FAQ
Common Questions
Do you have to be a game developer to live here?
It is preferred, yes; we are a game dev retreat. However, the most important thing is that you contribute to the game scene at The Jörniverse. There are many novel and atypical ways to be creative and enter this industry - especially with art and physical tech - and we encourage this type of courageous experimentation.
What happens after I make an application?
We will have a quick video chat to see if you’re a good fit and answer any questions you may have.
Can I bring my partner?
You may, just let us know. They need to be part of The Jörniverse to get all the free extras.
Can I bring my pet?
It’s paw-sible. Ideally, they are hypoallergenic and well-behaved if you intend for them to be in social spaces.
When can I start living at The Jörniverse?
As soon as we have a free space that overlaps with your availability. If there are no available spaces, we can place you on a waiting list, if you like.
How long can I stay for?
You’re welcome to stay for as long as it’s financially feasible for you to do so. We will be transparent about any potential problems with keeping The Jörniverse up-and-running at monthly house meetings.
Should I bring my own computer & gear?
Whatever you feel you most need to work with. We might have some computers to rent.
How is a normal day at The Jörniverse?
Most spend a good chunk of time in the gaming village working on their games or participating with activities. Plenty drop by the café and go for walks around town or out into nature. In the evenings, there are often gaming or movie socials.
What does everyone do when they’re not working?
Besides private time, most are usually hanging out or going off on small adventures. Some gym.
Is this a cult?
Depends who you ask ;)
Jörniverse FAQ
How do you pronounce Jörn & Jörniverse?
Jörn sounds a lot like “Yearn”, so Jörniverse is said like “Yearn-ee-verse”
What is the overlap with The Jörney Café?
We run it, too! Basically, we wanted to create a community meeting place in Jörn, because there wasn’t anything else around. For us, it’s important that we have an open presence with the locals, and they’ve all been supportive of The Jörniverse and think that it’s very cool that something like this exists here.
How big is The Jörniverse?
It’s quite substantial. At the moment, it consists of 3 large buildings: The Gaming Village, The Residential Building, and The Theatre. All of these buildings have multiple floors and are gathered closely together. There is also an enclosed garden area in between, where our sauna and hot tub are located. The Jörney Café is located next to the private entrance of The Gaming Village - it is a separate public business.
What is inside the gaming village?
Several large rooms with workspaces. As well as a “hang-out area” where most of our indoor activities like film & game nights will happen. This part includes fridges, pizza ovens, a piano, and a big TV area.
What is inside the residential area?
The residential area hosts 12 rooms, bathrooms, supply closets and a social room. In its basement, there is a laundry room, as well as our bunk bed room.
What’s this about a cinema?
The theatre houses an old cinema. The equipment is old, however, so we need to replace it. As soon as we have The Jörniverse up and running, we will search for funding to reopen the cinema. Hang tight!
Does The Jörniverse mascot have a name?
Em says Jörnen, Harry says Moss.
How is The Jörniverse funded?
The Jörniverse was made possible by a generous investment from Emil Englund, one of the founders of Arrowhead. He is a close friend and an all-round lovely guy who has placed a bunch of trust in Hanrry and Em. To make it more sustainable, we keep up a habit of applying for EU grants and similar.
Do you own the buildings?
Yes, thanks to the investment, we were able to purchase all the buildings.
What is planned for the future?
Let’s see how things go!
But we would like to expand, offer food, reopen the cinema, and do more exciting things!
How big will The Jörniverse become?
We value quality over quantity, so we will steadily grow our community. That being said, we hope to see people be active on Discord long after their stays.
Booking FAQ
When is rent due?
For recurring rent, we will invoice you near the end of each month (around the 25th) for the next month ahead. E.g. we will invoice you for your 2-week stay in February at the end of January. Where possible, pay rent before the new month begins. Otherwise, notify us immediately.
Can I shorten my planned stay time?
Yes, but we ask for at least a month’s notice.
How do I make a booking?
You can apply to stay with us [HERE]
Why does my booking need to be approved?
To ensure we have the best community of game devs possible. We want to make sure that everyone is eager to be part of the community and involved with game development.
Can I bring my whole team to stay at The Jörniverse?
Depends on the availability of rooms and the size of your team, but potentially.
Can you help me with a visa invitation letter?
We’ll certainly do our best to help.
What’s this about a cinema?
The theatre houses an old cinema. The equipment is old, however, so we need to replace it. As soon as we have The Jörniverse up and running, we will search for funding to reopen the cinema. Hang tight!
Can I join via the EU Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme?
