A Gaming Dream in Kvinesdal
The couple behind the underwater adventure
What would lead a young entrepreneurial couple to set up a digital game studio in the small town of Kvinesdal? For Richard Strømland Egeli and Edlynne, it was never just about technology. It was about following a passion and finding a community where they could grow, both professionally and personally.
The two warm and outgoing founders have turned their dream into reality. In Kvinesdal they found a place where career and quality of life go hand in hand. Long Lost is the name of the studio they established in the village last year, and the duo is now deep into development on their debut video game: an underwater adventure in classic pixel-art style.
Long Lost — an underwater adventure takes shape
Long Lost is a small, independent studio that Richard and Edlynne officially launched last August. From their office in Kvinesdal they are now working full-time on their debut game, Tidespawn: a top-down underwater adventure inspired by the classic Metroidvania genre, featuring vibrant pixel art and exploration of the deep sea. The idea for both the game and the studio had been brewing for a long time. For Richard, a lifelong gamer, the dream of making his own game was a powerful driving force.
I have always been curious about how the games I love actually get made.
Richard Strømland EgeliAs his partner, Edlynne could see how deeply Richard cared about game development, and she encouraged him to go for it. "If not now, when?" she laughed, giving him the gentle nudge he needed. With Edlynne's background in project management and finance alongside Richard's creative programming skills, starting a company together felt like the perfect combination.
Long Lost now has six people on board. Two of them, Richard and Edlynne, are based in Kvinesdal, while the other four team members, artists, a programmer and a composer, work from other countries. Having most of the team spread across the globe is no obstacle: the working day is coordinated online, with daily updates, planning sessions and close communication.
We have a dedicated team around Tidespawn who share the same passion we do.
Richard Strømland EgeliFrom passion to livelihood
The journey from gaming enthusiasts to game entrepreneurs has brought both challenges and highlights. "One of the biggest challenges has been limited resources," Edlynne admits. As a startup, Long Lost depends on grants and a great deal of sweat equity. The couple has put in countless hours of volunteer work to build the company from the ground up.
The ride can be risky and uncertain, because we genuinely do not know whether the work will pay off in the end.
Richard Strømland Egeli
Even so, the entrepreneurial life has also delivered joys they never anticipated. "Despite the challenges, the uncertainty has also given us some of our greatest highlights," Richard says with a smile. Building strong partnerships has perhaps been the most rewarding part of all.
We had expected far less support than we have actually received.
Richard Strømland EgeliLocal businesses and individuals alike have cheered them on. Long Lost is also attracting growing attention internationally: on social media, followers are tracking the game's development closely and commenting that they cannot wait for the launch.
Life in Kvinesdal — closeness and balance
Choosing Kvinesdal as both home and workplace may not have been an accident. Richard grew up in the neighbouring town of Flekkefjord, and when Edlynne came to Norway as a student a couple of years ago, they settled there first. Last spring everything changed: Edlynne was offered an exciting opportunity in Kvinesdal, and at the same time the couple started looking at house prices. Kvinesdal quickly stood out as an attractive option, with a lot of home for the money.
It was the most practical choice, since we were already working together here in Kvinesdal anyway.
Edlynne MartinezThe transition to their new life came surprisingly easily. Today they enjoy a daily routine where everything that matters is close at hand. Nature in Kvinesdal is always within reach, which helps them find the balance between work and time off. The couple has an energetic dog that makes sure they get out for walks in the woods and fields.
It is perfect to live somewhere we can walk the dog through beautiful nature right after work.
Richard Strømland EgeliAbove all, they talk about the warm and welcoming community. Both Edlynne and Richard have lived in larger cities before, but they notice that the culture in Kvinesdal is different.
People here genuinely look out for each other in a way we have not experienced to the same degree anywhere else we have lived.
Edlynne MartinezBacked by the community
Launching a high-tech venture in a small village might sound bold, but Richard and Edlynne feel they hit the mark. Despite the municipality's modest size, they have received a surprising amount of support. A number of local players have stepped up for Long Lost, and several of them have since become active partners in the project.
The support we have received has given us a clear sense that our work is seen and valued.
Richard Strømland EgeliThe Long Lost project was first presented to Innovation Norway, which pointed them toward Driv Agder and Lister Nyskaping, regional development organisations that work closely with Kvinesdal municipality, among others. Through those channels, several doors opened.
We got in touch with funding schemes and support programmes we did not even know existed.
Edlynne MartinezThey were even offered free office space by a local partner, giving them a professional home on a par with co-working spaces in much larger cities. And the community's encouragement is something they feel every day.
Advice for anyone considering Kvinesdal
Both Richard and Edlynne are keen to give something back and help others who are thinking of following in their footsteps. Here is their advice for anyone considering setting up or moving to Kvinesdal:
- Do not be afraid to ask for help and guidance. Reach out to both public bodies and private organisations.
- Build your network early. It can open doors and give you access to resources you did not know were there.
- Stay active and curious. Local support and engagement can make an enormous difference.
- Explore the area. Kvinesdal has many hidden gems, especially in the natural landscape.
Kvinesdal has so many beautiful, hidden natural experiences, and sometimes it is in the smaller places that the greatest opportunities arise.
Edlynne MartinezFor Richard and Edlynne, that has proved true. In Kvinesdal they found a place where a gaming dream could become real, with an entire community playing alongside them. And their story may well be the best proof that the greatest adventures sometimes begin in the smallest of towns.