Why Choose Liquid Swords?

It’s easy to talk big – most studios do it, and we’re no exception. We’ve all heard statements like, we have the best workspace ever, our employee benefits are amazing, and our leadership listens and takes action. At Liquid Swords, we’re confident we’re doing well on all of these; however, the loudest beat our armory marches to is always zero-nonsense game development.

We can answer this question and explain what makes us different as an employer at the same time! This mantra comes straight from the very vocal mouth of our CCO and founder, Christofer Sundberg, who started the studio with this singular notion in mind. He sums it up best in his March 2023 interview with MCV/Develop.

Game development is so extremely complex and what I’ve found is that so many developers and publishers are just over complicating the process and that stands in the way of quality. Quality is a word that everyone uses, but when it comes to the end of the project, so many put less of a priority on quality and more on the business model behind the game.

This is zero-nonsense. A focus on quality not KPIs. Prioritizing talent over tediously unnecessary meetings. Solving challenges instead of satisfying external stakeholders. We offer a creative, collaborative, and distraction-free work environment. Egoless is another word we often use, because personalities matter in our studio. Our focus on what we can deliver and create as a whole studio, without the need to satisfy primadonnas, has helped us work towards a workplace free of toxicity and the dreaded burn-out so prevalent in our industry.

None of the zero-nonsense talk would stand for much without something to show for it. That’s the second reason to pick us: the game we’re creating. The studio is still less than three years old, so those who join before the end of 2023 (now!) will get to be part of the entire lifecycle of the game. OK, but why is this unique or different? In truth, it’s kind of huge! For established studios, even those creating fresh IPs, new games always come with a lot of development baggage.

A sequel will likely begin using the same character models, even when they’re changed or updated later. A fresh IP might borrow locations or mechanics from another game already launched by the studio. Even a brand-new project might still use the same engine the studio has developed itself or lean on workflows that are already established and in place.

At Liquid Swords, we started with none of this. No prior titles, old character models, proprietary tech, or workflows. Just an old hand at making games (we mean Christofer!) who wanted to find a way to do it differently. This might sound daunting or even off-putting, but it presents a unique opportunity and challenge that other studios can’t offer. Those who join will be empowered as an expert in their field. They’ll be able to establish their own processes. They’ll see their work come to life as a new, never-before-seen IP emerges.

For most of us at Liquid Swords that’s what makes it so unique. We’re going on this journey as a team. Yes, at times, it can be scary, daunting, and almost overwhelming, but we’re also confident that we can rise to the challenge with some of the very best talent and leaders this industry has to offer. There’s an authentic sense of collective ownership here. Christofer’s intention was never to dictate, tell, or order but to lead, inspire, and foster true creativity.

Our small management team is keenly aware of this as the studio nears its 100-strong goal. We know we’ve built something special. We don’t just congratulate ourselves without question. We hear it from the fantastic people in our team, the feedback we get from newly hired candidates, and we see it in the outstanding work that is emerging. Yet, we’re always thinking about how to preserve our special sauce. We want to ensure Liquid Swords is as unique in two, five, or ten years, with a stack of released titles proudly under our scabbards as it is today, with only a few subtle hints about #Game1.

If you’re looking for a new role this autumn, hopefully, we’ve provided an insight into why you should pick Liquid Swords as your new home (check out all our current vacancies on our website). If you’re reading this because scrolling the algorithm bought you here, then hopefully, we’ve given you an insight into us, how we think, and how we’re different.

So what are you waiting for? Drop the bullshit, forget the buzzwords, and leave your ego at the door: welcome to our world.