As reported by Deconstructor of Fun, Cyprus is quietly becoming a notable destination for game developers across Europe. The island’s combination of business-friendly policies, a collaborative creative environment, and an influx of international talent is helping it gain attention as a growing hub for both startups and established studios.
The annual GDCy conference has played a key role in connecting developers and highlighting the local ecosystem. Founded by Tim Fadeev and Andrey Ivashentsev, the event has grown from an informal pub meetup into one of the region’s most recognized developer gatherings. The founders credit the island’s sunny climate, low taxes, and openness to business for attracting a diverse mix of creators.
International Studios and Local Opportunities
Several major studios have established a presence in Cyprus. Wargaming operates its flagship headquarters in Nicosia, while Nasdaq-listed Owlcat Games employs over 400 people on the island. This concentration of talent is creating spillover effects for smaller studios and startups, fostering a growing ecosystem of game development in the region.
Industry leaders note that the culture in Cyprus encourages collaboration in ways that some other markets do not. Leonid Zhuravskyi, CEO of MysteryTag, observed that developers are willing to share knowledge and ideas with competitors, creating a rare sense of openness. Aleksandr Bogdanov, CEO of Studio 42, described Cyprus as a “mixing pot” for talent from Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia, suggesting the island could become a regional tech and creative hub.
Tax Incentives and Business Advantages
Tax policies are a significant factor in the island’s appeal. Cyprus offers zero percent tax on dividends with no upper cap and an IP Box regime that can lower the effective tax rate on intellectual property to as little as 2.5 percent. These incentives, combined with relatively low operating costs, provide strong financial advantages for both startups and established companies looking to relocate.
Investment advisors also note that Cyprus provides stability for founders in a global market that can often feel unpredictable. Andrey Feinberg, an independent advisor, highlighted that many entrepreneurs are rebuilding or expanding their operations on the island, taking advantage of the stability and business-friendly environment.
Creative Projects and Local Talent
Cyprus is also developing a diverse creative scene. Alexey Morozov of Horns Up Games is working on Lord of Metal, a festival-management simulation built with the Swedish band Sabaton, blending live-event logistics with heavy music culture. Julia Lebedeva of WN Media Group launched the first Women in Games Cyprus event, promoting inclusivity and community engagement. Meanwhile, Alex Siamantas of Holyday Studios reflected on more than a decade of running a profitable idle-RPG studio, highlighting the opportunities for Greek founders on the island.
Challenges and Infrastructure
Despite its growth, Cyprus faces several challenges. Infrastructure remains limited, with few public transit options and poorly maintained roads. Ensuring local education and workforce development will be essential for making sure Cypriots can directly benefit from the island’s growing gaming sector.
If the government maintains supportive policies and political stability, Cyprus could continue to grow as one of Europe’s unexpected gaming success stories. The island’s combination of international talent, creative collaboration, and favorable tax conditions positions it as a region to watch for developers and investors alike.
Source: Deconstructor of Fun
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is Cyprus attracting game developers?
A: Cyprus offers a mix of low taxes, a sunny climate, and a collaborative business environment that appeals to both startups and established studios.
Q: What major game studios are in Cyprus?
A: Wargaming has its flagship headquarters in Nicosia, and Owlcat Games employs over 400 people on the island.
Q: What tax benefits does Cyprus offer for game companies?
A: Cyprus has zero percent tax on dividends with no cap and an IP Box regime that can reduce the effective tax rate on intellectual property to 2.5 percent.
Q: How is the gaming community in Cyprus organized?
A: The GDCy conference serves as a central hub for developers, fostering networking and collaboration among local and international talent.
Q: Are there challenges for developers moving to Cyprus?
A: Infrastructure is limited, with few public transit options and poorly maintained roads. Education and local workforce development will need improvement to fully support the growing industry.