If it’s approved, you can. First, you must be an eligible EU citizen (from outside Sweden) and meet their requirements (either you either 1) plan to start a company, or 2) have less than 3 years of entrepreneurial experience). If you are eligible, then we can look into this for you. Approved entrepreneurs can get €1000/m for up to 6 months. The amount can be a little higher if you have a documented disability.
Travel FAQ
Where is The Jörniverse located?
Game village: Storgatan 38, Jörn, 936 51, Sweden
Residential area: Björklundgatan 4, Jörn, 936 51, Sweden
Can I take the train?
Yes, you can take the night train directly from Stockholm to Jörn, or to Umeå, with a connection to Jörn.
What airport should I fly to?
It’s recommended that you fly to Skellefteå Airport, though Umeå and Luleå could be options, too.
What’s the cheapest way to get there from outside Sweden?
We’ve reliably found cheap direct flights from Gdańsk, Poland to Skellefteå with RyanAir. These can go for as cheap as 159 SEK/ €14.38. Some other EU airports occassionally fly in too - check Skellefteå airport’s site.
Can I combine flying and night train?
Yes, the night train service actually stops at Arlanda airport - the tracks pass below it. Make sure to give yourself enough time after departure (especially in case of delays/ baggage collection wait).
How to travel to The Jörniverse from Skellefteå?
There is a 50-min bus that travels from Skellefteå bus terminal. It stops right outside The Jörniverse, by our Tototo bus stop. There is also a bus that goes from the airport (the schedule is based on plane arrivals). If we have time, we might be able to pick you up.
Do they have apps that I can use?
Incoming.
Living Here FAQ
Can I have guests visit overnight?
For extended guest stays, please talk to us. Otherwise, guests may stay overnight without extra fees.
Can I choose my bedroom?
You are welcome to choose between each bedroom that is vacant during your booking time.
Can I change my bedroom?
If there is another vacant room, yes. We just ask that you clean your previous room in the process.
What’s the cheapest way to get there from outside Sweden?
We’ve reliably found cheap direct flights from Gdańsk, Poland to Skellefteå with RyanAir. These can go for as cheap as 159 SEK/ €14.38. Some other EU airports occassionally fly in too - check Skellefteå airport’s site.
Will I have my own bathroom?
Bathrooms in the accommodation are shared. There are several, though, so it’s very likely that one is vacant. Additionally, the gaming village has a bunch of toilets. We kindly ask that you keep your toiletries in your room.
Is my room cleaned?
It is your responsibility to keep your room to a good clean standard.
Is bedding included?
Yes, we provide bedding. Your bed will be prepared before your arrival.
What essentials are provided?
We provide simple shampoo/ body wash, towels, bedding, and blankets.
What essentials should I bring with me?
Whatever else you think you may need to be comfortable. For wintertime, you might want some underclothing and a good coat if you intend to be outside much.
Can I redecorate my room?
With permission, yes, it’s possible for longer stays.
What to do in the event of sickness?
If you’re contagious, try to isolate and help prevent it from spreading. A facemask could also be used. Please communicate with us on Discord if we can help with anything.
Food FAQ
How is food handled?
We provide meals that we have cooked in bulk and clearly labeled, which can be purchased. Otherwise, you are welcome to purchase and make your own food from the local Coop grocery shop. There is also a kebab/ falafel shop.
Is there an eating/ kitchen area?
Yes, we have a shared eating area, which you are welcome to use. It is connected to our public kitchen by the entrance to the Gaming Village.
Are tea and coffee included?
You are welcome to grab tea and coffee from The Jörney Café during opening hours if you’re paying to stay in a single/double room, or have paid extra.
How much does tea and coffee cost, otherwise?
20 SEK per day.
Can I use the electric pizza ovens?
You are welcome to use them if you know how to operate them responsibly. Ideally, they should only be used when a group of people plan to use them (due to energy consumption).
Are there some local delicacies?
There are some. Palt (meat-filled potato dumplings), Cloudberries, Suovas (smoked reindeer meat), Västerbottenost (a cheddar-like cheese used mostly for pies) and Surströmming (fermented herring).
Can I eat Surströmming on site?
Fuck no. It’s incredibly pungent and would stink out the whole place. We will kick you out on grounds of chemical warfare.
But if you insist on eating it elsewhere, you are meant to eat it in an open space. Also, do not eat it from the can. You are meant to skin the fish and serve it on tunnbröd (a Swedish flatbread) with potatoes and diced red onions. For the love of all that is holy, please try normal pickled herrings first, please.
Jörn is in Västerbotten! Is Västerbotten Cheese made nearby?
