Last Thursday, June 5, 2025, the long-awaited CBC GAIN Meetup: GameDev in Montenegro took place within the walls of Montenegro’s Science and Technology Park. Organized by the ICT Cortex team as part of the CBC GAIN project co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 2021–2027 programme, the event brought together leading figures from Montenegro’s computer-game industry, relevant government bodies, and independent studios to discuss the current state and future prospects of game development in the region, share experiences, and identify opportunities for further collaboration.
Event Proceedings and Key Presentations
19:00–19:15 — Welcome & Registration
Guests gradually arrived in the spacious lobby of the Science and Technology Park, where ICT Cortex representatives greeted them.
19:15–19:30 — Opening Remarks
Maja Laušević Odalović, Executive Director of the ICT Cortex Cluster, delivered a warm welcome. She underscored the importance of the cross-border CBC GAIN project for strengthening ties between the game-dev communities of the three participating countries, outlined the programme’s main objectives, and wished attendees productive discussions and new partnerships.
Panel Discussion: “Game Development in Montenegro” (19:30–20:30)
The discussion was moderated by Miloš Šćepanović of Yodo1 Games—an international company specializing in mobile games and helping local studios enter the global market. Over the course of an hour, he posed questions about the challenges faced, funding opportunities, regional specificities, and the future of game development in Montenegro.
Panelists
- Aleksandar Dlabač (Codelab)
Founder and CTO of Codelab, one of Montenegro’s most experienced IT companies. Under his leadership, Codelab has released several successful mobile and VR titles in partnership with international publishers. Aleksandar spoke about the local development ecosystem, talent acquisition, and the exchange of best practices with European colleagues. - Bojana Femić Radosavović (Innovation Fund of Montenegro)
A representative of the state innovation fund, which finances start-ups and tech initiatives. Bojana provided detailed information on available grants and support programmes for game studios, application requirements, and examples of funded projects. - Jelena Janković (3 Hills Games)
Co-founder and producer at 3 Hills Games, an indie studio from Podgorica known for its action-adventure title. Jelena shared her journey from a small office to showcasing at major international expos, as well as her methods for managing small teams and finding a niche audience.
- Mišo Vukčević (Archangel Studios)
Creative Director of Archangel Studios, which has crafted several immersive, story-driven projects. Mišo talked about collaborating with external artists and writers, and strategies for monetizing casual and mid-core games on mobile and PC platforms.
Main Discussion Topics:
- Access to Financing and Grants – opportunities and procedural challenges
- Skills Development and Talent Retention – how to train and keep specialists
- Regional Cooperation – technology exchange and joint projects among Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Entering International Markets – localization, marketing, and participation in festivals
Networking & Indie Zone (20:30–22:00)
After the panel, attendees moved to a more informal area, where over drinks and light refreshments they continued discussions and exchanged contacts. The Indie Zone showcased four indie projects by local developers, offering playable demos, direct Q&A with creators, and feedback opportunities. This segment enabled emerging studios to present themselves to potential investors and mentors.
Outcomes and Future Prospects
The CBC GAIN Meetup: GameDev in Montenegro confirmed the high potential of Montenegro’s computer-game industry and the importance of cross-border collaboration. Participants noted growing investor interest, an increase in specialized educational programmes, and an active local community.
ICT Cortex and the CBC GAIN partners pledged to continue this series of meetups, masterclasses, and workshops to jointly build a competitive game-dev market across the Balkans.
