Finland’s largest university arcade hall helps students land jobs

Finland’s largest arcade gaming hall, located at the University of Vaasa, is serving as an unconventional recruitment hub where students can meet potential employers while playing retro games, reports Yle.

The informal setting has already led to job offers for students, with major regional companies using the space to connect with talent. Tanja Risikko, vice-rector of the university, describes the gaming hall as a “new and meaningful bridge between students and working life,” complementing traditional recruitment channels.

The third-floor facility houses over 200 fully functional arcade machines, collected over a decade by Teemu Närvä, the university’s sales director. What began as a single machine grew into a unique project—now recognised as Finland’s largest operational arcade collection.

“In a way, this is like an 80s summer camp bonfire,” said Sami Korpela, a student union specialist. Närvä, who sourced machines from abandoned buildings and international suppliers, noted that initial scepticism turned to support once the vision took shape.

Students praise the relaxed atmosphere. “Nowhere else can you casually chat with employers while playing games,” said Pia Ala-Hakuni, chair of the student organisation Tutti. Wilhelmiina Myllykoski, another student, secured a job through contacts made at a recruitment event in the hall, adding that several peers have done the same.

Industry experts, like Toni Caven of arcade rental company Reprocade, confirm the collection’s uniqueness. “This is Finland’s largest working arcade setup—completely one-of-a-kind,” he said.