Podgorica Hosts Regional Video Game Development Hackathon

Within the CBC GAIN project, co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027, and co-financed by the Ministry of Regional Investment Development and Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations, the NGO ICT Cortex organized the Regional GameDev Hackathon 2025 at the Montenegro Science and Technology Park from October 10 to 12. The event brought together 16 teams from the region, who spent 48 hours developing their video games, showcasing the strength and creativity of the game development community in this part of Europe. The hackathon provided participants with the opportunity to present innovative ideas, test their skills, and build professional networks. Winners of this year’s hackathon: 1st place: Intera TP (team from Bosnia and Herzegovina) 2nd place: Simora (team from Croatia) 3rd place: Gamebreakeri (team from Montenegro) “The Regional GameDev Hackathon confirms that Montenegro and the region have enormous potential in the field of video game development. Such intensive events bring together knowledge, technology, and creativity, providing young developers with the opportunity to test their ideas and build professional networks,” emphasized the NGO ICT Cortex. All teams received special recognition for their creativity and dedication, while mentors and experts contributed to the quality of the competition with their experience. The hackathon concluded with positive energy and an agreement to continue developing and connecting the community through future initiatives. The first game development center, GameDevHub, will soon open in Podgorica, providing the community with a space to continue working on ideas developed during the hackathon as well as new projects in a professional environment with proper equipment. The center will also host future meet-ups, trainings, and lectures on relevant topics.

Applications Open for the Regional GameDev Hackathon – ICT Cortex Hosts the Regional Video Game Development Challenge

Podgorica will be the regional hub of creativity and innovation in the gaming industry from October 10 to 12, 2025, as the Regional GameDev Hackathon takes place at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro. Applications are officially open for all interested participants from Montenegro and the region. The hackathon is designed as a two-day video game development challenge, open to solo developers and teams of 1 to 5 members, aged 15 and older. During the hackathon, all teams will compete in a single category, and the theme will be revealed at the official opening on October 10 at 5 PM. Programmers, artists, designers, composers, and all other creatives interested in trying their hand at game creation are welcome to apply. Applications can be submitted through the form form available on the official ICT Cortex channels. The Regional GameDev Hackathon 2025 is organized within the CBC GAIN project (Investing in the Future: Gaming for New Generations), implemented in Montenegro by ICT Cortex, with co-financing from the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027. Activities in Montenegro are carried out with the support of the Ministry of Regional and Investment Development and in cooperation with non-governmental organizations.

From Idea to Funding: How 3Hills Captured Microsoft’s Attention

Montenegrin gaming studio 3Hills is now capturing the attention of both the regional and global scenes, and their latest achievement — being accepted into Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program — is a clear confirmation of the direction the studio is heading. However, behind this success lie years of hard work, learning, collaboration, and a clear vision: to build a sustainable gaming studio in a country that is only beginning to discover its potential in the gaming industry. Love for game development as a starting point 3Hills was born from a genuine desire to be part of a creative and innovative industry that not only entertains but also connects people, ideas, and communities. The founding team brought together experts from various fields—software development, design, and business—with the goal of creating games with a strong identity, while also contributing to building the local gaming scene in Montenegro. Their goal was never just to develop one game, but to lay the groundwork for a long-term, sustainable venture that would open doors for others as well. Early-stage Support: Amplitudo as a Springboard It’s rare in the region for a technology company to recognize the potential in the creative industry and invest resources into its development. 3Hills had this privilege – for over a year, they developed ideas, learned, and tested without direct market pressure, thanks to the financial and mentorship support from Amplitudo. This collaboration enabled a smooth transition to independent operations, where they took full responsibility for creative and strategic decisions. Even today, Amplitudo remains their strategic partner. Cheesy Burgers and the First Confirmations of Quality Their first major success came with the game Cheesy Burgers, a title that stood out for its simple yet exceptionally well-executed mechanics. Its performance and metrics captured Google’s attention, leading to 3Hills’ inclusion in the prestigious Google Indie Games Accelerator program. This milestone opened new doors: collaborations, mentorship, and international recognition, while also boosting their confidence for further growth. Team5: A Step Towards Serious PC Production Another significant project for the studio’s growth was Team5, a game developed for a foreign client. This marked their first foray into PC game development—one of 3Hills’ strategic goals. Over a year of work on this title resulted not only in stability for the studio but also in valuable experience working with complex systems and multi-layered games. Right after Team5, the studio decided to take a new, more ambitious step: to develop its own PC title. Echo: Defy Death – The First Original PC Title Echo: Defy Death is an action roguelike set in a black-and-white world where orientation is based on sound. The player “sees” through echo—every step, hit, or sound in the environment reveals the world in fragments. This unique mechanic offers a different approach to combat, navigation, and movement through levels. In addition, a moral choice system—between good and corruption—directly impacts the game’s progression and the appearance of its world. Echo is also 3Hills’ most ambitious project to date: creatively authentic, technically demanding, and entirely driven by the team’s vision. The Road to Microsoft: ID@Xbox as Recognition and Opportunity The application process for Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program was entirely online. Competing against global indie studios, 3Hills had to convince evaluators solely through written and visual materials. Their concrete results helped them achieve this—over 25,000 wishlists on Steam and viral TikTok content that reached millions of views. It was precisely this evidence of market potential, combined with Echo’s authenticity, that opened the doors to this prestigious program. ID@Xbox provides visibility in the console market, better distribution, access to tools and networks, and a strong confirmation that the team is heading in the right direction. A Developing Industry – But with Potential Even though the gaming industry in Montenegro is still in its early stages, its potential is evident. 3Hills points out that the biggest challenges are the lack of experienced personnel, funding uncertainty, and limited understanding of the industry by institutions. Their approach—participating in international programs, taking initiative, and building a community—shows that these challenges can be overcome. Community as Key: Montegames and Collaboration Beyond developing their own games, 3Hills actively contributes to the community. They are one of the founders of the Montegames initiative and regularly collaborate with local and international teams. Through Google, Xsolla, Portugal Startup Retreat, and other programs, they exchange knowledge, contacts, and best practices—with significant support from the regional indie game development community, especially from Serbia. GameDevHub – The Missing Infrastructural Support The opening of GameDevHub marks an important milestone for the domestic industry. As the first dedicated space for game development, the hub will offer equipment, workshops, training, events, and mentorship for new teams and individuals. For 3Hills, it signals that the gaming industry in Montenegro is beginning to be taken seriously—as a vital part of the digital economy. If managed strategically, GameDevHub can become a crucial hub for new generations of developers who won’t have to leave the country to pursue this profession. A Message to Future Developers For those looking to enter the world of game development, 3Hills has a simple message: don’t wait for ideal conditions. Start with small projects, participate in game jams, learn online, and collaborate with others. The gaming industry values and rewards persistence, creativity, and teamwork. The story of 3Hills Studio is a prime example of how passion can build a studio that breaks into the global mainstream. Through a combination of expertise, support, persistence, and a clear vision, 3Hills has shown that Montenegro has a lot to offer the gaming world – and the best is yet to come. The CBC GAIN project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021 – 2027.

