Press release: Expa Game Business Co-operative and Digi & Game Center Recognized as Finland’s First—and the Northernmost in the World—Unreal Authorized Training Center.

Jan 30 / Peliosuuskunta Expa
Jyväskylä, Finland — November 21, 2024
Expa Game Business Co-operative and Digi & Game Center have been officially recognized as an Unreal Authorized Training Center by Epic Games. This marks a big milestone for Finland, as they become the country’s first—and the northernmost Unreal Authorized Training Center (UATC) in the world.

The recognition was achieved in collaboration with Fireframe Studios, a virtual production company founded by Mikko Kodisoja, co-founder of Supercell. Fireframe Studios specializes in real-time technologies like Unreal Engine, focusing on immersive storytelling and advanced in-camera visual effects (ICVFX), blending gaming and filmmaking.


A New Milestone for Finland’s Creative Industries


Since its founding in 2012, Expa Game Business Co-operative has played a pivotal role in supporting game startups, indie developers, and researchers in Central Finland. Together with the Digi & Game Center, launched in 2020, the organization has fostered innovation within Finland’s creative and technological industries.

As an UATC, Expa and Digi & Game Center are expanding their offerings beyond gaming to include training for professionals in industries such as film, architecture, automotive, healthcare, and education. These certified courses aim to help professionals explore the full potential of Unreal Engine; a tool increasingly used across a variety of fields.


The Growing Impact of Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine has established itself as a versatile tool in several industries, enabling advancements in real-time rendering, simulation, and visualization. Its applications include:

●     Games: Enhancing interactive storytelling and gameplay.
●     Film and Television: Enabling real-time rendering and in-camera visual effects (ICVFX).
●     Architecture: Creating immersive and interactive design visualizations.
●     Automotive and Manufacturing: Developing immersive product showcases and design simulations.
●     Healthcare and Education: Delivering lifelike training environments.

The UATC status ensures that courses provided by Expa and Digi & Game Center meet Epic Games’ quality standards, equipping professionals with the skills to utilize Unreal Engine effectively.

Empowering Creators to Innovate

“This recognition is a significant step for Finland’s creative industries,” said Tuomas Roininen, Vice-chairman of Expa. “Unreal Engine has applications far beyond gaming, and this recognition reflects its growing influence in fields like film, education, and architecture. The training offered here aims to enable professionals to fully leverage its potential”

By offering both local and online training options, Expa and Digi & Game Center aim to make Unreal Engine education accessible to a global audience.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Creativity

Expa’s foundation is built on values of passion, cooperation, and transparency. Since becoming the official IGDA Finland Jyväskylä Hub in 2013, they’ve cultivated a space where collaboration and creativity flourishes. Becoming Finland’s first Unreal Authorized Training Center builds on this legacy, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.

A Step Forward in Education and Innovation

The status as an Unreal Authorized Training Center represents more than just a milestone. It opens the door for professionals across industries to access high-quality Unreal Engine training. For more information about upcoming courses, visit www.expa.fi.

This achievement marks the beginning of new opportunities for collaboration and growth in creativity and innovation.

About Expa Game Business Co-operative

Expa Game Business Co-operative, established in 2012, supports collaboration and innovation in Finland’s game industry. Based in Jyväskylä, Central Finland, Expa operates the Digi & Game Center, a renowned hub for startups and professionals in creative industries. In 2024, Expa was recognized as Finland’s first—and the northernmost in the world—Unreal Authorized Training Center.
Tuomas Roininen, Vice-chairman of Expa    
Tuomas Roininen, Vice-chairman of Expa