Finns are a nation of sports enthusiasts and gamers. It is well known that Finns are active in gambling, but computer and console games are also a popular pastime. The most popular console in Finland is of course the classic PlayStation.
Autumn and winter are long in Finland, which is why console games are a popular way to spend time especially during these seasons. The most popular games are NHL, FIFA, Call of Duty, and Fortnite.
There are massive communities built around these games, and people even bet on the outcomes of matches. For instance, Vedonlyontisivu.fi lists betting sites favored by Finns.
Below, you can read more about the most popular PlayStation games in Finland, including many of the world’s best-known titles.
Sports games are the most popular category
Sports games have long been one of the most popular gaming genres in Finland. Finns’ love for sports is directly reflected in the popularity of console games, with FIFA and NHL being the biggest favorites among PlayStation players.
The FIFA series has been one of the best-selling sports games on PlayStation for decades. In Finland, football has grown in popularity over the years, and FIFA offers a great way to combine the excitement of the football field with multiplayer matches among friends.
What comes to winter sports, Finns’ passion for ice hockey is world-renowned. This is directly mirrored in PlayStation games as well. The NHL series has been the best-selling console game in Finland for years, and its appeal shows no signs of diminishing.
NHL combines Finland’s rich ice hockey tradition with the chance to experience the thrill of the sport in digital form. Finnish NHL players, such as Patrik Laine and Aleksander Barkov, further enhance the game’s appeal among Finnish players – gamers can step into the shoes of their idols and experience the greatest moments on the ice!
Adventure games
Adventure games are another highly popular category among Finnish PlayStation players. For example, The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog, combines a heart-wrenching story with intense action scenes.
The Last of Us is not just an action-adventure, but also an emotional experience that makes players reflect on fundamental questions about life. The Last of Us has gained massive popularity both in Finland and globally.
On the other hand, God of War is another classic action-adventure game that has achieved great success in Finland. Developed by Santa Monica Studios, this game is loosely based on Norse mythology.
Horizon Zero Dawn, developed by Guerilla Games, is also a significant favorite in Finland. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic future where nature has reclaimed the earth, and humans are battling robotic creatures. The game has particularly captured the interest of Finnish adults.
Shooter and war games
Shooter and war games have always been among the most popular PlayStation games. These games enjoy great popularity in Finland as well, and Finnish game studios have also developed some well-known shooter games.
The Call of Duty series has been one of the most popular shooter franchises in Finland for years, and each new release generates significant interest among the players. Call of Duty games are known for their fast-paced gameplay and the ability for players to quickly jump into short but intense multiplayer matches.
In Finland, the series is particularly valued for its multiplayer mode, where teamwork and tactics are key to success.
On the other hand the Battlefield series, developed by Swedish studio DICE, has also been popular with Finnish players for a long time. Battlefield is known for its realistic battles and expansive map designs, where players can participate in large-scale multiplayer combat.
Players appreciate the tactical depth of the game, where different roles, such as medics, engineers, and snipers, play a crucial role in the progression of the game.
Overwatch is also a game worth mentioning: it is slightly lighter and more colorful than traditional war games, but still also one of the popular shooter games in Finland. Developed by Blizzard, Overwatch is a team-based shooter with a superhero style, where each character has their own unique abilities.
Simulation and role-playing games
Simulation and role-playing games offer the opportunity to dive deep into virtual worlds and experience different life situations, stories, and tasks at their own pace. PlayStation’s game collection includes many classics in these genres, several of which have gained great popularity in Finland as well.
Gran Turismo is one of PlayStation’s longest-running and most respected driving simulators, and it has also achieved great success in Finland. In a country where car culture is an important part of life for many, Gran Turismo is a natural choice for a game series that offers an authentic driving experience from the comfort of home.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is another evergreen classic of the role-playing genre that remains popular among Finnish players, even though it was released back in 2011. The game’s vast open world, where players can freely explore and choose their own paths, has made it one of the most successful role-playing games of all time.
Similarly, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of PlayStation’s most highly regarded open-world games, and its popularity in Finland is significant. Set in the landscapes of the Wild West, its strong storytelling, detailed world, and versatile gameplay mechanics have made it a favorite among role-playing game enthusiasts.
Family games
Minecraft is a game that has gained immense popularity worldwide, and it is also very popular in Finland. Minecraft offers players a completely open sandbox world where players can build anything their imagination can conceive.
The great advantage of Minecraft is its versatility – the game can be both a peaceful building simulation or an exciting survival game, depending on the players’ goals and the game mode.
Fortnite is another hugely popular game in Finland, particularly among young people. Fortnite is primarily known for its battle royale mode, where hundreds of players fight against each other until only one (or one team) remains.