GameDev Estonia growth strategy 2024-2026

1. Boost Industry Awareness and Global Presence

We aim to showcase Estonian talent and attract international interest.

  • Global Events & Partnerships
    Represent Estonia at top industry events like GDC and Gamescom, with a dedicated delegation and game showcases. With representatives at other major events – DevGAMM, Pocket Gamer, Nordic Games.

  • Targeted Marketing Campaigns
    Spread the word about Estonian successes (like Buckshot Roulette, Death and Taxes, Rustys Retirement) through social media and industry press to put our country on the global gamedev map.

  • Annual Estonian GameDev Showcase
    Host yearly showcases in Estonia, inviting global media and industry leaders to experience our games firsthand. The main showcase – Estonian Games Expo at MängudeÖÖ, with additional showcases at J-Zone and PIXO fest.

Partners: Enterprise Estonia, Ministry of Culture, Baltic game associations, Level1, European GameDev Federation, IGDA Finland.


2. Grow Our Talent Pool and Educational Pathways

Building a skilled workforce is essential to fuel our growth.

  • Expand GameDev Programs
    Develop and expand game development courses in universities across Estonia, focusing on VR, AI, and game design.

  • Youth Gamedev Clubs
    Introduce gamedev community and GameJams for young people, giving constant exposure to game creation and coding. The main aim – support of Global GameJam, University of Tartu GameJam and TalTech GameCamp. Study groups to GameDev HUB.

  • Internships & Apprenticeships
    Create structured internship programs with local studios to give emerging talent hands-on experience.

Partners: Tallinn University, University of Tartu, Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences, TalTech.


3. Create Funding Opportunities for Studios

With more funding, our studios can focus on growth and innovation.

  • Tailored Grants and Funding
    Work with Enterprise Estonia and cultural bodies to offer grants that support game development, especially for startups and indie projects.

  • Investor Events & Pitch Days
    Host “Pitch Days” to connect local studios with investors and create an “Estonian Game Fund” to match private investments with grants.

  • Crowdfunding Support
    Train studios in crowdfunding strategies to boost success on platforms like Kickstarter.

Partners: Enterprise Estonia, Creative Europe, regional investors


4. Strengthen Community and Collaboration

We’re building a connected, innovative gamedev community.

  • Monthly Meetups & Seminars
    Continue monthly meetups, adding seminars with international speakers to discuss trends and tech in game development.

  • Cross-industry Collaboration
    Promote partnerships between game studios and other sectors like EdTech, Music Estonia, and Film, to explore gamification and tech innovation.

  • Reliable Flow of Information
    Improve access to resources, news, and opportunities through a regularly updated through Discord Server and Social Media Channels, featuring job openings, funding options, event calendars, and mentorship opportunities.

Partners: EdTech Estonia, Estonian Film Institute, Startup Estonia, Music Estonia


5. Enhance GameDev HUB Facilities and Resources

Our HUB is the backbone of the Estonian gamedev community.

  • Equipment Expansion
    Add equipment like VR goggles, sound recording equipment, and better shared computers to support new and growing studios.

  • Affordable Workspace for Startups
    Offer subsidized workspaces for indie developers, with access to high-speed internet, development kits, and support.

  • HUB Benefits Program
    Provide HUB members with access to industry workshops, discounted software, and a talent database for easy project collaboration.

Partners: Tallinn City Government, local tech firms, educational institutions


6. Support Original IPs and Content Creation

Encouraging unique Estonian games will help us gain visibility and grow revenue.

  • International Showcases for Estonian Games
    Organize game showcases at events like Gamescom, Poznan Game Arena and connect with international publishers to bring Estonian games to a wider audience.

  • User-Generated Content (UGC) Support
    Provide resources for studios creating UGC content for platforms like Roblox, helping them access global players.

Partners: Ministry of Culture, Enterprise Estonia, publishers


Timeline:

  • Step 1 (2024-2026)

    • Focus on talent initiatives, funding options, and expanding HUB facilities.
    • Launch local events and strengthen industry awareness.
  • Step 2 (2026-2028)

    • Build global presence, expand HUB resources, unified private fund.
    • Increase international collaborations and promote original IPs.

Together, we’re shaping Estonia’s future as a leader in game development. Join us on this journey!