Yes, it is made in nearby Burträsk. They’ve tried to make it in other locations, but have been unsuccessful.
Work Spaces FAQ
What type of workspaces do you offer?
We have several rooms with desk setups. We hope to offer monitors asap.
Can I redecorate or rearrange my workspace?
With permission, yes, it’s possible for longer stays.
What type of workspaces do you offer?
There’s a variety of workspace rooms to choose from depending on whether you prefer a social or a focused working environment.
Can I change my workspace?
Sure, so long as it’s free and you clean up your last one.
May I work from my bedroom?
We prefer that you use the workspaces where possible to foster the community atmosphere, but you may work from your bedroom under special conditions like when sick or needing privacy.
Is collaboration required?
No, collaboration is never forced. We just provide a welcoming atmosphere where it can hopefully pop up naturally between you!
Infrastructure FAQ
What is expected of volunteers?
Volunteers are expected to work part-time (around 20 hours/week) to help us keep everything orderly and clean in shared areas. This means sorting garbage, cleaning bathrooms and common areas, and helping with new visitors. We may need some help at The Jörney Café and the upcoming cinema.
What do the founders do?
The founders are responsible for the whole place and are your first point of contact for any issues. We handle logistics, bills, accounting, arrange activities, site manage, and run The Jörney Café. We’re also actively working to improve and expand The Jörniverse, secure collaborations, and get people interested in your projects. We have lots of connections in the games industry and will be attending conventions here and there too.
How is cleaning handled?
You are responsible for keeping your room and workspace clean to a respectable degree. If anything breaks, please just let us know. We also ask that you keep the showers clean between uses.
Are there safety contacts?
Em and Harry are both here to make sure that everyone is comfortable, well-respected and not harassed. We both have a long history of working in community/ social care situations. If there is a problem with another guest, or similar, please let one of us know as soon as possible, so we can help.
I hear that The Jörniverse has board meetings; why do these happen?
We decided to create a board for The Jörniverse to make sure that our business operates smoothly. We have some outside actors involved too to avoid creating an echo chamber and break free of our bubble. Another reason is to maintain good relations with the local gaming industry organisation - Arctic Game - and with key Jörn voices. It’s important for us to truly be part of the local community.
Can I be involved in the board meeting?
No, but board meeting decisions will be relayed in house meetings, and you’ll have the opportunity to propose talking points to be discussed by the board.
Game Dev FAQ
What is the local game dev scene like in North Sweden?
There’s quite a long history here in the North, especially with gaming educationS. You can find studios in Skellefteå, Boden, and Luleå - though most of the bigger ones are in Umeå.
What is Arctic Game?
Arctic Game is the local gaming organisation for Skellefteå municipality, which includes us in Jörn. They host an accelerator, bring local studios to game conventions, host game industry speakers, arrange game jams, and a whole bunch of other things. In short, they nurture the local indie scene.
What is We Make Realms?
Much like Arctic Game, but in Umeå. They also host a yearly conference in January that brings in lots of international publishers.
What is Boden Game Camp?
Much like Arctic Game, but in Boden.
What are some local game studios?
Windup Games (Umeå), Spinoff Games (Skellefteå), Turborilla (Umeå), Sparrowland (Boden), Hex Foundry (Skellefteå), Wayfinder Studios (Umeå), Gold Town Games (Skellefteå), MVRX (Umeå), Snugglebug Games (Jörn), CRG Studio (Umeå), Full Rogue (Skellefteå), Winterkeep Interactive (Umeå), The Fine Arc (Umeå), Gamhalla (Boden), The Notlanders (Boden), Giantsbane Games (Skellefteå), Arctic Bones (Boden)
What’s the connection to Arrowhead?
One of the founders of Arrowhead - Emil - funded The Jörniverse. Arrowhead was originally founded on campus in Skellefteå by a group of students, where they developed and released Magicka. It won Game of the Year at The Sweden Game Awards. The studio has since grown & relocated to Stockholm.
Will you help me find a publisher?
We’ve got contacts and can potentially try! As The Jörniverse expands, we aim to pop up on the radar of lots of game investors. We have some local ones too.
Are there any local Game Dev events?
Yes, in addition to ours, Arctic Game, Boden Game Camp & We Make Realms host several throughout the year.
Can I find talent to work on my game project here?
Potentially. We have a big community and the talent is there. It’s just a question of availability, chemistry, and funding/ rev-share arrangements.
Do you have a sound room?
We will soon.
Events FAQ
How often are game jams held?
