Ex-Mojang and Coffee Stain Developers Launch Indie Publisher Three Friends

The Sweden-based label aims to support small Nordic teams with hands-on guidance and early-stage collaboration.

Three Friends was co-founded by industry veterans Albert Säfström, Daniel Kaplan, Sebastian Badylak, and Johan Hermeren, with backgrounds in Minecraft, Valheim, and Deep Rock Galactic.
The publisher focuses on partnering with small teams, primarily in Sweden and the Nordics, to refine core gameplay and creative vision early in development.
Three Friends’ publishing model is built on three principles: 'Get in Early, Build it Right,' 'Pick the Right Battles,' and 'Guidance, Not Control.'
The team emphasizes long-term investment and strategic support, avoiding market trends and prioritizing gameplay quality over quick releases.
The company has signed six small teams so far and plans to reveal its first titles in spring 2025, with a focus on PC and Steam Early Access markets.