Minecraft, Candy Crush, and Goat Simulator have been recognized as part of Sweden's cultural heritage

The Swedish gaming association, Dataspelsbranschen, has unveiled its Game Culture Canon, which underscores the cultural importance of video games as artistic and expressive mediums.

This Game Culture Canon comprises 15 games that hold significant cultural value in Sweden. These titles were chosen by a panel of industry experts, historians, and scholars from a pool of nominations submitted by the public.

The initiative was part of Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand’s strategy to craft an official cultural canon in Sweden, introduced last December.

Notable titles in the selection include Minecraft, Candy Crush, Goat Simulator, The Battle of Polytopia, and It Takes Two.

In May, GamesIndustry.biz engaged in discussions with leaders from Midjiwan and Hazelight Studios, along with Dataspelsbranschen, about the Swedish gaming industry's expansion.

"Games are recognized as cultural artifacts for many reasons," stated Per Strömbäck, a spokesperson for Dataspelsbranschen. "Players experience games similarly to how audiences engage with other art forms. Game developers have the same motivations as other artists: to express, innovate, and connect with their audience. Additionally, games reflect contemporary society and have a rich historical legacy that is increasingly acknowledged by museums and cultural institutions."

Strömbäck added, "Given these factors, we believe a canon for games is indeed appropriate."

Below is the complete list of games honored in Sweden's Game Culture Canon:

• Amnesia – The Dark Descent (Frictional Games)
• BackPacker (Tati Mixedia)
• Battlefield 1942 (DICE)
• The Battle of Polytopia (Midjiwan)
• Budget Cuts (Neat Corporation)
• Candy Crush Saga (King)
• Europa Universalis (Paradox Interactive)
• It Takes Two (Hazelight Studios)
• Goat Simulator (Coffee Stain Studios)
• Ground Control (Massive Entertainment)
• Minecraft (Mojang)
• Sayonara Wildhearts (Simogo)
• Star Stable Online (Star Stable Entertainment)
• Stugan (Kimmo Eriksson, Viggo Kann, Olle E Johansson)
• Toca Tea Party (Toca Boca)