Three Friends Emerges as New Indie Game Publisher Founded by Mojang and Coffee Stain Veterans

A group of former Mojang and Coffee Stain staff members have joined forces to launch Three Friends, an independent game publishing label. Co-founded by Albert Säfström, Daniel Kaplan, Sebastian Badylak, and Johan Hermeren, the company operates under three core principles: early involvement, careful project selection, and a guidance-oriented approach. Its primary focus is on supporting indie game projects in the Nordic region. According to Säfström, the key to creating a successful game lies not in a single innovative idea, but rather in addressing a multitude of smaller questions throughout the development process. He emphasized that making the right decisions at the right time is crucial in shaping the final gaming experience. By working closely with developers, Three Friends aims to create an environment that fosters idea maturity without losing direction, enabling teams to maximize their time and resources. Kaplan noted that some of the most successful indie games, such as Valheim and Deep Rock Galactic, have benefited from taking the time to refine their core gameplay before expanding. This approach is reflected in Three Friends' strategy of partnering with developers early on to help them discover what sets their game apart and invest in those unique aspects. The company plans to announce its partner developers and upcoming games later this year.