Games Take Center Stage at Bokmässan Gothenburg
In a bold move, Bokmässan — Sweden’s flagship books fair in Gothenburg — is placing games at the heart of cultural conversation. The idea isn’t to pit games against books, but to celebrate how storytelling through words and interactive digital experiences can coexist and enrich one another. Organizers describe games as a form of narrative closely tied to the written word and see a clear opportunity to build bridges across cultural forms rather than deepen divides.
Why games belong at Bokmässan
The overarching aim is to turn Bokmässan into a meeting place for a broad audience, not just devoted readers or “nerds.” By hosting seminars and discussions about the role of games in culture and society, the fair hopes to highlight cross-pollination between different storytelling methods. Participants can expect examples from game studios, developers, and educational programs, alongside spaces where visitors can try out and play new titles.
What visitors can expect
Attendees will encounter a mix of talks, panels, and practical demonstrations. The fair intends to gather a wide range of stakeholders: game companies, development teams, educators, and researchers, all under one roof. It’s not only about observation; there will be hands-on opportunities to explore and engage with both indie and established titles. The ultimate goal is to illustrate how games contribute to culture and learning, complementing traditional literary forms rather than replacing them.
Who is the audience?
While the gaming world is often associated with younger audiences, the organizers emphasize that Bokmässan’s audience is diverse. The event seeks to attract a broad spectrum of visitors, including families, students, and professionals from the wider cultural sector. They acknowledge stereotypes—such as a typical gamer being a 35-year-old man—but stress that the fair’s programming targets a wider generation and a more inclusive community of readers, players, and creators alike.
A Swedish novel as a potential game
Looking to literature as a source for game-inspired storytelling, one suggested example is Klas Östergren’s Gentlemen. Set in 1970s Sweden during the Cold War, the novel offers a rich, interaction-friendly world that could translate well into an adventurous game. Its morally ambiguous, curious protagonist and atmospheric setting invite players to explore and influence the narrative in ways that only interactive media can provide. Such cross-media possibilities underscore the fair’s mission: to explore where books and games can meet and mutually enrich each other.
Looking ahead
The Bokmässan team views the event as a catalyst for collaboration across the cultural sector. By elevating games as a legitimate form of storytelling, the fair aims to foster partnerships among publishers, game developers, educators, and cultural institutions. The mix of seminars, showcases, and playable experiences promises a broader, more inclusive conversation about how stories are told today—and tomorrow.
Whether you’re a longtime reader, a curious gamer, or a curious observer of culture, Bokmässan in Gothenburg invites you to explore how different narrative forms can coexist, cooperate, and create new cultural value together.
