Serbian Game Association

Serbian Gaming Industry Report 2023

The Serbian gaming sector has experienced a pronounced expansion in 2023, with employment rising to 4,300 and revenue reaching €175 million—an 18 % increase in average earnings per employee. The ecosystem now hosts roughly 150 studios, 81 titles in development, and a growing share of original intellectual property. Workforce diversity has broadened through the influx of talent from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, yet respondents flag tax policy, limited console support and regulatory obstacles as critical impediments to sustained growth. Key industry players illustrate the sector’s maturation. Epic‑backed 3Lateral, now over 110 staff, supplies MetaHuman tools to AAA franchises such as *Death Stranding 2* and *Spider‑Man 2*. Nordeus, with 220 employees, reports 300 million registered users and a new 3D engine launch for 2024, while Playrix’s Serbian arm remains the leading EMEA casual free‑to‑play developer. Smaller studios—Foxy Voxel, Mad Head Games and others—demonstrate commercial viability through strong Early Access sales and successful launch metrics, underscoring a vibrant indie scene. Serbia’s role as a regional hub is reinforced by strategic partnerships with global tech giants, AI‑driven content creation initiatives, and a robust talent pipeline. Universities, art schools and informal training hubs now offer comprehensive programs that have attracted over 1,000 participants and secured industry placements. The country’s participation in international events such as Gamescom and the Creative Tech Serbia supercluster has amplified visibility, positioning Serbia as a credible destination for original game development and high‑quality service provision across Europe. Overall, the 2023 data portray a rapidly diversifying and increasingly professionalized industry, poised for further expansion provided that regulatory and tax challenges are addressed.