We host several big ones every year, plus additional smaller ones pop up here and there. Check out our Discord for more info.
Do you have any fun visits to The Jörniverse?
Yeah, sometimes we have publishers, investors, studios and game industry folk dropping by; even delegations from other countries like Japan.
Do you have any livestreams?
We likely will.
Does The Jörniverse go to games conferences?
We do, both in Sweden and abroad. Mostly to secure partnerships and to find other cool indie devs to stay at The Jörniverse. There could be opportunities to join us and exhibit games too.
How do activities work?
We have set community events that are routinely scheduled. All you need to do is show up and participate.
Can I host my own group activity?
Yes, so long as you broadcast it on the Discord. Even if the group size is small and stable, visibility is great so new joiners can see that there is an opportunity to participate.
Will you help me find a publisher?
We’ve got contacts and can potentially try! As The Jörniverse expands, we aim to pop up on the radar of lots of game investors. We have some local ones too.
How about a private one?
We’d rather avoid people feeling excluded within The Jörniverse, but you’re free to host others in your rooms so long as you respect noise levels.
Weather & Holidays FAQ
When is the season for the Northern Lights?
September to March, maybe April TOO. Mostly between 23:00-01:00. The autumn equinox (September) and spring equinox (March) often have heightened activity because of the Russell-McPherron effect. Sometimes you can see moving murky spots too, which will reveal themselves as auroras with long exposure photography.
How is the weather in Summer?
Quite pleasant, though it rarely breaks 30°C. Lots of greenery and bright blue skies. Near midsummer, we experience near- ”permanent sunlight”. Temperatures will probably rise along with global averages.
How is the weather in Winter?
We have a lot of snow, and it becomes a real winter wonderland. It can get quite cold though; expect temperatures below -10°C even in the middle of the day. Nothing clothes, blankets, fluffy slippers and hot cacao can’t solve, though! The worst is the in-between weather, where it can get quite slippery as things are warming up and melting.
How to dress in the winter? Should I come prepared?
Good underclothes are what are most important (get a few pairs), as well as gloves, scarves and woolly hats for outwear. We may resell some. Snow boots & waterproof trousers can be an idea if you like snowy nature walks. If you’re worried about icy weather, you can buy crampons/ ice cleats to help your shoes grip.
How is the permanent sunlight & eternal nights?
They take some getting used to, but we have blackout curtains to help with the long summer nights. In winter, snow actually brightens up the place a ton, due to its highly reflective nature. Then, there’s a tradition of having lots of warm lights/ candles by windows near Christmas/ peak Winter times.
What are some major holidays in Sweden?
Sweden celebrates most major Christian holidays, often with a smörgåsbord-like dinner. There’s a ton of bank holidays too, as well as days throughout the year dedicated to fika (coffee pastries). Some special holidays in Sweden include the yearly crayfish fest (late August), the yearly bonfire night - Valborg (30 April), Midsummer’s Eve fest (late June) and Saint Lucia (December 13th).
Do the founders take holidays?
We do, which is why we also rely on volunteers to help us relax a bit.
Does Spring exist in Jörn?
Debatable. Some (Harry) say it only lasts 2 weeks.
Jörn / North Sweden FAQ
Why Jörn? Are you all from there?
No, we just all moved here. But in Jörn there is a great entrepreneurial spirit, freedom, and a lovely small town community, which suits us well. It’s free from big city distractions, which helps you focus on indie game dev, but there’s also plenty of group adventures to be had here when we take the time for it.
Do I need to know some Swedish to live here?
No, even though it’s fairly remote, the English comprehension is great here. Of course, it’s polite to know a few phrases, though. Here’s a small guide.
What about for food shopping?
All food items are labelled in Swedish, and they have some unique produce and cuts of meat. But you should be fine! Ask if you want help.
What else is there in Jörn?
There’s a handful of small businesses, a gym/ swimming hall, a small supermarket/ post office, a pharmacy, some secondhand stores, and a hotel/ events house.
How close is the nearest doctor's & hospital?
Sometimes the doctors can see you in Jörn, but mostly you need to go to Boliden (30 mins by bus). The hospital is in Skellefteå (50 mins).
What are the locals like?
It’s mostly an ageing population, with some younger families and internationals. People here are quite private and reserved, but most are excited about what we do. We have a lot of friends and supporters here.
What is this weird inhaling sound people make here?
Haha it mostly means “yes” or “I agree”. It’s a way of showing you’re actively listening to a conversation.
Are there local student discounts?
Mostly there are “young people” discounts - for example, if you’re under 25 the buses are cheaper, and you get special offers at Coop.