The Croatian video game production scene is very vibrant and successful. Nanobit, Croteam, Gamepires, Ironward, Lion Game Lion, and Pine Studio are prominent names leading the domestic gaming industry and have achieved global success with their video games.
According to data from the Croatian Game Development Alliance (CGDA), the year 2024 has brought the highest revenues since systematic tracking of industry movements began, with total revenues of 72.4 million euros surpassing the record year of 2020. The surge is significant and promising; however, it is accompanied by changes in business structure, technology, and studio organization.
Namely, although the number of legal entities engaged in video game development has decreased over the past three years, the number of small and adaptable structures, such as crafts, has more than doubled. Additionally, since data tracking began, 2024 is the first year with a decline in the number of employees of approximately two percent compared to the previous year.
– Although there are no official financial data for 2025 yet, the first results of survey research indicate that the decline in employment could continue. The use of generative artificial intelligence in video game development has increased by about 30 percent compared to 2023. At the same time, publishers are no longer the main source of funding for domestic studios. In 2024, as much as 50 percent fewer studios used publisher funds, seeking alternative funding models or developing their own projects – states Aleksandar Gavrilović, a member of the CGDA Board.
Gaming available to everyone
Although changes are occurring, further expansion and strengthening of the digital entertainment market and the accompanying culture, which strongly attracts an ever-wider circle of people, is certainly expected. Gaming is now part of everyday life not only for younger generations but also for older users, from those who follow e-sports competitions to those who occasionally play mobile games or casual titles. A1 Croatia is also involved in its development through various initiatives.
– This year, A1 refreshed and rebranded its gaming activities to bring them even closer to the general public. The idea of the new approach is to show that gaming is not reserved only for professional e-sports players, but is a form of entertainment and digital culture available to everyone. In public, gaming is often equated with e-sports, but the gaming scene today is much broader. That is why the new identity of A1’s gaming activities emphasizes accessibility and openness to all, regardless of age, gender, or profession – emphasizes Valentina Leventić, senior specialist for marketing communications at A1 Croatia, who is also responsible for the development of gaming activities at A1.
