New roles and platforms
The longstanding partnership with SONY is critical to Nordisk Film Interactive’s activities, and so it will remain. However, this does not rule out expanding and exploring other mainstays to add to the business. The games people are trying their hand at developing games based on Egmont brands.
In 1995 SONY authorised Nordisk Film Interactive to distribute PlayStation and related products in the Nordic region, and Interactive’s principal strategic focus is to retain these distribution rights. The authorisation applies to physical products, as SONY wants to handle the digital side of the business itself.
Dennis Englund, general manager of Nordisk Film Interactive, explains: ‘A position as either games developer or publisher in the digital value chain is logical and makes sound business sense. We’ve made the most progress in games development. Our involvement with physical products has given us excellent competencies and indepth insight into Nordic consumer habits and media. We can deploy this expertise in our work with new business models in the digital arena.’
Developing games with Egmont Serieforlaget
Interactive works with Egmont Serieforlaget to develop games based on Rasmus Klump and, like many other Egmont units and companies, is engaged in developing and launching products for the upcoming animation Ronal the Barbarian from Einstein Film. ‘Starting with our own Egmont brands is an obvious way to enter the games world. We can take advantage of the potential synergies and Egmont’s muscle. Over time, we want to develop the business to include games development inspired by external brands as well,’ says Dennis Englund. Multi-platform games are the only way to create a sustainable business. As with film distribution, small marginals make volume important. Once the company has gained some experience from the Rasmus Klump project, cross-Nordic brands will be another potential source of income. Sweden has Bamse, Finland has Niko and Norway has Pondus, all characters that are suitable for a games universe.
Interactive works with Egmont Serieforlaget to develop games based on Rasmus Klump and, like many other Egmont units and companies, is engaged in developing and launching products for the upcoming animation Ronal the Barbarian from Einstein Film. ‘Starting with our own Egmont brands is an obvious way to enter the games world. We can take advantage of the potential synergies and Egmont’s muscle. Over time, we want to develop the business to include games development inspired by external brands as well,’ says Dennis Englund. Multi-platform games are the only way to create a sustainable business. As with film distribution, small marginals make volume important. Once the company has gained some experience from the Rasmus Klump project, cross-Nordic brands will be another potential source of income. Sweden has Bamse, Finland has Niko and Norway has Pondus, all characters that are suitable for a games universe.
‘We are trying to find out whether there’s a market niche for us to fill. In brief, we’re looking to act as a link between other players with digital content that they need to distribute,’ Dennis Englund concludes.
