Video Games Take Center Stage at Gothenburg Book Fair
The annual Bokmässan in Gothenburg is expanding its footprint to include video games as a central theme. The conversation around whether video games threaten or enrich books continues, but organizers are pushing a collaborative vision: treat games as a legitimate storytelling form that complements traditional literature.
Why this theme now
For some, video games are seen as a potential rival to traditional books. Yet the Bokmässan organizers argue that different narrative forms can coexist and even cooperate. Games, like books, are built on language and story, and the goal here is to highlight games as a cultural form while building bridges across media rather than widening divides. The fair’s aim is to be a meeting place for the broader cultural industry, with games playing a meaningful role alongside writers, publishers, and educators.
What visitors can expect
Ambition at the fair is to create an inclusive space for anyone interested in games, not only seasoned enthusiasts. Visitors can look forward to seminars and conversations about the role of games in culture and society, as well as opportunities to meet game companies, developers, and educational institutions. And of course, attendees will be able to watch and play, with hands‑on demos that invite participation and exploration.
Reaching a broader audience
The fair is explicitly aiming to attract a wider public and engage the new generation. While video games have long been associated with a younger audience, organizers note that the typical gamer is older than the stereotype — around 35 years old — suggesting a ripe opportunity to broaden appeal without losing depth.
Which Swedish novel could make a good game?
Among the ideas discussed is Klas Östergren’s novel Gentlemen as an adventure game. The book’s protagonist is a young, confused figure set against a chilly 1970s Sweden with Cold War undertones. It’s a rich, immersive world that invites reader interaction, a natural fit for the interactive storytelling strengths of games. The proposal isn’t to replace reading with playing, but to offer readers new ways to engage with text and setting.
Cross‑media storytelling: a shared cultural space
Beyond individual games or talks, the Bokmässan team emphasizes cross‑media collaboration. The festival remains a hub for the entire cultural sector, and the inclusion of gaming signals a deliberate effort to broaden perspectives. By weaving game development, storytelling workshops, and education tracks into author talks and book launches, the fair seeks to enrich the cultural conversation and invite diverse voices into the room.
Looking ahead
As the fair opens, attendees can expect a blend of panel discussions, demonstrations, and interactive sessions that illustrate how games and literature can inform one another. The overarching message is clear: games are not separate from literature but a neighboring form that can deepen how stories are told and experienced. The event aims to leave a lasting impression on the cultural landscape, proving that play and prose can travel together toward shared understanding.
