From Paper to Pixels: Harsh and Marko’s Entrepreneurial Journey with Happiness Games

A Passion for Games—and Fast Ones

Harsh’s entrepreneurial spark was lit around 2023, during long evenings of board gaming with friends while much of the world was still navigating pandemic-related restrictions. Yet he felt something was missing.

“Most games we played back home in India were long and intense,” he recalls. “I enjoy quick, competitive games—2-minute or 5-minute rounds that keep the energy up. So I started designing one myself.”

That design eventually became Scram, a fast-paced, interactive game Harsh initially developed solo, testing it with friends using nothing more than sheets of paper. The response was enthusiastic. Friends kept asking: Is this for sale? “Back then, I had nothing to sell,” Harsh laughs. “But so many people wanted it that I decided to make it real.”

From Physical Prototypes to Digital Development

Sourcing manufacturers for a board game wasn’t easy. “Most manufacturers wanted large orders, and I just needed prototypes,” Harsh explains. After contacting manufacturers across Asia, he finally found a local factory in his hometown willing to take on a small order.

Eventually, Harsh brought the game to Finland when he moved to Savonlinna, unsure of what would happen next. But things moved fast. He participated in Xamk’s Game Track event in Kotka, becoming the first participant to present a board game. It was there that he met his future teammate, Marko.

Services That Made a Difference

Harsh credits much of his startup momentum to the support he received from Xamk’s entrepreneurship services, including the Xamk Startup Fund, Startup Hotline, and the *ship Startup Festival.

With funding, he and Marko were able to formally register their company, cover essential costs like accounting, and even get legal support for trademarking – all while keeping expenses minimal through clever DIY solutions and expert advice. “I hadn’t expected just how much help we’d get with Marko,” Harsh admits. “But the support was prompt and helpful—far beyond what I imagined.”

Culture, Teamwork—and a Supportive Partnership

Meeting Marko was a turning point. With his technical expertise, Marko took the lead in developing the digital Scram, especially its multiplayer features. Harsh notes, “Working with Marko has been incredibly smooth. We’re on the same page about how we work and where we want to take this. Having such a supportive partner has made a huge difference.” While the team has strong tech talent, they’re now looking for help with polishing the game’s look and UX design before launch.

Finland’s Summer Vibe—and Embracing the Pause

Instead of seeing Finnish summer culture as a challenge, Harsh and Marko embrace it with a smile. “I was amazed to see how everything literally slows down for summer,” Harsh says. “So we figured—why not enjoy it too? It’s a great time to recharge, have a proper break, and come back full of energy in the fall.” Despite the slower summer pace, the team is optimistic about upcoming collaborations with Xamk’s RDI projects—they promised to connect Happiness Games with student interns to help with UX design and final polishing once the fall semester begins.