Montenegro Is Getting Its Own #GameDevHub

Montenegro is finally getting its first Game Development Center dedicated to video game creation! ICT Cortex, as a partner in the project “Investing in the Future: Video Game Development for New Generations (CBC GAIN)”, in collaboration with the SI-MO-RA Development Agency from Croatia and the INTERA Technology Park from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is bringing a completely new dimension to the technological scene of our country. As part of the CBC GAIN project implementation, we conducted a visit to Mostar (November 2024), where we held a meeting with project partners SI-MO-RA and INTERA. During the meeting, we discussed the activities carried out so far and planned the next steps. The visit also included a conference at Code Hub Mostar, where our Executive Director, Tarik Zaimović, participated in the panel “The Gaming Industry as a Driver of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” The GameDev Center in Podgorica will be the first space in Montenegro dedicated to video game development, where young developers, designers, programmers, and all gaming enthusiasts will have the opportunity to learn, work, and create their own projects. This center will become a meeting point for talents and creatives, with the aim of supporting the video game development industry and opening new opportunities for professional growth. With the opening of the Game Development Center, Montenegro will gain numerous benefits – from supporting young people and startups through education and mentorship to creating new jobs in IT, design, animation, and digital marketing. Thanks to this project, our teams and talents will also have the opportunity to collaborate with international experts and integrate into the global gaming scene. The CBC GAIN project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA CBC cross-border cooperation program between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. By strengthening the creative industry and building an innovative technological ecosystem, this Gaming Center represents a major step towards Montenegro’s digital future. The official opening of the center in Podgorica is coming soon, and this is just the beginning of a great story that will transform the local gaming scene.

What does the game development industry look like in Europe? Our study visit to France reveals the future of video game development

The European video game industry is booming — innovation, education, and community go hand in hand in shaping one of the fastest-growing sectors of the creative industries. During a recent study visit to France, our delegation from Montenegro — representatives of Alicorn, CodeLab, and the ICT Cortex cluster — had the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at the European GameDev scene and learn about the best practices shaping this exciting sector. Paris: The Heart of Esports and VR Innovation Our first stop was Espot Paris, one of the leading gaming and esports centers in Europe. It is a multifunctional space that combines gaming arenas, streaming studios, and venues for professional competitions, as well as educational workshops and promotion of esports careers. Espot is not just a place for entertainment but also an epicenter for gathering professionals, enthusiasts, and talents in the gaming world. We also visited VirtualTime, a center that has been offering unique VR experiences, escape room challenges, and diverse interactive content since 2017. This center is a great example of how VR technology can be used for commercial entertainment, as well as a tool for education and the development of creative skills. Angoulême: The City of Creativity and Knowledge On the second day of our journey, we arrived in Angoulême, a French city known for its strong animation, comics, and digital media industry. A key highlight of the visit was Eurekatech, an incubator that brings together startups from the creative industries, with a special focus on the gaming sector. We learned about the ways they support young teams – from business mentoring and technical resources to connecting them with investors and partners. One of the most inspiring stops was ENJMIN (École Nationale du Jeu et des Médias Interactifs Numériques), an international school specializing in video game development and digital interactive media. We explored their programs, multidisciplinary approach, and practices that encourage creativity and collaboration among students of various profiles – from designers and programmers to narrative designers. Montenegro Is Getting Its Own #GameDevHub Inspired by this experience, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the first Game Development Center in Montenegro. Our GameDevHub will be based on the successful models we explored in France, combining education, mentorship, and support for young teams and individuals eager to venture into the world of video game development. The goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem that will support the GameDev community in Montenegro and enable international collaboration and visibility. This project is being realized with the support of the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro Program 2021–2027.   ____________________________________________________________________________   Montenegro is finally getting its first Game Development Center dedicated to video game creation! ICT Cortex, as a partner in the project “Investing in the Future: Video Game Development for New Generations (CBC GAIN)”, in collaboration with the SI-MO-RA Development Agency from Croatia and the INTERA Technology Park from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is bringing a completely new dimension to the technological scene of our country. As part of the CBC GAIN project implementation, we conducted a visit to Mostar (November 2024), where we held a meeting with project partners SI-MO-RA and INTERA. During the meeting, we discussed the activities carried out so far and planned the next steps. The visit also included a conference at Code Hub Mostar, where our Executive Director, Tarik Zaimović, participated in the panel “The Gaming Industry as a Driver of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.”