation, however, is to engage participants enough to develop the skills and readiness needed for employment and entrepreneurship in the game industry.
What if I don't live in Jyväskylä?
Work is primarily carried out on-site at the Digi & Game Center, where participants are encouraged to engage in self-directed and dynamic teamwork.
A hybrid implementation via online participation is also available when needed, enabling participants living outside Jyväskylä and Central Finland to take part in the program.
