The national and regional video game industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, transforming from a specific niche into one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing industries. A significant contribution to this has been made by A1 Croatia, which recognized its potential and directed its activities towards its systematic promotion. Guided by research results and trends in the global gaming scene, A1 began its gaming story with activities that had two fundamental goals. These are changing public perception of the social and economic potential of the video game industry and highlighting the importance of responsible online behavior and technology use. A1 Croatia has become a regional gaming leader by launching the regional esports competition A1 Adria League, the first and only student gaming competition A1 Student eChallenge, participating in the organization of Reboot InfoGamer powered by A1, and supporting the gaming incubator PISMO, where around 80 startups are engaged in video game development. Concurrently, it has continuously improved the technological infrastructure, which is a fundamental prerequisite for the development of the video game industry. Establishing the Foundations of Regional Esports From the very beginning of its gaming journey, A1 recognized esports not only as an opportunity for its own development but as a platform to initiate a change in the perception of the entire gaming industry. By launching the A1 Adria League in 2017, the company laid the foundations for the largest, most prestigious, and longest-lasting regional esports league. This is an exceptional success considering that at that time, this sport was just in its infancy in these areas. A1 recognized esports competitions as an ideal opportunity to connect regional gaming enthusiasts who would develop their potential through the exchange of experiences, as well as an effective tool for popularizing gaming and esports. Over 12 seasons of competition, they have succeeded in this. —
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– The regional esports community counts more and more competitors and fans each year, and esports has begun to be perceived in public as a serious profession that offers numerous opportunities and perspectives. This is the result of our systematic activities aimed at its popularization. By organizing the A1 Adria League, we have laid the foundations of regional esports and provided examples of good practice for its systematic strengthening. In addition to a large number of competitors and followers, the importance of our esports leaders is evidenced by the ever-increasing overall prize pool of the last season, which amounted to 38,160 euros. It is important to emphasize that during each season, by implementing the #BoljiOnline platform into the competition program, we systematically encourage fair play, raise awareness of the importance of responsible technology use, and insist on zero tolerance for hate speech,” emphasized Diana Svalina, senior sponsorship and events specialist at A1 Croatia. Gaming Events – Places for a Complete Gaming Experience Although gaming and esports are primarily associated with activities in the online world, A1 has successfully conveyed key messages about responsible video game playing through direct interaction with gaming enthusiasts by organizing various gaming events. This is also an opportunity for visitors to get acquainted with technological trends, enjoy the latest video games, and socialize with their esports idols. The largest and certainly the most visited gaming event is Reboot InfoGamer powered by A1, a regional synonym for a festival that brings the best of gaming. In the program of the last edition, 50,000 visitors witnessed the exciting finals of the A1 Adria League and A1 Student eChallenge. They also had the opportunity to enjoy gaming content from as many as 90 exhibitors from around the world and educate themselves about potential risks on the internet in the interactive #BoljiOnline zone. Concurrently, an online gaming event Reboot Online Games Weekend powered by A1 was launched, as well as the Game On podcast, which touches on current gaming topics from the region. —
