Winterkeep Interactive has appointed Mattias Wiking as the studio's new Chief Executive Officer. This is a homecoming for Wiking, who is returning to the teams and developers with whom he previously worked at Paradox Interactive and elsewhere.
Winterkeep Interactive, a strategy game studio founded in Umeå, Sweden in 2025, has appointed Mattias Wiking as its new Chief Executive Officer. He has over 20 years' experience in building and leading game studios. His background includes roles at Grin, Starbreeze and Turborilla, as well as the founding of Paradox Arctic in Umeå in 2014. He is taking over from Karl Emdin, who served as CEO during Winterkeep's early phase.
"I'm really happy that Mattias is stepping in as CEO. He knows our team and what we're building here, and he just brings tons of experience along with a huge international network in gaming. Being CEO has been great, but this allows me to focus 100% on the game development, which is what I do best. Having Mattias take the lead feels fantastic, and it will make our team stronger and more versatile than ever," said Karl Emdin, who remains Chairman of the Board.
"It truly feels like coming home. I have worked closely with everyone at the studio before, and we share a clear alignment on the goals and long-term direction. Winterkeep has a rare combination of experience, ambition, and culture. I’m excited to lead and grow the studio, and build on that foundation together with the team," said Mattias Wiking, CEO at Winterkeep Interactive.
In his role as CEO, Mattias Wiking will guide Winterkeep Interactive through its ongoing expansion. His focus will be on developing the studio and its team, as well as collaborating closely with partners to secure funding. The studio's first premium PC title - a fantasy 4X strategy game which is currently in development - is expected to enter full production towards the end of 2026.
Winterkeep Interactive is backed by Behold Ventures. "This is the final piece of the puzzle. Winterkeep already has a strong team and a clear creative vision. With Mattias stepping in as CEO, the studio now has the leadership needed to take the company forward," said Karl Magnus Troedsson, Founder and Managing Partner at Behold Ventures.
