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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
